Jaroslav Janis interview by Helena B.
source: helenaracing.com - There are not a lot of Czech drivers in car racing, is it easy for a young czech to begin racing ? I guess that we have similar problems to all other countries - motor racing is quite an expensive sport. The biggest problem is to find some sponsors because for normal family is very difficult to cover all the costs even in carts. I do not think that there is a big difference to France or Italy for example. The most important thing - in my opinion - is to race as competitive cart series as you can find. National championship is a good base and then you should try international races. - Who did your helmet drawing ? I did it by myself a few years ago. Basic Colours are red, blue and white - our national colours. I also wanted to put the letter J there, which is positioned on both sides. I like the design and have been making a small changes for every new season. - Your brother Erik was racing this year in Formula BMW ADAC. Can you tell us more about him ? We have a great relationship. We like to play the games on the computer or training together but I live in Prague and he in Olomouc, so it does not happen too often. I think that Erik is a really good driver - he won European cart championship in the ICA 100 Kadet class and you do not win it by a chance. He raced Ford Fiesta in the Czech championship and won his class. I would say that he was in a bit difficult position this year as he went straight in the F BMW championship. He had limited experience with the car and given this he did a reasonable job, especially when all circuits were new for him. Of course, I have been trying to help him as much as I can but in the end he has to drive by himself. - What are your relations with Tomas Enge ? I think that we have a normal relationship. We are friends but we have been racing in different categories, so we usually meet each other only a few times in a year. - Do you have some friend among the drivers ? It depends what you mean by the word friends. There are drivers who are closer to me than others are but it is difficult to find a real friend in such competitive sport. Generally, I can say that I have better relationship with drivers from different categories. - Who is your favourite F1 driver? My answer is Michael Schumacher and not only because of his driving. I very much admire his dedication and focus on his job. He gives always one hundredth percent - no matter if it is a test, race or fitness training. - Do you think F1 is the final goal of a driver career? Yes, I do. I mean for every circuit driver because I think that in rally you have a bit different ambitions. - What do you think about US series as CART or IRL? They are a good one and there is quite a big interest especially in the States. Personally, I prefer CART because races on the oval are not too exciting for me from driver point of view. I have not driven both CART or IRL car but I guess it would be quite demanding as the cars are heavier than F3000 for example - especially on the streets circuits where races CART. - What is your best racing moment? And the worst ? It is difficult one. I would pick two the best - my first win in Euro F3000 and the moment when I learned about the F1 test with Jordan. Lost of my father during road accident is the worst one. As far as racing itself is concerned then I would probably pick this year's race at Magny Cours, I was third on the grid but my gearbox broke during the warm up lap. - Do you think women could be good drivers ? Yes, I think they can. However, racing is physically very demanding and it must be very tough for them. I think that this is their biggest disadvantage. - Is it easier for a young driver to find a girlfriend than for a "normal" boy ? On the contrary. You probably think this way because you see a lot of girls around racing. However, the truth is that I spend many days away from home. You need a really tolerant and understanding girl because it is not easy to cope with that. Luckily I have one! - Last question, not very original, what will you do next year ? I would like to know too! There are some negotiations, we have some possibilities but nothing has net been decided yet. |
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