Q&A with Philipp Eng
F2 race winner targets the ultimate prize in 2010
Austrian pilot Philipp Eng has signalled his intention
to claim the 2010 Formula Two title - the official F2 website spoke
with the 19-year-old to get his views on the 2009 campaign and
the year ahead...
How are your plans developing for the 2010 season?
"I think it is quite likely that I will be back in Formula
Two this year and it would be a pleasure for me. Nothing is
definite of course - I am working on things at the moment and
hopefully by mid-February everything will be sorted out."
How would you rate your 2009 campaign?
"It was actually a surprise for me to have scored podiums
in the first two events at Valencia and Brno. I expected the more
experienced drivers to be a lot quicker, but it was pleasing to
know that I could run at the front so early in the season.
"Spa was a difficult weekend and then Brands Hatch was of course
my season highlight, as it was fantastic to take my first Formula
Two pole position and victory. Unfortunately for the rest of the
season I was there or thereabouts, but I just didn't quite have the
pace to get back on the podium.
"Eighth overall was not really that great in the end considering
how the season had started. We had some real highlights and also
some bad luck, but I know if I find the pace and consistency in
qualifying then things will be a lot better this year."
It must be exciting to know that the F2 car will be
significantly improved for 2010?
"I heard that the car has already improved and that Soucek
will continue with testing also, which is great. Andy (Soucek) is
the perfect test driver for Formula Two. He obviously had his F1
test in December so he really knows what a great car feels like - I
am sure he will be able to push the development and improve the car
as much as possible.
"It is fantastic that Williams have made these improvements and
I am certain they will have done a great job - it is exciting news
for the championship."
What events are you looking forward to on the 2010 F2
calendar?
"I think that Silverstone and Monza will be great events.
I really enjoyed Silverstone when we were there for an F2 test last
season. I have not been to Monza but I know that it is another
fantastic circuit and very unique. It is nice to race on F1
circuits sometimes and maybe the Formula One teams will look at
those results more closely!"
What are your targets for the 2010 season?
"As I said before, I really have to improve during
qualifying. My race pace was always good but I sometimes had to
fight from difficult positions last season, which was not easy. In
qualifying I would often get some great sector times but I would
not get them all on the same lap - better consistency is definitely
my aim.
"My overall target is to win the championship. I am sure any of
the guys who are returning for a second season will be saying the
same but this has to be my only goal - I want the title and the
Williams F1 test, which will be great."