Interview Jos Verstappen

Published on 06 July 2005 by Huub Rothengatter

Jos, we only read stories about money and sponsoring instead of racing. Is it really that difficult to convince a sponsor to invest in motorsport?

"When you are in the phase where I am at the moment you can't do anything without sponsors. This is a well known fact. We are talking to a couple parties who have shown interest, so it is not without any hope. The price which will get you a Champ Car drive is not that bad, you should be able to race a whole season. Don't forget we are half way the season though.
One other important thing is that sponsors have to be able to take business relations to the races. You have to remember that most races are in the US and that makes it very expensive. If you would invite ten people to a race in Germany that would be a lot cheaper."

Many fans are asking why you don't get in a car for one race or maybe take a test seat. What are your reasons for not doing so?

"I am a season driver, A race every now and then or testing just isn't my thing. There is no guarantee this would get you a permanent seat. It's different for a new race driver, they need to show everybody what their capabilities are. Every team knows what Jos Verstappen is capable of. I showed them again during my Champ Car test at the beginning of the season.
I want to race so badly, I would grab a good offer with both hands. It has to be a good deal in which I feel comfortable. Making a car better and racing in competition, that is what I want to do.
I have been approached to race in the 24 hours of Spa this year, but I am not able to prepare properly so unfortunately I had to decline."

Suppose, you could get a seat in Champ Cars. Do you experience it as a step backwards compared with Formula 1??

"To be honest I have adjusted my opinion on that a little lately. Last year I said that Formula One was the highest possible. It still is, if you look at the p[opularity. If you look at the driver influence between a Champ Car and an F1 car you will see that the driver in the US series has more influence. You can see this with Michael Schumacher, at the moment he is not driving the best car, which means he doesn't win. That doesn't mean he is a lesser driver, even though the fans might see that differently. In a Champ Car a good driver can win, even if there are better cars competing."



You have always said you don't like the politics within Formula One. What is your opinion on the US GP concerning the decision Michelin made?

"My personal opinion is that Michelin was all to blame. Not only by taking the wrong tyres, but also to try to ahve the rules changes. The FIA made the correct decision. There is only on set of rules and everyone has to comply with them."

How is your son Max doing in the kart?

"Soon we will put some more information concerning his race talent on this site, including race results. He is doing very well! He is on a winning streak, he has won 5 races in a row. He is a very good driver considering his age."



Do you think you will be racing this season?

"I hope so. I really hope so. I just can't predict. I haven't written myself of, not even for this year. The possibilities are endless. Champ Car is not that ideal as the season is about half way. But then again, I wouldn't refuse a good offer. When or if that comes I'll be ready! You can't imaging how badly I want to go back into competition racing. It has to be a reasonable package though, accepting a seat and driving round without a chance of winning is useless."

There is a rumour that you have said that there is not a chance in Champ Car this year; is this true?

"That is a typical press story. I have always said that if there is news, positive or negative, this site will have it first. Champ Car is not a closed book yet, if we can do it financially a seat in Champ Car is possible."

What about other race classes?

"The choice in top class racing is growing. DTM (German Touring Car) is one of my favourites. It is awesome. A1 GP could be great but we will have to wait. GP2 is the same what Formula 3000 was, but they do have a good car a a terrific competition. All good series with excellent races."

Do you think one of them could match the Formula 1 viewing statistics?

"No, I don't think so. Formula 1 is too well known. I do think that the other series can show exciting races and plenty of overtaking; this is always good to boost viewing numbers."

Do you have a message for you fans?

"Just to say that we will put more interviews from myself on the site and we will start putting info on the site about Max."

Thorsten Hendriks