13 September 2014
Roberto Merhi: “F1 is good training”
What with his appearance in the free practice sessions at the recent Italian Formula One Grand Prix with Caterham F1 Team and his performances in the World Series by Renault this summer, Roberto Merhi has been attracting quite a bit of attention of late. Following his impressive showings at the Moscow and Nürburgring meetings, the Spanish driver went into the summer break as the leading rookie in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. All in all, it has been a successful return to single-seaters for Merhi, who repaid Zeta Corse’s faith in him with a maiden win in Russia. Back in WSR after his F1 interlude, we caught up with him in the Hungaroring paddock.
When you were a boy you dreamed of driving in Formula One. How did it feel to take part in the free practice sessions at the Italian Grand Prix?
“It was a great experience. When you compete in the World Series by Renault, driving an F1 car makes life easier because it’s very tough physically. It’s good training. The sessions went very well. It was the first time for me and I absolutely loved it. It hasn’t changed my life or anything, but it has made me a little bit happier.”
What are your expectations at the Hungaroring this weekend?
“I’m hoping to have a good weekend, like the two previous ones. It would be good to be on the podiums, but let’s just wait and see how things go. Budapest is a strange track and it’s been a long time since I last drove here.”
How do you prepare for meetings?
“I train as much as possible, not just because I want to be fit when I’m in the car but also because I like it. I always walk the track on the Thursday before every World Series by Renault meeting, and here I’ve done two or three laps of it already. The rest of the time I do at least one or two hours of cardio every day, either on the bike or running. I also work out in the gym to try and stay in shape. And then I just try to eat healthy. If I didn’t, I’d end up too heavy for these cars. I’m a big guy and it’s always a danger.”
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
“In ten years I hope to still be driving in motorsport and making a bit of money.”
Name a song you’d like to listen to now?
“Hold On, We’re Going Home by Drake!”
Let’s take photo that shows how you’re feeling right now!
