Jos: "I don't want to fill the gaps for the rest of the season"

Published on 24 August 2002 by Verstappen Info Page

The holidays are over, also for Jos who spent only a little while in the South of France. Recharged your battery? Ready to join a team? Jos's answer to these questions is 'yes' but not this season. "I don't want to race the last few Grand Prix as 'filling'. Nothing to be gained from that." What about next year? "My focus is on next season."

How was your holiday?
"Fine but I am not the right person to go on holiday with. We planned to go to St. Tropez for two weeks but went home after 9 days. That was allright though, I had plenty to do at home."

Have you seen any Formula 1 World Champions lately?
"No, not this time. Michael had to drive a race during my holiday and because we went home early it was useless for him to come to St. Tropez for only a few days. Otherwise we would have spent about a week together."

What is your opinion about the situation with Arrows, will there be a solution?
"I hope so, I feel sorry for the employees. They are going through a rough patch. Mechanics who don't get paid, that's terrible. I hope they will find a solution."

Let's assume Arrows will survive, would you return to that team?
"I don't know, it is too difficult to answer that question. The only thing I can say is that I won't rule out anything, but we will have to resolve the issue between Arrows and myself."

Right after Walkinshaw sacked you, you said that you would never drive for that team. Looking in hindsight, was that a purely emotional comment?"
"I did say that, but it is unsure if Walkinshaw will still be there when Craig Pollock manages to buy the team."

So if Walkinshaw leaves the team you might return and if he stays you will not return to Arrows?
"Say never again. If Walkinshaw would stay and we manage to resolve all the issues between us I won't rule out a return to Arrows."

It looks like that Pollock has a strong position in getting the Arrows team back on track. According to us without Walkinshaw. Pollock has said that Arrows will drive in Spa. Can you fill in the blanks?
"Not me, I will not race only for the last four remaining races."

Not even if there is a good deal for all parties?
"If there are guarantees for next season, that makes the case a bit more interesting. I don't want to drive the last couple of race as 'filling'."

Wouldn't it be better to drive those last races of 2002 instead of staying anonymous?
"At the moment my cards for next season are better than ever. I have driven at the back long enough."

You did not want to join Minardi and no reutrn to Arrows. Don't you think people might think you are not grateful for the offered opportunities?
"No, not really. They all know what I am capable of and they will understand that driving at the rear of the field again is not my aim. It doesn't give me any credits. I rather start with a team with a clean slate next season."

So you are still convinced that you have a seat next year?
"Yes."

Is your feeling still the same as a couple of months ago?
"It is still the same, I am convinced that I will be part of Formula 1 next season."

So nothing definate has happened then?
"No nothing really. We have had talks with various teams. During my absence we kept contact with some teams. No contracts have been signed though. On top of that you are never sure which way Formula 1 will go. In my situation I have to trust my gut feeling and we are positive about 2003."

Are you going to visit Spa?
"Yes, but only on the Friday, it is a lot quieter then."

The best circuit on the F1 calendar?
"Absolutely, superb atmosphere especially with all those Dutch people there. Fantastic circuit to race on with a couple of fast corners. I must not forget to mention the magnificent Eau Rouge."

How do you take Eau Rouge? Not all drivers drive at top speed on this part of the track.
"Well I do, full throttle."

Michael Schumacher was mentioned to be present in the RTL 5 programme Pitpost, then he was not. Your name was mentioned also. Now it appears that it is not going to happen at all, do you know more?
"Olav Mol really wanted Michael in his programme. It was Olav's intention to do this at a kart circuit. Michael told him that he would do it but only if I was invited too. Not at a kart circuit but like all other interviews in the studio. If that was not possible, Michael would not do it. At RTL they possibly think I won't be at Spa, I will be there though next week. I will give Olav a call."

I don't think that is necessary, he will read it here.
"You're right, undoubtedly. Hahaha."