Bertolini hungry for more success at Silverstone

Bertolini hungry for more success at Silverstone

Works Ferrari driver and all-round GT legend, Andrea Bertolini was one of the stars of the first round at Monza in April. In an unforgettable fight with Adam Carroll’s Gulf Racing McLaren, Bertolini scored a remarkable 5th overall and took the PRO-AM class win.

Now, the multiple GT/GT1 champion is out to challenge for the 2013 PRO-AM title with AF Corse, alongside reigning champions, Niek Hommerson and Louis Machiels. We caught up with the Italian as he prepared for the Silverstone weekend.

After Monza, the confidence must be very high for yourself, Niek (Hommerson) and Louis (Machiels)?

“I think Silverstone will be also a good track for us, so I hope.  The team did a really excellent job at Monza and I was very proud of Niek and also Louis because they follow everything that I tell them in the preparation for the race.

“I think we are a really strong team in Pro-Am, already in the last three years but also in Monza at the start of this season. It is important that we remain focused because the competition is really high this year and it is important we follow everything so we can have another strong weekend.

“I am really happy to be racing in the Blancpain Endurance Series. I race in other competitions but it is like being at home in the Blancpain Endurance Series. When you are on the grid and you see 60 cars like we had at Monza it is quite impressive and special. The PRO-AM class is extremely challenging with a high class of team and driver and it is nice because everyone has the same equipment but with a massive variety of cars.”

What are you memories of racing in Silverstone?

“I have always good memories with Silverstone because it is one of the nicest racetracks in the world. But I miss a little bit corners like the old Club and Bridge. I have great memories like in 2006 when I won the Tourist Trophy with Michael Bartels in the Maserati which was a great time. I think that is my best memory of Silverstone but overall it just a pleasure to be at this important and historic circuit.”

Are you thinking about the points table yet or is it a race by race strategy for you at the moment?

“For me, my target is to give as much possibility to Louis and Niek to win the championship. We do every race to win of course because it is our philosophy and in our competitive nature. So, I don’t know, at the moment, my priority is this race at Silverstone and doing the maximum. It is important Louis and Niek win the championship and we will do everything in our power to make that happen again.”

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