Wherever there is a Ferrari racing, it is safe to bet that Andrea Montermini can be found somewhere near it. But not everyone knows or remembers that before joining sports cars, he had a stint in open wheels, reaching Formula 1 and racing for Dan Gurney in Champ Car. Those are few of the topics of which he shared his thoughts and experience with Roksana Ćwik.
How does it feel to stand on a podium in Monaco?
It is a beautiful sensation. It is one of the best and most enjoyable circuit to drive in the world. You are always on the limit and cannot make any mistakes. Being on a podium there is a big satisfaction.
1994 was a tragic year for Formula 1. Just few days after Roland Ratzemberg’s death, you took his seat in Simtek. Was it strange and how went the first days with the team?
Yes, it was definitively strange. I did not imagine that my first F1 race was going to be that way. I tried to work as usual with a normal approach, but it was not possible.
Your season took an early end during the Spanish Grand Prix Practice session. Did you think at that moment, that this seat was secure?
When I had the phone call from Simtek to jump into their F1 car to debut in Barcelona I had really mixed feelings. On one hand I was happy to race in Formula 1 but on the other I was very concerned about the safety of the car. Too many things were and too many accidents happening at that time. But for sure I was too young for it to stop me.
Was it difficult to come back to the track?
No, definitively not. I did not remember anything about my accident so I was only concentrated on coming back as soon as possible.
What was Ayrton Senna like?
A Human Hero. And he became a friend even as I was nobody in front of him. But he showed respect!
Is there anything in modern Formula 1 you miss from your times?
Oh yes. Formula 1 cars now looks like much easier to drive and to take to the limit comparing to the 90’s F1 cars.
You've also raced in American Open Wheels during the infamous 'The split'. What was the atmosphere in the paddock during that era and did you ever look at IRL as a place to race?
I had the fantastic opportunities to race in the Champ Car when it was a real worldwide series. People, mechanics and the ambient there were really fantastic and real ‘human’. The fans were really enjoying attending those races and that championship was really good with me when I came back from my F1 accident.
I had also the opportunity to race in IRL but at that time the cars were not really safe to drive and too many people died because mechanical failures.
What did it mean to race for Dan Gurney and sit in the car bearing the famous ‘Eagle’ name?
It was a real honour to race for the All American Racers team of Dan Gurney. He gave me a real opportunity to show my ability as a driver. Unfortunately for all of us, the car and the tyres put his team at the end of his history.
Soon after you began a successful sportscar career. What prompted you to this switch?
Basically my passion for Ferrari and driving. I began to be considered as one of the Ferrari’s ambassadors and inside my heart that will never change.
What is more cool – battling on your own or sharing the car with other driver?
Even if you are alone drive a single seater, you are part of a team and everyone is working for the same results. So at the end of the day if you drive a car alone or share the same car with other drivers, does not change my goal and satisfaction. Plus you have much more fun, for example, reaching a podium of the Daytona 24 hours or Le Mans.
Does racing culture differ between Europe, America and Australia?
Yes. America and Australia is more ‘human’ than Europe, especially because they keep in mind the fans a lot.
This year you were a guest at the Le Mans 24h. What was the experience to be an observer?
I was a little struggling because I wanted to go there as a racing driver. But I will come back soon.
What is your help to Yan Shlom?
I am his coach in the Formula 4 championship. He already achieved 2 podiums this year. He is a very good and hard-working driver.
Having spent so many years racing, how do you find it still enjoyable?
It is my passion, my life. This is why.
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