Interview with Formula 1000 Junior Championship competitor Alex Parpottas

373 1 Interview with Formula 1000 Junior Championship competitor Alex Parpottas

Sixteen year old Alex Parpottas is currently lying in third overall in the hotly contested Kick Energy Acceleration TV Formula 1000 Junior Championship. In an interview with Jonathan Jackson prior to the next round of the championship, the Hall Trophy Stages, Alex explains the reasoning behind his distinctive livery and how he originally got into Rallying.

You were one of the original eleven who contested the very first Junior rally in the UK in March, how did that feel?

Starting in March as one of the original eleven was a massive step for me, having found myself involved in Formula 1000 merely 4 months beforehand, the first event was nothing but a daunting task. Once I mentally prepared myself, the day seemed to fall straight into place almost naturally. Starting in March, the first ever UK junior rally was a huge success for me and was the start of the rallying bug.

You're currently lying joint second in the championship; explain to us how your championship has gone so far?

I have been extremely happy with my progress throughout the championship right from the opening round; securing three 3rd places has put me in good position for the final two deciding rounds. It has been tough to secure such positions, but in doing so, I have learnt so much. Good preparation to both me mentally and the car physically has ensured that I have had a 100% reliability track record and enabled me to have the best chance of finishing in the top of half of the table. Without my service crew from C&P motorsport I doubt this reliability could be kept to and therefore it shows just how vital preparation is to any championship. So far I’m happy with my progression and my track record, I feel I have kept to a good consistent level of finishing and hope to continue this in the penultimate rounds coming up.

The Micra you drive has a very distinctive livery, what's the story behind that?

The livery is distinctive in the sense that nobody else has a multi-coloured car, it derived from the family run business: Buzz Sweets, being the backer for the whole of the championship, the car had to be plastered in this, unique scheme. It was thought out so that the car would essentially resemble the company’s colour and logo scheme. Any sponsor deserves their space whether it be family orientated or commercial. I like the scheme besides the purpose and it stands out in the championship. Being different is sometimes good.

You're competing against competitors who have been around rallying, through family, for a long time, what's your rallying background?

My rallying background is very limited; in fact the driving craze evolved from a Land Rover, off roading scene, being involved in competitions from a young age enticed me to look at options for competing in motorsport myself. I was left scouring the internet to find out whether there were any UK based junior events across the board. It just so happened that I found the formula 1000 craze just in time, October 2008, from then on, preparing and competing in my Nissan Micra has been the priority despite continuing to navigate for my father in many Off Road challenges. Coming from knowing very little about the sport was challenging, it soon became noticeable at the first event in March 2009, where I struggled to grasp the procedures. Despite this, I have learnt a lot from competing in practical terms, and rallying seems second nature.

The final two rounds are going to be an exciting climax to the championship, what are your aims for the two events?

In the last two events, I aim to finish both, yet at the same time keep within my consistent track record and possibly better it. The final rounds should be a good battle for third place in my case, whether it’s possible or not I cannot tell, however, with the championship growing rapidly, competition is becoming fierce and the challenge is rising. The next few events should be a very exciting climax especially in the top field, there’s a trophy to be won and I can guarantee, it will be a good battle, its important I focus on my target and iron out any previous mistakes in an attempt to fulfil my goals.

What are your aims for the 2010 season?

My aims for the 2010 season are similar to this year, although I hope to take many of the fundamental experiences I have gained this year into next and hopefully better myself from the huge learning curve this year has been. With new competition constantly arriving, in the form of new and improved cars, next year will be tough. It’s vital I focus on the job at hand and replicate this year’s current success and work upon it.

What attracted you to the junior championship and what advice would you give to kids thinking about entering the championship next year?

The whole formula 1000 community including both juniors and adults are a positively welcoming bunch, the quick and helpful responses from the forum early on instantly made me realise that it was going to be a great experience. Those who are debating or pondering over the idea of joining the club, I would strongly advise you do it as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. It has been a great year and everybody in the club is supportive, all the events hosted whether it be a club PCA or a rally, are great fun and well organised. It is great way to get into the rallying bug, at a relatively low cost considering the other junior options out there in motorsport. Do it and you won’t look back Interview with Formula 1000 Junior Championship competitor Alex Parpottas