Hi there everybody!
From the time you start racing with go-karts for the first time until the moment you arrive in F1, the road is long. Long, physically and mentally demanding, full of sacrifices, but so rewarding that I would always start it all over again. No doubt about that.
I had the pleasure of taking this road with the support from my family that is the base for everything, the backing from sponsors that are the fuel for success and the help from friends and fans that are the energy for tough times.
2015 is my first year in F1 and I am very happy to be with the Sauber team doing a thorough and continuous job. Working to become a better driver every day and to be able to help develop a better car at every grand prix. It could not be a better place to start.
After every grand prix, until the end of the year, I will write something for you F1i.com readers
Now I am also starting another complete new road for me: that of a columnist. I am thrilled and excited to let you all know what it is to be an F1 driver. After every grand prix, until the end of the year, I will write something (on Wednesdays, do not forget) for you F1i.com readers.
Today, writing before a race, is an exception; I just wanted to tell you this news first-hand and ask for your patience and support.
I also wanted to send to Jules Bianchi's family and friends my fraternal comforts. There are no words fit enough for a sad moment like this. I just want to say that I will always remember him on the occasion we shared the track and the podium at a promotional go-kart race in Brazil; happily enjoying his beloved motor racing in a very special way.
Our attentions now turn to Hungary, and the same patience we have to have driving around the Hungaroring track because the grand prix in Budapest is always very challenging. This circuit has many combinations of corners and only short straights, and the track is very demanding for the tyres. We need to have a lot of braking stability, as well as good traction.
As a driver, on this track you feel as if you are busy all the time; you always have to be concentrating for the next corner and there is only a brief break on the main straight. The grip on the track improves from day to day. We must, therefore, rely on our experience in order to anticipate grip level changes from one session to another and adjust accordingly. Normally Budapest is a hot place during the whole grand prix weekend, and that can be really tricky for the tyre strategy. Overall I like racing there mainly after not even starting the last race in Silverstone!
Thank you and see you next week.
Felipe
Felipe Nasr is in his debut season racing in F1 for Sauber. He will write exclusively for F1i.com on the Wednesday after each round of the 2015 season to provide insight in to the life of an F1 driver.
Click here for a classic feature looking back at the 1990 Hungarian Grand Prix
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