Q&A: Michael Ammermuller - EXCLUSIVE.

by Russell Atkins

ART Grand Prix ace Michael Ammermuller entered the 2007 campaign as one of the favourites for the GP2 crown, but an opening round collision with Kazuki Nakajima seems to have dashed his hopes before he even had chance to get his title challenge off the starting grid.

The young German got back behind the wheel of a racing car for the first time since his accident at this weekend's inaugural GPlive nostalgic celebration at Donington Park, and is hoping to return to full-time GP2 action in Monaco next weekend. Here he talks us through his 2007 so far...

Q:
Michael, first of all how are you enjoying yourself here at GPlive?

Michael Ammermuller:
It's really nice. There are a lot of old cars here that we normally don't get the opportunity to see. We have the new Red Bull Formula 1 machine here too, but it's very interesting to see all the old drivers and hear the sound of the old cars.

Q:
You talk about the new car you have here, Red Bull Racing's RB3. You took that out on-track to do some donuts to entertain the spectators with. Drivers don't usually get to do that during a grand prix weekend, do they?

MA:
No, normally we are not allowed to do burn-outs or donuts or anything like that! That's the good thing about show events like this, because you can slide the car around and do whatever you want with it.

Q:
What has the general atmosphere been like at GPlive with all the fans?

MA:
It's been good. They waved at me when I was out on the track and I think they enjoyed themselves! They are very enthusiastic about it all.

Q:
You are Red Bull Racing's Formula 1 test-driver this year. The team seemed to make a big step forward at the Spanish Grand Prix last time out. Do you think they can maintain that form now?

MA:
I think so. They are getting better and better as the season goes on. At the moment I would say we are the fourth-best team and now I think we can fight with BMW. For sure now it will be a lot more difficult to develop that much again, but I think we will have a good chance to fight for podiums in some races.

Q:
You are racing yourself in GP2 this year with ART Grand Prix. You've not had the easiest start to the season have you..?

MA:
No. In the first race I had an accident and broke my wrist. Here at GPlive is the first time I've driven since then. I hope I will be able to drive again next weekend - I just need to see if the doctors will let me!

Q:
ART is the team that won the title last year with Lewis Hamilton. You went into the 2007 campaign as one of the championship favourites. How much has the accident damaged your chances do you think?

MA:
I think quite a lot, but in the end nothing is over yet. We have to see if I can drive in the next race or not. If I can compete and get a good result there then anything is possible, but for sure it will now be more difficult than it would or should have been.

Q:
You've settled in well at the team though?

MA:
Yeah, very well. I tested for two days in Valencia with them at the end of last year. They are really strong and have a very good system. It's almost like a Formula 1 team.

Q:
You say you are hoping to be able to compete at Monaco next weekend. That's one of the toughest tracks on the calendar. What will your objectives be if you do get to race?

MA:
The most important thing is for my wrist to be ok. If I am in too much pain I won't drive, but if everything goes right I hope we can get some points and maybe even a podium.

Q:
And then over the rest of the season, what do you think you can achieve?

MA:
I don't know. The championship now will be difficult, but I hope I can still fight for podiums and points.