On Sunday we had the opportunity to have a chat with Brazilian driver Eduardo Barrichello, Rubens Barrichello’s son, former Ferrari driver. The boy is 19 years old and lives right here in Italy, in Novara. Eduardo races in Formula Regional by Alpine for the JD Motorsport team. This year is his first time in Europe: new circuits, different category and many other things out of his comfort zone. Let’s see what the young guy told us.
How did you approach the world of motorsport?
It was very easy actually. My father was still racing in Formula 1 and he took me on karts for the first time when I was 6 but I started seriously when I was 12. I’ve always loved this sport.
Do you feel under pressure to carry this surname?
No, I’m used to it and it’s normal for me because I’m normal.
What do you think about the FRECA championship? What are your feelings?
By far the championship is very difficult, we are still struggling to find the right set up. The whole team is working hard to find a solution. It’s very complicated also because we are two rookies in this category, so it’s much more complicated for the team. Obviously, the results are not what we expected, we haven’t got any points in the championship yet. I hope to make the most of this opportunity to race in Europe, it takes a lot of money to race here and thanks to Toyota Gazoo Racing I have found a sponsor and they are giving me a lot of financial and moral support. I’m trying to learn as much as I can because this might be my only chance here in Europe.
Talking about Formula Regional, do you like this 2 races format?
I would like to have 3, but I don’t mind this format. My car is very difficult to drive, so maybe it’s better this way.
What do you feel when you get into the car?
It’s very tense before a race, especially when you remember how much effort you’re putting in to be there, how much work you’ve done, how much the team has worked. So yes, it’s stressful because everyone is there to win, but it’s the best feeling in the world. Anyone who doesn’t like that adrenaline motor racing is not their sport.
Do you have a favourite driver or team?
My hero from the past is obviously my father and I’ve never looked around for others.
What were your feelings when you raced at Imola?
It was very nice, I saw where Ayrton Senna crashed and obviously also where my father crashed. It was very exciting and I had a lot of fun.
It’s your first time in Europe, so you don’t know any circuit, how do you feel about that?
Yes exactly, I don’t know any of them so it’s a very big challenge, especially because almost all my other contenders have experience here.
Would you like to race in other categories or are you just aiming for Formula 1?
If we have to be honest it’s almost impossible to get into Formula 1, you hardly ever see new drivers coming in, but of course, I would love to race there. I’m a realistic person and I would also like to get into Formula E or some other categories. The most important thing is to be able to keep racing.
How is your relationship with your family?
It’s very difficult to be so far, especially because I’m very close to my family. I see my father more often because of the races, I met my brother a few months ago, but I haven’t seen my mother for five months. I miss them a lot, I also miss my girlfriend who lives in Orlando, US.
It’s not easy, but you can concentrate better that way?
Even though living alone is very great , I’m still settling in. It’s difficult being in a foreign country without speaking their language so I’m trying to learn Italian.
Can you tell us anything in Italian?
Not very much, I only know how to ask for things. But I can say “Ho fame” (I’m hungry) .
What is your greatest fear?
I think my biggest fear is being away from the people I love, because they always give you the energy you need.
How is your relationship with your teammate?
We didn’t know each other before, but now we are great friends even if we only see each other on race weeks. Here I’m alone but if you want to get somewhere you need to make sacrifices. I’m not in my comfort zone and this is good for me to grow.
Talking about motorsport history, what era would you like to race in?
I’d like to race against my father, to have him as a team mate. We would have made a good team. Sometimes we race against each other in karts and we have a lot of fun.
What do you do in your spare time?
I play the guitar a little bit, not very well actually, but in general I don’t do much. Racing takes up a lot of my time and it’s my main thing.
You also like to draw, don’t you?
Yes I do. I really like to design helmets, suits and stuff, so I have my own little agency and I really enjoy it.
Do you feel ready for the race week in Monaco?
Yes I do, although it’s not easy as it’s my first race on a street circuit.
The Multiformula team wishes Eduardo the best of luck. Keep following the Formula Regional By Alpine this weekend in Monaco!
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