Q&A: Markus Winkelhock - EXCLUSIVE.

by Russell Atkins

Following a handful of Formula 1 Friday outings last year, Markus Winkelhock has stepped up to the role of official test-driver with Spyker in 2007, and the young German is determined to grab the opportunity with both hands.

The former World Series by Renault ace says he intends to focus fully on his grand prix commitments over the forthcoming campaign, with the clear aim of securing a race seat in 2008. Here he tells us how he is looking forward to it all...

Q:
Markus, first of all how excited are you about the year ahead?

Markus Winkelhock:
I'm really excited to be part of this team again, and I'm really looking forward to it. I hope to be able to do many test kilometres this year, deliver a good job for the team and present myself well for next year. I'm quite happy at the moment.

Q:
You did some occasional testing for Spyker last year. How much of a boost is it to have secured a full-time testing role with the team in 2007?

MW:
I think at the moment it's not yet fixed about how they are going to organise the Friday tests. The main drivers are probably going to do most of the running so I don't know how many I will do, but I will be with the team at all the races.

Q:
What are you hoping to learn over the course of the year?

MW:
Being at all the races with the team, I will learn all the tracks and that's very important. At the moment I think there are about six or seven that I don't know.

Q:
On the other side what do you think you can bring to the team?

MW:
Now I have a little experience of Formula 1 cars, I think the advantage I have is that if I'm at all the races I can learn quite a lot. Ok, I won't be driving in the races but I will be in all the team meetings and briefings so I will really know what's going on. I'm in the team system, and that's very important for a driver.

Q:
What do you think Spyker can achieve on the track this season?

MW:
It's very difficult to say at the moment, but everyone is really motivated and working very hard for success. I think it's going to be a very difficult season for the team, but they are going step-by-step in the right direction. You can't expect them to win a race this year but I think they are going the right way. You just have to give them a little bit of time.

Q:
Looking at your own racing activities, how are your plans shaping up for 2007?

MW:
I don't know yet. Like I said before I will be at all the grands prix so that will take a lot of time and means there's no possibility of doing another series. Maybe I will be able to do some races but not a whole championship.

Q:
So Formula 1 is your priority?

MW:
Absolutely.