L'Equipe, 10/01/2019 Today it was announced that Sebastien Vocquelin will compete in the 2019 Virtual World Racing Series with Lapierre Formule, alongside his duties as test and reserve driver for DS Automobiles Team Mathershaw. In an interview with L’Equipe following the launch of the DS Mathershaw RJM-007 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, the young Frenchman has spoken about his career so far, and what lies ahead. Patrick Sabatier, reporter: “Firstly, congratulations on your new role with DS Mathershaw, particularly alongside a season in the VWRS with Lapierre. What are your aims and objectives for the season ahead?”
Sebastien Vocquelin: “Merci beaucoup Patrick. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity DS Mathershaw have given me for 2019 – after what must be described as a difficult season in 2018, I am very much looking forward to proving myself to the Formula Virtual paddock. I am hoping for a successful season in VWRS, and working alongside Arthur and his team once more is an honour.” PS: “You say you want a successful season, but how would you define that?” SV: “I would like race wins, and ultimately to be in the hunt for the championship.” PS: “I think it would be remiss not to question you about your 2018 season with Meteor. Looking back, what are your thoughts?” SV: “I can’t deny, it was a very tough year for me. At 21, being given the chance to race in Formula Virtual was a dream come true, but I have to be honest – I was naïve. I’d come from a successful season with Lapierre in the VERS, and the offer was something I couldn’t refuse. Looking back, I think I needed to take a different approach.” PS: “From the 16 races you drove in, you retired from more than half of them, and unfortunately gained a reputation for some poor driving standards as a backmarker – what’s your take on that?” SV: “The car was very difficult to drive. I believe I have been unfairly called out on my driving at times, but at the end of the day I have been involved in those incidents, and it’s something I want to improve in the future. However, I think the fact a lot of the backmarkers suffered similar incidents shows that I wasn’t the only problem there. It was just a symptom of it being a very difficult year.” PS: “So would you say you regret the 2018 season?” SV: “With hindsight it is easy to say it was the wrong move, but I do not regret it at all. I learned an awful lot, and once I have progressed back into FV, I think it will stand me very well to have experience in the championship.” PS: “Did you discuss the move with Adrien [Simon, Vocquelin’s cousin and 2016 FV champion]?” SV: “Both myself and Jules did talk with Adrien and the rest of our family. Adrien was very honest that he thought it was too soon, but when the two of us made the move, he was very supportive. In fact, since the end of the season, Adrien has moved into a role as my manager for my future career which is something very exciting.” PS: “Ok, that’s an interesting move – how involved was he in your move to DS Mathershaw?” SV: “It was Arthur who contacted me initially – when I raced for him in VERS we had a good relationship, and I like to think both him and the team see my true talent. Adrien advised me, and has been instrumental in deciding to do VWRS this year – I had no real opportunity to race in Formula Virtual, and everyone agreed that the best move is to take a year to improve.” PS: “Looking at this from a wider perspective, a rule change was required to enable you to race in the VWRS in 2019, and there are rumours some are unhappy that you’re being given the chance. What would you say in response?” SV: “I am very grateful to the VWRS for the rule change, and I think it is an exceptional set of circumstances. I think we need to safeguard young drivers more – I think we have seen from both myself and Jules [Simon, Vocquelin’s other cousin and 2018 team mate] that it is a huge risk that can jeopardise a career. To respond to the people who are unhappy – I can understand their point of view, but I think to punish a driver who has missed that step in their career is unfair. Ultimately, judge me on my future results rather than my past.” PS: “Ok, I think that’s everything for today – thank you very much and best of luck for 2019!” SV: “Thank you very much!” Comments are closed.
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