Interview
Gademan aiming for Race 1 victory and ‘damage control’ after P8 in Shanghai Qualifying
Nina Gademan was left with mixed emotions after Qualifying around the Shanghai International Circuit. Unable to move higher than P8, the Alpine driver did manage to secure reverse grid pole for Race 1 on Saturday.
As the team opted to only run one set of tyres, Gademan pinpointed the fact that she couldn’t make the same leap forward that her rivals did on their second runs with low fuel and fresh rubber.
“It's definitely not what we were hoping for,” admitted Gademan. “The first run was good. We were up in the mix, I think we were P4, so that shows that we have the speed. We made a setup change in between which was even better, so it could have been even better in the first run as well.
“But then everyone went on to a second new set of tyres. We didn’t and then we dropped down unfortunately, so that’s a big shame. It’s something we have to learn from for next time. The only advantage we have is that we have an extra set of new tyres for the race, which others don’t.
“Starting on pole for tomorrow, definitely my goal is to win. Race 2 will just be damage control, try to get as many places and points (as possible).”
Crucially, Gademan will have an advantage over the cars around her, with one set of Pirelli tyres to play with. Lining up alongside fellow rookie Emma Felbermayr on the front row for Race 1, she’s hopeful it will allow her to get the jump on the chasing pack behind.
Asked how much advantage the fresh rubber will have, Gademan replied: “Yeah, especially for the left fronts. My tyres will be around four to five laps newer and also, I should be getting the peak of the tyre, which should be quicker.
“We’ll probably use it for Race 1, but I still need to talk with Eimear my engineer about it to see what strategy we’re going to do. A bit disappointed with the outcome, not the performance because I think we showed that we were up in the first run. So, we’ll just get our head down and get that win!”
She added: “I’m pretty good at starts normally and the racecraft itself. It’s just about surviving the first few corners. I think from then on, I need to let all the chaotic stuff come around behind me and just focus on my own pace.”