Palmerston North Formula One driver Brendon Hartley is keeping his powder bone-dry, ahead of next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
The 28-year-old heads to Melbourne this week to start his first full season in the sport, with Red Bull B-team Toro Rosso – and wants to retain the no-nonsense approach that earned him the seat in the first place.
“Of course, becoming an F1 driver was a dream come true but now I want to prove I belong here,” Hartley said. “That will take even more hard work and dedication and support from the ones around me.”
GETTY IMAGES
Brendon Hartley drives the Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 Honda on track during winter testing in Spain this month.
Hartley’s F1 shot came as a result of an eleventh hour call-up last year to replace Carlos Sainz for the last four races, the Spaniard’s move to Renault leaving Red Bull without a junior driver who was able to fill the gap.
“It all happened very quickly with little or no time to prepare,” Hartley said. “On the other hand I felt like I had been preparing for that all my life. I took a decision to keep it simple, not over think it and make sure I enjoy it.”
There’s no doubt it’s a fairy-tale scenario for the New Zealander after being booted from the brand’s junior team back in 2010, given his then lack of results.
But a stint in sportscars, including four seasons with Porsche in the World Endurance Championship, brought him not only two titles and a Le Mans win, but the hybrid engine systems experience important for F1.
“Representing Porsche at Le Mans came with huge pressure, and I was lucky enough to work along side some of the best drivers and engineers you can find, and in my eyes this experience has prepared me well,” he said.
In four races with Toro Rosso last year, 13th on debut in the USA was his standout result, with power unit issues forcing retirements in Mexico and Brazil.
But Hartley’s pure pace, economical use of fuel and technical feedback was said to be world class by team insiders – paving the way for a full season.
The 28-year- old finished 13 th fastest in pre-season testing, but his Toro Rosso team completed the third highest amount of laps – an incredible stat given new power unit partner Honda’s previous struggles with reliability.
Fitness-wise, Hartley is ready for next weekend in Melbourne, but his toughest test will come much later, in September – at the sport’s original night race, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
For the fans, it’s an intoxicating mix of F1 under lights, top international artists, race-themed activities, cool bars and hawker-style eateries.
For the drivers, it’s a serious test of human endurance with cockpit temperatures reaching 55 degrees Celsius at racing speeds, made only worse by three layers of fireproof clothing and a helmet. As a result the drivers will lose up to 3kg in fluid over a two-hour period.
“I’m fitter than I ever have been, but there is no hiding the fact that modern F1 cars put brutal demands on the body,” Hartley said.
“Yes, the humid streets of Singapore will possibly be the biggest test. Some heat training in the lead up to the race will be crucial.”
For now, Hartley is keeping his head down and concentrating on the task at hand. His Honda-powered Toro Rosso F1 car is capable of reaching the top-10, so that’s what he’s aiming for.
“It’s a team sport so it’s hard to put a exact number on the goal but the target is to score consistently in the points,” Hartley said.
Source :Stuff.co.nz
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