Q&A: Alain Menu.

In advance of the DTM heading to Donington this weekend, English residing tin-top specialist, Frenchman Alain Menu, has been speaking exclusively to Crash.net.

Q:
Are you looking forward to racing in the UK again?

Alain Menu:
Yes very much. For me it's like my home race. I've been living in the UK a long time and it will be an extremely good change not to have to get on a plane to go to a race. I'm sure I will get to see many people I haven't seen for quite a long time now, whether friends or spectators; I'm very much looking forward to it.

Q:
Do you have good memories of racing at Donington park?

AM:
Yes, very many. I've won many races there. Actually I won my first ever touring car race at Donington in 1993 in a Renault 19, so I have good memories.

Q:
How does the circuit compare to the other ones on the DTM calendar?

AM:
It will be one of the best circuits we visit because of its nature. It's nice for more than half a lap it's quick corners where you have to have to keep the car flowing and keep the momentum going and then the last bit you have the chicane and two hairpins where you have to manhandle the car and brake as late as you can. It's interesting for a driver as it's almost like you have two tracks in one.

Q:
The British weather, as you know from living here, can be very changeable this time of year. Which would you prefer: a wet or a dry race?

AM:
We had an atrocious wet race at Zolder so I would prefer it if it's dry this time.

Q:
Last year you had a bit of a difficult year in the Opel. How do you see things going this year, is there hope for progress?

AM:
This year the car is competitive, the Opel is good. I've been involved in all the development, unlike last year when I only joined in March. I feel very much part of it this year. We're still not this year up to the level of the Audis but we are competitive and so the goal is certainly to win races this year; and why not start at Donington?

Q:
So, who do you expect at the front of the field at Donington?

AM:
I think the favourite will be Aiello with the Audi as he won the first two meetings. And then, really, the good thing with the championship is there are many drivers, and many cars that could win; including us. It's too close to call really, it's such a competitive championship. But we certainly have a good chance to win.

Q:
There's quite a few different touring car championships going around at the moment. This last month in the UK we've seen the European Touring Car Championship make a visit, the DTM is here later in the month and the British Touring Car Championship of course takes place. Is there sufficient interest for these or is it a bit too much?

AM:
No, I think it's good, because in the UK touring cars has always been very strong, even back in the 1960s. I don't think there can be too much, and they are all different, especially the DTM which is rear-wheel drive, carbon brakes, more power, more grip, and I think the fact that it is coming from abroad means added interest for people over here, because they don't get to see it often, it'll be the first time for most. I don't think you can ever have too much racing.

Q:
Do you ever see yourself getting back into the BTCC?

AM:
Who knows, who knows, as we speak it's unlikely and I like it in the DTM, but you never know. But having said that the BTCC is getting stronger and stronger again and I like this country so why not?

What are your other racing plans for this year?

AM:
This year I am doing Le Mans with Prodrive and the Ferrari 550, driving with Rickard Rydell and Tomas Enge which is in the middle of June and should be interesting as I've never been there, but that's it. My main programme is the DTM.

Q:
Last thoughts about the race?

AM:
I just hope that people will know about it and come and watch us, it should be a good turnout if the weather is nice.