Is the team still using the same car? I heard that this is actually the Japanese spec (version)? Is there any difference?
A: Yes, this is the car that Eddy & I drove last year. Rueben is driving it for the 1st time.
R: It is a little different. I would say it is more refined and actually a little quicker. Our car is good, no complaints.
Eddy, are you satisfied with the program and test run today?
E: I am satisfied with the whole day’s program. But I think we need to do a little more research on the tires from today onwards. The only thing I am not satisfied with is the qualifying tire.
This year, we see a lot of new teams and competitors entering the A class race, where do you see the team’s overall standings?
A: I think that we will still be one of the top teams in the class based on our combined experience. Also, I think that there will be a lot of teams using Hondas so we have to be at the top of our game. But I think we will still be considered as one of the favourites for the title.
Based on last year’s results, have you invented any new strategies or methods?
R: Definitely, we’ve learned from our mistakes. We need to improve because the other teams are catching up and some already have. There’s still a bit more improvements to do but I am sure we’re looking quite good for this year’s race.
Aaron, is this going to help you prepare for the A1 GP?
A: Yes, I think it is important that we have a lot more driving time and this event is going to help me prepare a little bit more. Although it’s a different type of race but it is still laps in a car and that is very important.
In terms of the car that you’re all driving, how does it feel? Is there any performance upgrade that has increased its speed by 10 times compared to last year’s car?
R: I’ve just answered this question awhile back. Yes, there are improvements.
A: There are small improvements but we are mainly working on the tires to try to improve the performance compared to last year. In terms of lap times, it is quite hard to tell now because the track condition is not at its best. But we will know more during the race event but I think it should be better compared to last year.
What do you all think about the Honda Malaysia Racing Team? Are you confident with this year’s team? How do you feel after working with them in the 1st Shakedown & this morning?
R: The overall feeling is very positive even from the 1st team, and we feel good about the whole package, team wise and car wise. Definitely, with more improvements to the car it will make things better. In the end, we feel good and confident.
The 3 of you pretty much drive for other races as well, what are the 3 differences between these races, driving for HMRT in MME an endurance race and also other races that you’ve participated in? We will start with Aaron.
A: I think it is quite hard for me to relate because I’ve only done endurance racing with HMRT. But I did race with the Proton team in the 1000 km race here last month and it is quite hard to compare both. But I think HMRT has done a very professional job so far as a professional race outfit.
R: To carry on from Aaron, the biggest improvement would be that the whole level of professionalism is coming to a new level and it is good and hopefully it will continue to get better.
E: I agree with both Aaron and Rueben. So I have nothing much to add on.
Besides HMRT, are you all involved in any other races or racing teams?
E: I am involved with the JC Racing team. It is quite famous in Sunway. We’ve been working together for 5 – 6 years. And I also raced for the Sepang 1000 km race.
R: Pretty much over the years I’ve raced in MME. My profession is a race engineer for various types of racecars. The only races I am involved in are the MME and also Sepang 1000km Race this year. I raced for Titan Racing during the S1K.
Aaron, what is next for you before the A1 GP starts or after MME?
A: After MME, we’ll start testing in A1 so I don’t think there will be much time for me to be in other races. Testing will start soon as the season is in October. Basically, from August to September we should be quite busy testing so after MME I’ll have to get back to A1.
