Looking Back on an F1 Career
• If I remember correctly, you won the Monaco GP with Ligier, right? Your engine was a Mugen Honda. Later you moved to BAR Honda (after a stint with Prost Peugeot), and now you are with Panasonic Toyota Racing. It seems that you have some kind of bond with Japanese auto manufacturers…did this all happen by accident?
“At first, it was completely by chance. When I signed with Ligier in 1994, the engine was a Ford. The next year we changed to Mugen Honda, and I was able to develop a great relationship with the Japanese staff very quickly. One reason that I stayed connected with Japanese auto makers was that everyone from Japan was so sincere about their work. The Japanese are tremendous fighters, and they love motorsports. I really respect that about the Japanese, and that’s another reason that I think I have been able to maintain good relationships with them over time.”

Still very popular, even after retiring as a regular driver.

• It looks like you’ll be with Panasonic Toyota Racing at the end of your long F1 career. Do you have any special feelings about being with Toyota at this point in your motorsports life?
“When I signed on with Panasonic Toyota Racing, it was for a two-year race driver contract. Of course, at the time I did have thoughts that I would be finishing my career here. Toyota is one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world, but they were still new to F1 racing, and there was a lot to learn. But I joined Panasonic Toyota Racing anyway, because I believed in their future and in my future. I did feel a lot of pressure to do a good job. Next, I signed a two-year contract as third driver. I think I proved that I wanted to do everything I could to help Panasonic Toyota Racing become the best team possible.”

• How is team morale right now?
“I really like the Panasonic Toyota Racing team atmosphere. The engineers, mechanics and drivers have developed a close relationship, and work together well. And the team is very stable. With the success so far this season, everyone has gained a lot of confidence. The atmosphere is really great right now.”

• There must be many children who dream of becoming an F1 driver like you. Do you have any advice for them?
“Giving advice is not that easy in this case. I guess I would say that if you really have the passion to become a driver, then you have to try everything. But I can’t give advice specifically about becoming an F1 driver. Becoming a professional racecar driver is one thing, but it’s so much more difficult to become an F1 driver. What I can say is that if you have the passion, then try everything you can. If there really was a secret to becoming an F1 driver, then I would definitely tell you. There are so many people in the world competing to reach that level—it’s a very difficult thing to accomplish. You need financing, too. And you have to be lucky enough to be part of good teams…there are just a lot of factors involved. Stay positive, and continue to follow your dream.”

	Panis' life as a racer will continue.

• Looking back, how would you describe your own life as an F1 driver?
“By the time I thought I might be able to make it as an F1 driver, motorsports was already in my blood. It was part of who I was. Motorsports was what I could do. I didn’t really have any other choices. I wasn’t good in school. I was just a kid who couldn’t get enough of motorsports. I have been very lucky to spend so many years at the top of the motorsport world. I just kept a passion for what I was doing, and gave 100% of myself to F1.”

• In other words, you’re satisfied with your life as an F1 driver?
“Yes, absolutely.”

• What are your near-term plans?
“I have one more year as the development driver with Panasonic Toyota Racing. I’m sure after that I will continue to race—it’s a part of who I am. Maybe I’ll get involved in DTM or ice racing with Toyota…I have a lot of ideas. And I also want to do what I can to support kids—especially kids in France. The environment is not great for them right now. It would be nice if one of the children I helped grew up to become an F1 driver.”

• Will you be coming to the Japan GP this year?
“Of course!”

• Well, then, I hope to see you in Japan. Thank you for your time today.
“Thank you.”