Downton F1 Team Principal Bradley Downton has spoken exclusively to VGPC.com about a variety of topics in a recent revealing interview. Downton - pictured left following his teams fifth place on the final day of pre-season testing - is known for his refreshingly frank and honest interviews and this is no different. Our reporter Neil Allenby - fresh out of the hospital following being punched in the face by a Downton team member after asking about THAT Ultimatum - caught up with the honest team principal and quizzed him on all things Downton. Neil Allenby: So Bradley, nice to see you. I don't believe I've had the pleasure before and it's nice to finally meet you. I'd like to er, apologise for the appearance.
Bradley Downton: Nice to meet you too Neil. Yeah, I'd like to apologise about that myself. I can assure you we have found the team member responsible and can assure you he has been dealt with. NA: Ah ok, there really was no need. Anyway, if I may, can I ask about the comment that led to that? BD: (laughs) Absolutely! I've no idea why everyone was so worried. Quite simply, we need to improve this year. Every team wants to, it's the aim for every team. I feel the best way to get my team working best when they're a bit behind is to put them under pressure. It worked didn't it? Since I said that we've been top five both days. NA: Indeed, but could this simply be down to having Nathaniel in the car? BD: No doubt, Nathaniel is a fantastic driver. Would I have signed him if he wasn't? But while saying that, Marcus is no slouch. I have every confidence he'll be at least a match for Nathaniel. They will push each other very hard and hopefully that'll move us forward. NA: It does seem from the testing times your have progressed from last year. How have things gone so far, especially with the new engine? BD: Testing was good. It wasn't brilliant but it was good. We started off poorly and I was disappointed but we pulled something back. We won't really know where we stand until Qualifying in Australia but we're confident of being considerably higher than the back two rows. As for engine, it's working a dream. Our car's topped the speed traps in Jerez so there's been no issues there. One thing I would say is we're lacking in initial get go. Off the line and out of corners the engine is slow to respond, the guys are working hard on that issue. Overall though, it's been an impressive start and very reliable, but we always expect teething problems. NA: Ah, so is that the issue with Team 23? They appear to have fallen backwards quite far this year? With Team 23 it's very awkward. They've not had the best of pre-seasons. I know they've had the same issues with us regarding the engine - but once again they were very quick in the speed traps - and we're working very closely with them to solve these issues. We are making headway already, so hopefully the issues will be fixed even in time for Melbourne. Obviously - regarding the car - we can't comment, but we have had close dealings with Team 23 and we do know the issues. Andae and his team are a smart bunch however, they'll have that car turned around pretty soon. We are helping yes, what a shocker that one is eh! (laughs) NA: Indeed it is! We also believe you have developed a close relationship with Liverpool boss Robert Mathershaw and ever since his team have been on top, care to comment? BD: Well it's clearly my awesomeness rubbing off on him! (laughs) Nah, it's no secret me and Robert have become closer lately after realising we have many of the same views. We have also developed a technical tie-in with the team - it's unusual to have two I know, but it all seems to be working for all parties so there's no issues so far - as well as the sharing of Kip Maxwell. Kipper's loving his job. Getting to sample both cars and allowing both teams to have details of the others, it's also really helping us both. We also have to thank Robert deeply for assisting with out debt and allowing us to start this season back on a relatively safe grounding. NA: Glad to hear everything's going well. In one word, who do you think will win this year? BD: Adrien Simon and Liverpool. NA: No favourites there eh? (laughs) Thanks for your time Bradley. BD: No worries, it's been a pleasure. Any time mate.
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