SHANGHAI INTERVIEW WITH PETE OLSON

In the post race cool down of Peter Olson’s last event in Mainland China, we asked Pete about the difficulties of the circuit, what makes the racing in Shanghai so special, and the challenge of piloting a 280kph/174mph Formula Renault racing car.

Q. Pete, everyone is now saying that Shanghai is the “place to be” for racing in Asia. Do you agree with that statement?

Pete: “In terms of prestige, I have no doubt that Shanghai is the pinnacle of auto racing in China. It is the future of racing in Asia. There is massive television coverage and huge crowds. From a driver or sponsor’s point of view, it is a huge opportunity for growth.”

Q. What is your opinion of the circuit? Is it true that it is very challenging?

Pete: “It is one of the best circuits I’ve ever driven. There are both high and low speed corners, as well as two very high speed straights. It reminds me of a karting track, actually. You have no time to rest, except on the long back straight at 260kph. Then you can check your rear view and take a look at your panel to make sure the race car is operating in the optimum temperatures. But once you get into the first turn, there is a lot of work to do, and you must really focus on what the opposition is doing.”

Q. How do you find Formula Renault as compared to say, racing Formula 2000 back in the U.S.?

Pete: “I have been asked that question a lot, and I can give you the same answer I have told a lot of others: you are walking a much tighter line out there in Formula Renault. In Formula 2000 in the States, you have a lot of ‘slip angle’ to play with. You can slide the car a lot, almost like a high performance street car, like the 500hp Dodge Viper I drove before, for example. But in Formula Renault, you must make very small corrections, play with the limit and push the front or rear out just enough to slide it a little, to know that you are on the edge all the time, as opposed to throwing it into corners and kicking the rear of the car out a meter on the exit. These cars are not very forgiving, so you must learn how to control the limit, above all else. If you don’t, you will end up in the wall.”

Q. Do you follow some type of physical training program to prepare for your racing?

Pete: “Of course. The only days I am not running or lifting weights is when I am in China testing or racing. The only other exception is kart racing in Taipei, to keep my reflexes up and have some fun without all the hype of the Formula Renault circus.”

Q. You live in Taipei, Taiwan now, and jet off to races in Mainland China. How do you feel about being so far from home and competing at this very high level of motor sport while living in a foreign country?

Pete: “It is a dream come true for me, it is as simple as that. I’ve been waiting for this all my life. I do miss my family, but they are always just a phone call away. Their support and that of my friends back in the States means everything to me. But, the funny thing is, I don’t feel strange about the television coverage, or seeing 40,000 people watching us race as I drive by the stands on a warm up lap. To me, it is just part of climbing the ladder, and I will take it as far as I can go.”

Q. One final question, on a personal note. It seems that you have developed somewhat of a reputation already in Asia as quite a ‘hot shot’, a ladies’ man both on and off the circuit. Can you elaborate on this?

Pete: “That is another question I am asked quite often, actually! [Laughs] I know that piloting these race cars gives a driver some kind of sex appeal, flirting with danger and all that. I think someday, I will find the right woman and make a family of my own. But for now, I must completely focus on racing. Sometimes I go out for a little fun, but at the end of the day there is no room for distraction.”

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