Q And A With Jean-Karl Vernay

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A1 Team: France

Driver Name: Jean-Karl Vernay

Date of Birth: 31 October 1987

Place of Birth: Lyon – Villeurbanne, France

Family: Has a 17-year-old brother and a 10-year-old sister. His brother is in the Motocross championship and his sister hasn’t yet decided what she’ll do.

Interests: Sports in general, keeping fit and films

When did you start racing?

Since I was five years old on a track near to Lyon. I’ve been driving competitively since I was ten years old and in single-seaters since 2005. My parents are passionate motorsport fans in general and my father was a kart driver when he was young.

What attracted you to A1GP?

Well a few weeks ago Jean-Paul Driot offered me a drive as the team’s rookie. It’s a challenging series and will be a good opportunity for me to learn more circuits. Morgan Caron from the FFSA has talked to me a lot about A1GP and is a big fan.

How has your introduction to A1GP been?

I haven’t yet tried the car so it’s difficult to say but I’ve got a good idea from watching them what it will be like to drive and how the car will react.

How do you spend the off-season?

In 2005 I drove in Formula Campus in France and I won the 14-race championship. In 2006 I drove in Formula Renault and finished second in the championship with two wins, three poles and seven podiums.

Do you have any superstitions before a race?

I always imagine how a race is going to turn out but I am relaxed and don’t get stressed. I concentrate on the race ahead and know exactly what my approach will be. I always go through everything with my engineers before a race.