On the anniversary of his 2004 Formula Ford Festival win, British F3 driver ‘Speedy’ Dan Clarke has predicted that he will win next year’s British F3 Championship in convincing style, and prove to those at the top that he should be fast-tracked through to the pinnacle of his sport – Formula One. Even after winning a race and claiming seven podium finishes in his rookie season, including a place on the podium in his first ever round of the Championship, the young Raikkonen Robertson Racing driver had mixed feelings during a recent review of his season,
“Whenever I race I go out to win so, to be honest, I was disappointed to finish fifth in the Championship. But at the end of the day you have to be realistic. We were a brand new team with two rookie drivers, so it was a massive learning curve for all of us. “By the end of the season Bruno and I were the two best drivers in the Championship, and we’ve shown as a team that when we get it right we win races. We’ll be stronger in 2006 and my objective will be to win every race.”
The confident 21 year old is also adamant that he can carry his current form through to 2006, and prove his fans right by winning the F3 Championship, and force his way into the reckoning for an F1 drive in 2007. “I know where I want to be, and understand what needs to be done in order to get there. There are a number of external factors that can influence both races and careers, but if you win the majority of battles you’ll end up winning the war”, said Clarke. He continued, “Double R Racing have invited me back next season and Bruno will also be driving for the team in 2006. I’ve got a year’s F3 experience under my belt and I can’t wait to get back out on the track. I am going to win the Championship next season.
I’ve had huge support from everyone around me this year and I’d like to thank the Robertsons, Kimi, Johnny Herbert, James Robinson, the Coulthards, Adrian Newey and Tony Jardine who’ve all supported me with advice along the way.” Adrian Newey, Technical Director at McLaren, has met up with Dan on a number of occasions during the season,
“I’ve got to know Dan quite well over the year. He’s a really motivated guy with big, big ambition and I‘d like to see him go all the way.”
Following his rookie season in the British F3 Championship, Raikkonen Robertson Racing driver Dan Clarke looks back on an action-packed debut season.
This was your first season in the British F3 Championship. What targets did you set yourself at the start of the year?
“At the start of the year I set out to win the Championship. I think you’ve got to go out to win every race, otherwise there’s no point in racing. Back in April we were an exciting new team with two young up-and- coming drivers, so perhaps going out to win every race was unrealistic, but you have to go out with that mindset and intention.
“By the end of the season we were one of the most competitive teams in the Paddock, and that says a lot for Double R Racing. I’m always disappointed if I don’t win, but to finish fifth (in the Championship), with one win and seven podiums is pretty good in your first season as a rookie, so I’ll take that in year one.
“We’ve learnt a huge amount this season and gained considerable experience for 2006. We need to continue where we left off. Next year I’ll win the British F3 Championship and convince those at the top that I should be fast-tracked through to F1 in 2007.”
How pleased are you to have finished 5th in the Driver’s Championship?
“Whenever I race I go out to win, so I was disappointed with fifth in the Championship. But at the end of the day you have to be realistic. We were a brand new team with two rookie drivers, so it was a massive learning curve for all of us. I was pretty down after the last round at Silverstone though. After Race One I’d moved up from fifth to fourth and should have made that safe in Race Two, but I had a bad start and never recovered. I was faster than the two guys in front of me, but couldn’t get past and ended up dropping back to fifth. “This was the first time I had driven on a number of the circuits, so there was a lot to take in. The good thing is there’s still more to come from all of us – me as a driver, and the team in terms of the car. Next year will be very exciting – we’ll be even more competitive and the experience from this year will be invaluable.”
How has life been with the Raikkonen Robertson Racing team in its first season?
“Very good. Each individual brings something unique to the team and when everything comes together we’re a force to be reckoned with. We’ve come a long way in a short space of time, and as a driver it’s rewarding to play such an integral role. You just have to look at our set-up to see how professional and ambitious we are. Everything about the team spells success – from the team’s owners, the Robertsons and Kimi Raikkonen, to Bruno and myself. Boyo (team boss Anthony Hieatt) and the guys do a phenomenal job on the car, while the motorhome and hospitality facilities are as good as anywhere outside F1.”
