Q: Which are your favorite memories from your time in Mexico, as a FORMULA 1® driver?
A: I had a great time! What I remember the most is when I passed Gerhard Berger on the Peraltada and how much it disturbed me! Winning in Mexico one year after, during the last Grand Prix was sensational. I love the city’s vibrancy, passion and energy of the people. It is a unique place, very different from any other country in the world. I have very pleasant memories of racing there in general, the fans and the energy itself, were one of the most outstanding aspects of the FORMULA 1® calendar back then.
Q: As the winner of the last FORMULA 1® race in Mexico (1992), what do you expect to see in Mexico City during racing this year?
A: I can’t wait to see all changes that have been made. The city has evolved impressively for the last 20 years. I really want to see the Gran Premio de Mexico 2015 after racing in that circuit a long time ago.
Q: Curve 17 has been named after you in the recently renovated Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, how do you feel about that?
A: As soon as I heard about the name they gave to such significant part of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, I absolutely loved the idea. I felt proud, flattered and excited at the same time. That news brought immediately to my mind the maneuver of my unexpected passing on Gerhard Berger on the Peraltada curve that allowed me finishing second, just behind my Ferrari teammate, Alain Prost, in1990. I can’t believe it was 25 years ago and it has been 23 years since my last victory in Mexico. I have taken a closer look to what organizers are doing and I am really hoping to see it for myself.
Q: What do you think about Sahara Force India, Mexican driver, Sergio “Checo” Perez and his chances for the future?
A: I have been following him and I think he’s got a great talent and potential. With the right car and the right circumstances, he is, without a doubt, World Champion material.
Q: Which do you think that is Mexico City’s contribution to the FORMULA 1® calendar?
A: An incredible diversity and a lot of color. I think it is great that Mexico is back to the FORMULA 1® calendar, I can’t wait to witness the passion of the Mexican fans.
Photo via Sutton Images
