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Emma catches up with Formula BMW driver Michael Lewis.
Q) This is your first season in Formula BMW Europe. How is it going so far?
I have had a mixed first season in the Formula BMW Europe series. I scored top ten finishes at the first eight rounds of the 2010 Championship, but the last four rounds at Hockenheim and Hungary have been a bit disappointing.
Before the start of the Formula BMW Europe season I raced at Sepang, Malaysia in the Formula BMW Pacific Series and had a fantastic weekend, scoring four podium finishes including three second places.Of course, I would like to be higher up in the championship standings in the Formula BMW Europe Series but, overall, my first experience of competing in Europe has been great and I’m looking forward to the final four rounds at Spa and Monza.
Q) You won the Rookie Championship in the Formula BMW Americas series in 2009. What made you decide to come and race in Europe?
I decided to compete in Europe for a few reasons. First, the Formula BMW America’s championship was ending in 2010, so there was not an option for me to race in the US in a Formula BMW car. I wanted to compete in a Formula BMW car for a second year so the Asian and European Formula BMW series were the available options. I had raced in the Formula BMW Pacific series previously, scoring a podium in Singapore, so I had some experience with the Pacific championship. However, the main deciding factor to race in Europe was that I wanted to develop my career and racing performance and felt Europe gave me the best opportunity to do this. Europe is the centre for single seater racing and I believe that in order to have a chance to compete in Formula 1 that you need to race in Europe.
Q) Why did you choose to race in Formula BMW Europe instead of one of the other European racing series?
I wanted to continue driving the Formula BMW car because I had experience with the car last year and wanted to apply this experience and knowledge to racing at new circuits. As part of winning the Rookie Championship in the Formula BMW Americas series last year I was granted a BMW scholarship and became an official Formula BMW Junior driver so it was an easy decision to continue to race in a Formula BMW series.
Q) Apart from racing on different circuits, what are the main differences between the Formula BMW Americas series and Formula BMW Europe series?
Quite simply, the competition. The drivers in Formula BMW Europe are all extremely talented and everything is extremely close – from free practice, to qualifying to race pace. To be on pole position or to win a race requires the utmost concentration and focus because everyone is so evenly matched. This is true for any race category, however, it is magnified in the Formula BMW Europe championship.
Q) You are currently studying Business at California State University Fullerton. How do you manage to balance your education with your racing?
Well, I must organise my daily and weekly schedules to keep current, or even ahead, with my assignments. It is tough, however, because racing requires quite a lot of attention. I will always arrange my courses so there is the least amount of conflict with my racing schedule. From there, I work out all the fine details to work around my training schedule and everything else in my life.
Q) Health and fitness play a vital part in racing. Which areas does your fitness and nutrition programme specifically focus on?
My program focuses on both endurance and strength. Cardio is extremely important for a driver and overall core strength as well. This combination is vital to stay focused and alert when driving on the racetrack. As you drive, the most stress is upon the neck and shoulders. So I do extensive work to enhance the muscles in this area. Unfortunately I have quite a long neck, but because I train everyday, I have no issues with stress on the neck and shoulder area.
Q) What is the best thing about being a racing driver and what is the worst thing?
The best part about being a racecar driver is to win. Winning races is all I think about, and the feeling you get when you win is extraordinary. And the worst thing, well, I can’t really think of anything too bad. I guess maybe being away from my bed at home for long periods of time. I love my bed!
Q) What are your plans for 2011?
At the moment we are looking at Formula 3 and GP3.
Q) What are your racing aims and ambitions for the future?
To drive in Formula 1 is my ultimate aim. I am pushing hard at every level of racing to fulfill this ambition. (Web Link) by Emma Stonier Girlracer magazine
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