Indianapolis Q&A: Fisichella and Wurz.

In common with the majority of their peers, Benetton drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Alex Wurz will be racing at Indianapolis for the first time this weekend.

With the exception of Jacques Villeneuve - a former Indy 500 winner no less - the lack of experience at the Brickyard could make the USGP the most open race of the season, but neither driver is particularly concerned that they haven't been there before, and hopes to make the most of their time in America.

Q:
Indianapolis has been described as 'one of the best places to live and work' by many visitors, and is fast being seen as one of the more happening places to visit in the USA. What are you most looking forward to at the Indianapolis Grand Prix?

Alex Wurz:
I am mostly looking forward to seeing the famous Indy race track, as it has always been a dream to race at Indianapolis. I also want to see the big stadium there. I have no real idea about Indianapolis itself, but I hope to explore the city and its surroundings.

Giancarlo Fisichella:
Unfortunately, I have never been to Indianapolis before, so I am mostly looking forward to the experience of the race weekend at the 'American temple' of motor racing.

Q:
Have you ever raced in America at all before? Are you looking forward to the new challenge?

AW:
I have raced in America with GT cars at Sebring, and Laguna Seca, but never at Indianapolis. I am really looking forward to the new challenge, especially driving for the first time at an oval. Unfortunately, we take just one corner of the oval, but it will still be interesting to see what will go on there.

GF:
This will be the first time I have raced in the USA, so everything will be new for me and I am expecting it to be very exciting. It is a new circuit for drivers and teams, so this makes the new challenge much more exciting.

Q:
Do you feel that your lack of experience will set you at a disadvantage for the next race?

AW:
Lack of experience won't be a problem, as everyone starts from zero in America. I think that it is an advantage for me as I learn new circuits very fast, and it's always a good challenge to go to a new circuit. In Formula One, you don't have a lot of time, so you need to prepare well with data and simulations before you go.

GF:
Although I have not raced at the track, I think I may have a slight advantage as normally I only need a few laps to learn a new circuit.

Q:
Have you seen the circuit already? What are your first impressions? Do you think it will be challenging?

AW:
No, I haven't seen the track, I have only seen a plan and a video simulation. However, I will arrive a few days early and make sure that I do a few laps in the road car, or jog around the circuit to get used to it.

GF:
I have only seen a plan of the circuit so far. It is a brand new circuit with two different parts - one very fast and one very technical - so it will be hard work for the teams to find the right set-up. It will be hard work for everybody so, for me, this makes the challenge much more attractive.

Q:
How do you think a grand prix in America will benefit Formula One and vice versa?

AW:
America is a very important market for Formula One, especially for the sponsors and drivers. I am looking forward to going to America to show the grand prix to the American spectators, and then time will tell us if the American people like F1 as much as other continents.

GF:
Formula One is a world championship, and the more countries that are a part of it the more benefits there will be to the sport. On the other side, I think that Formula One is at the pinnacle of motor racing in terms of technology, image, organisation and professionalism, and so America will also benefit from this experience.

Q:
Are you planning to take any time off when you are in America? If so, where do you hope to visit?

AW:
After Indianapolis, I am going to Hawaii because I have a friend there who I visit each year. We are going there for kite-surfing and just to hang loose!

GF:
I went to New York after the Canadian Grand prix last year, so I would like to go back there and spend some time with my fianc?e Luna, although I haven't decided anything yet.

Q:
Formula One isn't hugely followed in America at the moment. Do you think that you will find it strange that the majority of people will only have heard of Jacques Villeneuve because of his former success in CART?

AW:
We are going to America to introduce the American people to Formula One. Hopefully, it will become as popular as CART racing.

GF:
I won't find it strange not being well known there, but I expect that, after the Indianapolis Grand Prix, Formula One will have a much bigger following in the USA.