The swiss young talent Giorgio Maggi starts in the ADAC Formula 4 with SMG Swiss Motorsport Group.
Giorgio, what expectations do you have of your first season in ADAC Formula 4?
New team, new car – it’s certainly going to be an exciting challenge for all of us. I’m really looking forward to the races in the ADAC Formula 4 and am raring to go. I used the winter to the full so as to be in the best possible shape for the start of the season. Apart from fitness training, we even drove up into the mountains near my home to practise drifting in the snow with racing cars. It was great fun and I was even able to improve my style. So now, I can’t wait to get cracking!
You will be lining up this year with SMG Swiss Motorsport Group. A Swiss trainee racing driver and a Swiss outfit – that’s a good combination, isn’t it?
Well, it has to be a great combination and is something special as far as I’m concerned. I already know some of the team members from previous years, which is helpful. It means I can get used to the routines more quickly. We got on really well together in the testing we’ve done so far. That’s very important, especially for us young drivers. Also, I’m pleased that my driver coach, Yannick Mettler, will be helping me again this year with advice and assistance. All in all, we’re a cool outfit, and the atmosphere could hardly be better.
You already have some experience of open-wheel racing. How will that help you this year?
Naturally, it gives you some self-confidence. The Formula 4 racing car is new to me, but I already know the race tracks from previous years. Whether you’re talking Spa-Francorchamps, the Red Bull Ring or Hockenheim – I’ve raced at these circuits and can therefore build on previous experience.
You took your first steps in formula racing in the predecessor series to the ADAC Formula 4. Was switching from Formel ADAC to the Formula 4 racing car difficult?
The new tyres are the biggest difference. This is the first time that I’ve driven on Pirellis, and I had to get used to how they handle to begin with. It just took a few laps of testing to get accustomed to the tyres. The Formula 4 car is more stable out on track than the old car, particularly through fast turns and is easier to steer. And what’s more, the Formula 4 racing car looks really great!
You are not the only driver in the field of 42 with single-seater racing experience…
That’s right. This year, there are some guys who have already contested lots of races in single-seater cars. At any rate, the mix of experienced drivers and rookies will certainly be interesting. Qualifying will play an even more important role. If you don’t end up as far forward as possible, then you will need a fair bit of luck to survive the first corner of the race unscathed in this huge starting field…
What goals have you set yourself this season?
Of course, I would like to be a championship contender. Lap times during test runs showed that we can compete with the front-runners. A place in the top five at the end of the year would be a good result. But let’s have a few races and see how it goes. Competition in the ADAC Formula 4 is very high – but I’m ready for the challenge.
