On the sidelines of the recently concluded Sepang Grand Prix, a small group of journalists was invited to Subang Skypark in Kuala Lumpur to have a drive experience in the alluring Ferrari 458 Italia at the hands of Scuderia Ferrari test drivers - Marc Gene (banner, left) and Pedro de la Rosa (banner, right).
From there, he entered karting, where he became Spanish Formula Fiat Uno Champion in 1989. In the lead up to Formula One, Pedro tasted success in various levels of motorsports including Spanish Formula Ford 1600, Formula Renault, Japanese Formula Three and was a former Formula Nippon Champion.
Pedro's first foray into Formula One was through the role of a test driver for the Jordan Grand Prix in 1998. The following year, he moved to the Arrows team where he finished sixth in his debut race. He then moved to Jaguar Racing and on to McLaren in 2003.
His career highlight includes replacing Montoya in July 2006 to become the team's second driver for the remainder of the season - where a second place at the Hungarian Grand Prix finish saw him achieving his first Formula One podium. After stints at BMW Sauber, McLaren and the HRT team during the 2012 season, Pedro joined Scuderia Ferrari from the 2013 season.
Despite the tight schedule, we got an opportunity to spend some time to have a causal chat with Pedro in the car, during our drive experience.
SGCM: So Pedro, what is the car that you drive on a daily basis?
Pedro:Â I have a Fiat, I drive a Fiat.
SGCM: Among all the road cars you have tested, which is your favourite, and why?
Pedro: I think this car, the 458 Italia, is extremely good because of the mid-engine layout. The weight distribution is very even, which gives a very neutral feel. It has a very good power-to-weight ratio and the brakes are good. I haven't driven the LaFerrari, so until then, this is the one.
SGCM:Â What about the Enzo Ferrari?
Pedro: I have not driven the Enzo either, although I have driven the F12berlinetta. It is very nice, the engine is unreal.
SGCM: But then again, the engine in the F12 has over 700bhp.
Pedro: Yes, in the 458, it is around 570 horses. You see, the F12 is very good on power, but unlike the 458 Italia, the engine of the F12 is in the front, so it hinders the weight distribution, and thus it isn't as good as the 458 Italia.
SGCM: Is this car currently in track mode?
Pedro: Actually, I have disengaged all the electronic aids, so basically I really have to concentrate and control the car.
SGCM: How many G-Forces are we hitting during the sharp turns and donuts?
Pedro: Well, not more than 1.5. F1 drivers experience between 1.5 to around 5 during a race.
SGCM: What is your least favourite regulation change for the 2014 season?
Pedro: For me, I would probably say the engine. They should remove the turbochargers so that the engines can rev even higher.
SGCM: Your comments on the new sound for F1 this season?
Pedro: I personaly prefer the old V12 sound. I am too much of an old school person, so personally I think the V12 era was the best. Still, I believe we should be looking ahead, this is modern F1.
In a couple of races, we would be saying the new V6 sound is beautiful. I know how it was when the V8s took over the V10s and everyone was unhappy and claimed it was terrible. But after a few races, they said it was beautiful.
Similarly, in a couple of races, people would adapt to the sounds of the V6 better. Besides, as the season progresses, the teams would manage to find more performance from the engines and I believe the sound would improve.
SGCM: Who is your pick between Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso?
Pedro: I would say Fernando because he has been in the team longer and understands the team requirements better. He is a familiar face and has adapted well within the team.
