Harry Vaulkhard ready for new season
TouringCarTimes writer Pietro Casillo met up with BTCC driver Harry Vaulkhard and talked about several subjects, one of which the negotiations ongoing between Tempus Sport and James Thompson:
“We’re still in negotiations with several drivers, and someone like Thompson would be a fantastic team mate for me as I think I could learn a lot from such a driver. The team are in constant meetings with our corporate partners and it’s about trying to secure a deal which works for everyone at this point,” said Valkhard.
Before thinking about the coming season, Vaulkhard mentioned that the SEAT championships have helped Rob Huff and Tom Boardman to step into the WTCC, something Vaulkhard hopes will happen for him as well.
“I think it is a fantastic place to learn, obviously Huff and Boardman both won the UK series as I did in the Cupra R cars. It’s a very different thing to actual BTCC racing though and I’m still learning every time I get in the car. Like Rob and Tom, I would love to have an opportunity in WTCC.
I’ve only raced cars since 2005 and ever since I began a works drive has always been my goal. At the moment WTCC seems to be the strongest series as far as works entries are concerned, so it’s something I would love to get involved in at some point.”
Vaulkhard appears cautious but optimistic when talking about his goals for 2009.
“I would like to get to test on some of the UK tracks before I comment to much on that but I’m very hopeful of some good results. On the other hand, the new car and team are both huge steps forward and as long as I can deliver at my end then I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a competitive package.”
Although still waiting for more tests before commenting, Vaulkhard does not hesitate in putting himself amongst those who will challenge Giovanardi for the crown.
“Of course, Fabrizio has got to be the bookies’ favorite as the championship winning car and driver for the last two years, but there are going to be a lot of guys out there trying to beat him, myself included, so I’m sure he will have his work cut out. There will be a lot of interesting battles on and off track this season, I’m sure of that.”
The 23 years-old driver spoke about his view on the reports of new regulations for the WTCC, which will include 1.6 turbo engines.
“To be honest, I don’t know much on the technical side of those regulations, but if it will reduce the cost of running these current breed of S2000 engines then I think that has to be an advantage for all parties concerned. I have turbo FWD experience and there is a definite ‘nack’ to driving one, so it would be interesting to see how things would pan out. The way turbos deliver torque is different than a N/A engine and it makes tyre preservation pretty tough so it may make racing a bit more tactical.”
One area Vaulkhard hopes the new rules will change is the cost.
“Although the budget is very dependant upon car and team, realistically its upwards of £400,000, which is expensive, obviously, but I think more affordable than the equivelant WTCC budget. Perhaps the engine budget is one area which could help reduce the running costs.”
Vaulkhard took the 2007 title in the R class of the Seat Cupra Championship Great Britain and has been in the BTCC since 2008, taking 2 points in 30 races, finishing 19th in his first season.
The interview was done in co-operation with stopandgo.tv.
