Emily Downey finds out what keeps this young Formula One star shining
Nico Rosberg is one young driver creating a lot of buzz. His racing pedigree (father is Keke Rosberg, F1 star of the 80s), and his glamorous background (he lives in celebrity-studded Monaco) ensured that lots of eyes—mostly female—were on him at Suzuka earlier this month.
He swung by Tokyo for the “Are You Up for the Challenge” contest, in which he raced the top three fastest drivers of the racecar simulator, set up in the flash Marunouchi Oazo Bldg. After losing to the challengers, he graciously granted die-hard F1 fan Emily Downey an interview.
You’ve been credited with bringing back the old-school glamour of racecar driving. What do you think of that?
Well, I don’t think it was ever gone. You look at drivers like (Franck) Montagny, who has such star power, and you can see that it’s still alive.
You said you were very competitive. How did you feel about losing in the “Are You Up for the Challenge” race?
Oh! It was so upsetting to lose! We had the simulator in England as well, and I lost then.
Well, it sounds like you need more practice. More time on the simulator, less time on the track. In ten years’ time, what do you see yourself doing?
I will be returning from Shanghai, where I placed second (I’m coming down off my peak a little, like Michael did). I would be by my pool in Ibiza, which is the only place in Europe that is still warm this time of year. And I will have a nice family by then.
How are the new Toyota engines going?
Going well! I haven’t personally tested the new engines yet, but the other guys have, and I heard it went for 100 laps with no problems, which is basically a full day of testing.
That’s good to hear. Thanks for your time and good luck!
He swung by Tokyo for the “Are You Up for the Challenge” contest, in which he raced the top three fastest drivers of the racecar simulator, set up in the flash Marunouchi Oazo Bldg. After losing to the challengers, he graciously granted die-hard F1 fan Emily Downey an interview.
