Karjalainen: "Barcelona is about getting the best out of myself"
Finn looking forward to return to racing
After an extended break between rounds, Henri Karjalainen admits
he cannot wait to get back in the car and is targeting the points
when F2 arrives at Barcelona on 29 October - 1 November.
The Finn made a fantastic start to the season with top eight
finishes at Brno and Spa-Francorchamps, but has struggled since
then to add to his points haul despite several strong performances.
Karjalainen remains fully confident of a result at Barcelona,
however, and insists he has the pace to challenge for the points in
the final round of the season.
"The speed is there, it is just a case of getting the best out
of myself," he declared. "Normally my race pace is very strong -
like at Imola, where I set the fifth fastest time in race two - and
I've also been very good at avoiding trouble and making up places
on the first few laps. I know I have the pace, so I'm targeting the
points at Barcelona for sure."
Henri also admitted the official test at Barcelona - scheduled
for Monday 26 October - can only bolster his hopes of a good
weekend. "It's a really good thing that we're having the test
before the race," he said. "It evens up the field, and is a real
benefit because everyone has the same experience of the circuit.
Over the season it has been a bit of a benefit to know the track
before going to race there, so I'm really happy we have this test
to make everything equal.
"For me the season has been really good - I've had good
reliability, and I've really enjoyed the atmosphere where you can
go and talk to other drivers and mechanics, unlike when you are
racing for teams. It's also been very helpful as a driver to share
the fastest lap data and video from each session.
"I have been training a bit before Barcelona - especially
playing basketball, which is good for fitness and I also play it
for fun. I don't think the break will affect my performance,
because you get the feeling back quickly. It has made me very keen
to get back in the car, though, and I can't wait to get back to
racing!"