Antonio Giovinazzi arrived as one of the shining names for Formula E Season 8. However, the Italian’s start in the category has not been satisfactory, and even the driver himself admitted that he feels like he is starting from scratch after competing in F1.
He is one of the five drivers who have yet to score points after the first races in Ad-Diriyah, Saudi Arabia and Mexico City, a list that also includes Oliver Turvey and Dan Ticktum.
“The car and the format are completely different to what I’ve done in recent years. Most of the circuits are city circuits, compared to Formula 1, where you can find classic layouts and the street circuits are much more difficult because every mistake costs you much more,” he said according to statements reviewed in the Italian media “ADN Kronos”.
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He explained that the car is completely different when braking, from the downforce, to the tires, to the sound itself. “For me it was like starting from scratch and also I find myself in a championship where most of the drivers have a lot of experience.”
For Giovinazzi, Formula E has been a really difficult championship at this early stage. “I expected it, although not that much, but I’m satisfied with the improvement I made between the first and second race, and for next weekend I hope that both the team and I can bring home good results.”
Focus on Rome
After the unfortunate start, the Italian is mentally focused to reverse the situation and is preparing for the Rome E-Prix, to be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.
He pointed out that although he has not seen the circuit of the Italian capital, he has already done some work in the simulator. “It is one of the most spectacular, beautiful and difficult circuits, with many ups and downs, many slopes, tight and fast turns, it is quite complete.”
Despite the preparations executed together with his team, Dragon Penske, Giovinazzi considers it complicated to compete to the maximum with such a short time to arrive in Formula E.
“My goal was not so much to arrive right away and get on the podium, but to keep improving race after race and I can still do that, but to say when I will be able to win I don’t know yet. I don’t feel comfortable with everything,” he said.
At this early stage, Giovinazzi has realized that all drivers have a chance to win in the electric single-seater series and assured that as the only Italian in the category he will give “200%” to shine on home soil.
“It’s nice to meet the fans in the stands. With COVID-19, we sportsmen didn’t have the support and affection of the fans and to compete in Rome close to where I grew up is nice. I will have my family and friends close to me. It will be a nice weekend because it is one of the most beautiful places in the world”, he concluded.
Written by I Jhonattan González