What’s it been like having Bruno Senna as a team mate?
“At the start of the season people thought it was a bit of a risk having two rookies in a new team, but it’s been great driving with Bruno. His name and family history obviously attract attention from the media, but he’s pretty comfortable with it. Double R Racing is littered with ‘big’ names; Senna, Raikkonen, the Robertsons – they all help raise the profile of the team and that can only be good for me and my quest to get in to F1.”
What was the highlight of your season? “Getting into trouble for wearing two caps on the podium!!
No seriously, my win at Castle Combe was pretty special. I also set the fastest time and a new lap record so all in all it was a good weekend. That was my only win of the season, but the car’s now running well and we’ll be celebrating with a few more bottles of champagne next year. My podium finish at Donington was a highlight too. It was my first ever race in F3 and to finish on the podium was fantastic.
“Away from the track, I went to the surf championships in Newquay during the mid-season break. I love surfing, so to hang out and chat with some of the best surfers in the world was pretty cool. I even managed to catch a wave or two myself, although I spent more time in the water than on the board!! Mind you, the sea water tasted a whole lot better than the oil coming out of Conway’s car at Silverstone on Sunday.”
And the lowlight?
“The oil coming out of Conway’s car at Silverstone on Sunday!
To be honest, despite hating to lose, there weren’t too many lows. Sometimes things are outside your control. The three meetings after Donington were particularly frustrating. We had real problems with handling which meant we lost out on valuable points, but we sorted things out for Castle Combe and I went on to win. “I was also gutted to miss out on fourth place in the Championship after the last race at Silverstone, but we know most of the circuits now and I’m just looking forward to next year.
What was your best overtaking manoeuvre of the season?
“It wasn’t a good result for the team, but from a racing point of view I quite enjoyed Nurburgring. I got knocked off on the first lap and re-joined at the back of the pack. From there I worked my way through the field to finish ninth, overtaking fifteen people in fifteen laps. As I say, it wasn’t a good race, but from an overtaking point of view it was pretty good going.”
What was your favourite circuit, and why?
“It’s got to be Castle Combe – it’s where all the great drivers do well. No seriously, it’s a great circuit and should definitely stay on the F3 calendar.” The worst? “There aren’t any bad circuits, but I didn’t like the rounds where we supported LMES. F3 was put in the shadow of European sportscars. The only event British F3 should support is F1.”
Which British F3 driver do you most respect?
“Of all time, Ayrton Senna. From this season, Bruno. He came into F3 with little experience, but we finished the season as the two best drivers in the Championship. And least respect? “I’ve got my drivers – they know who they are, but I’m not going to mention any names. Most of us get on though.”
Which drivers do you see as being your main rivals next season?
“I don’t really think about other drivers. We just need to focus on ourselves. If we get things right as a team we’ll be quicker than anyone. If I win races the Championship will take care of itself.” What was your most controversial moment of the season? “Probably the ‘Capgate Affair’ - when I wore two caps on the podium. They threatened to deduct points if I did it again. I can’t believe that’s my most controversial moment of the season!”
What have you got planned between now and the start of next season?
“Training mostly. I’m also trying my hand at kite surfing. I’m heading down to Southport beach this afternoon to test drive my new toy. I was planning on doing the New York Marathon again, but I’ve had a few injuries this season, including a reoccurrence of an old knee injury, so the doc’s said it’s a no go. Hence the extra hours in the gym.”
What are your plans for the 2006 season?
“I’ll be back for another season of F3 with Double R Racing. We worked really well as a team this year and we’re going to fly out of the blocks in 2006.”
If you could make one change to the Championship, to make it more exciting, what would it be?
“From a personal point of view I’d like the Championship to visit more GP circuits. It would help stand us in good stead when we get an opportunity to drive or test with an F1 team. “From a Championship point of view, take the wings off the cars. You’d get closer racing and more breaking. Drivers would have to break earlier at corners giving you the opportunity to out-break and overtake more often.”
If it’s not a stupid question, what is your long-term ambition as a driver?
“That’s a stupid question!”
