After debuting in a Ford, he's moving to bamboo-engineering with high ambitions. During the preperations for a new season, James Nash found time to answer few our questions.
James, 2012 season went below your expectations. You wanted to fight in the top ten but you were struggling to finish races. What did you learn during last year?
I learnt to use what we had to my advantage when I could, Slovakia is a good example of this. Have to take each race as it comes, no amount of preparation is enough for such a competitive grid.
This season you will be driving for bamboo-engineering. What are your objectives and expectations before the upcoming season?
Expectations are pretty high this year, Chevrolet is the strongest car on the grid giving me the chance to work towards clinching a title!
Your announcement with bamboo was not long before Arena announced they won't start this season. Did you know about it before?
I wasn't aware that Arena weren't returning this season. I was given such a fantastic opportunity to race in the Chevy, I couldn't afford to miss it!
Like many other drivers, you came to WTCC from BTCC. Do you think it's a natural way of progress for touring car drivers?
Every driver is different, but I would say that generally once you've achieved what you set out to do, it's time to move onwards and upwards to leave your mark elsewhere.
How would you compare BTCC and WTCC? Some people say BTCC is a lower-tier series than WTCC and other say they are direct competition to each other. Where is the truth?
WTCC is in a different league of professionalism. The rules are set by the FIA so it remains the same thought the season. Saying this though, I thoroughly enjoyed racing in the BTCC it's a great series to compete in.
Since 2010 BTCC began introducing NGTC cars. You weren't driving full-NGTC spec car but some of your competitors were. What is the difference between these cars and those from WTCC?
The NGTC cars carry more weight, however they have bigger tyres and a bigger brakes which is the more noticeable difference. I think sometimes the races speak for themselves...
What do you think about new WTCC regulations for 2014?
Erm, I don't have much of a preference. Governed by the FIA you can always trust that there will be good reason behind new regulations and make it a level playing field...
During race in Marrakech you became first Ford driver ever who was leading WTCC race. What was it feel like?
It was great to come away from Marrakech and feel happy with the overall handling of the car, let alone leading a race at all! It was a great feeling, and hopefully one I will experience more of this season...
What do you still want to achieve during your career?
WTCC champion and competing in the Le Mans prototype... Maybe return to BTCC to try and clinch the title there too!
What could you say to young people who want to start in WTCC?
Always pick the best team your budget allows. It's better to race 6 races and win them, then race in 12 races and come last. Good Luck..!!
