Indy Lights: Interview with Tristan Vautier, 2012 series' champion

Auto123.com recently talked to Frenchman Tristan Vautier, champion of the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights series.

Auto123.com: First question, how did you handle the last race of the season in Fontana?
Tristan Vautier: Since it was a crucial race, I had a lot of pressure on the shoulders. However, I tackled this race like any other one. I did not change a thing because that's the best way to make mistakes.

How did the race go?
Despite the pression, it went fine. Our speed was good but we were not fast enough to win the race. But I know I could keep Esteban Guerrieri at bay and clinch the title.

Photo: Tristan Vautier Facebook

How do you rate this first season in Indy Lights? Did you expect to be in the hunt for the title?
I think we ran a very good season despite the fact that it was my rookie season and the level of experience of my rivals. I think I made very few mistakes, and that was a big advantage. Usually, rookie drivers make several mistakes and that's one of the reasons why the IndyCar teams are not too keen on taking rookies. I knew the key for a good season was to be a quick learner. I worked hard with the team and my engineer during winter testing and I was really ready for the opening round in St. Pete.

What was the tuning point of the season?
The Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres. After a DNF in Toronto, it was crucial for me to run a perfect race in Trois-Rivieres. This victory gave me a good momentum until the end of the season.

Did the collision with Esteban Guerrieri change anything in the team?
No. This is the kind of incident that happen often at his level of competition. We talked about it afterwards and everything was fine.

Photo: Tristan Vautier Facebook

I suppose the next step for you is to race in the IZOD IndyCar series. Are you in talks with teams about 2013?
Yes, I am in discussion with several IndyCar teams. I hope to graduate to this series next year but nothing's done at the moment.

Do the prize money for winning the title will help you getting a ride?
Yes, it's good to have this prize money but it's far to be enough to contest for a full season. Ihave to find a team that already has sponsors, or to find additional partners myself. That's what I am working hard these days.