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Thoughts of a champion – Luciano Bacheta

The Briton discusses his incredible title winning F2 season

After five wins and 10 podiums, including a record-breaking four consecutive victories, 22-year-old Briton Luciano Bacheta was crowned the 2012 FIA Formula Two Champion. As his prize, he'll enjoy a test with the Williams F1 team together with FIA Super Licence eligibility, required to compete in Formula 1 Grands Prix. Here he chats to Formulatwo.com about his remarkable year in F2…

Luciano, you are the 2012 FIA Formula Two Champion - how does that sound and has it sunk in yet?
It's still sinking in! The first feeling was just relief and then happiness and then every emotion! It was overwhelming I'm still kind of dazed by it all.

The title fight went right down to the wire - how was that final race for you?
I had a good start off the line and as soon as I got past Mathéo I felt in control and realised from that point on I had the championship so I decided to go and have a good race and looked to push and attack. It felt really good as for the first time I was able to just enjoy the race rather than worry too much about the title.

At the start of the year you had that fantastic four straight wins but then you seemed to have a lull mid-season - what happened? Did you get worse or did everyone else get better?!
I think everyone got to know the cars a bit better which helped with their pace. We've always been up there and have consistently challenged for the win but I guess I stopped taking crazy risks like I did in Portimáo and started to think more and more about the championship. Of course there are a few things I would have done differently, namely Saturday's race [smiles], but overall we got the right result.

You and Mathéo have had some incredible battles this season, most notably in Portimáo. You must have a lot of respect for each other as well as rivalry?
Yes definitely. Mathéo has been more like a team-mate this year as we get on so well. We've been in the same garage all year so have become close friends, in fact it's great that we are as otherwise it would have made this year a lot harder!

Looking ahead, what will the Williams F1  test mean to you and have you made any plans for where you'll be racing in 2013?
We've got a few ideas for 2013 but I don't want to say too much just yet. As for the Williams F1 test, this is just insane! I can't believe it and probably won't until I'm actually sat in the car. It's just incredible and I have to say a big thank you to Comma and the rest of my sponsors, and everyone who has helped me this season.