Gianmaria Bruni is a proud Roman, and Rome should definitely be proud of this particular individual! The 32-year-old Ferrari driver has in the last five years secured GT championships for the Prancing Horse marque in FIA GT, ILMC, GT Open and, last year, in the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship season.
Teamed once again with former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella in the No.51 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia in the LMGTE Pro category, Bruni now lives in Monaco and joins the many drivers domiciled there on long and gruelling cycle trips to keep at the peak of fitness, as he explains here.
1. How have you kept race fit during the summer?
After Le Mans I have spent a lot of time on my road bike, for me it’s the best training to keep fit outside of racing.
2. Which track are you most looking forward to racing at in the second half of the WEC season?
For sure the best track is São Paulo but I like more or less all the circuits coming up.
3. With five races on three continents in the next few months, how do you cope with the travelling and jet lag?
Try to have time off with my family from one race to the next one.
4. What is the best thing about racing in São Paulo?
Racing in São Paulo is great for the circuit and for sure for all the Brazilian people coming to watch the race!
South African Jack Gerber, driver of the No.61 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia in the LMGTE Am category, is rarely seen without a smile on his face in the FIA WEC paddocks around the world.
However, judging by his answers below, his biggest smile might be seen when he safely gets to the chequered flag in next weekend’s 6 Hours of São Paulo. He will be in the best of hands with both his team and his experienced and successful team mates, Italian Marco Cioci and Matt Griffin of Ireland.
1. How have you kept race fit during the summer?
Working out in the gym, two test days, and some mountain hiking...
2. Which track are you most looking forward to racing at in the second half of the WEC season?
Austin and Shanghai, for sure NOT São Paolo, for safety reasons.
3. With five races on three continents in the next few months, how do you cope with the travelling and jet lag?
I am used to it from 40+ years of business travel but I’ll arrive at each race a day or so earlier than usual so I’m acclimatised by the time the race comes around.
4. What is the best thing about racing in São Paulo?
Getting it completed safely!
Photo: TOP: Gianmaria Bruni. BOTTOM: PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), SCRUTINEERING, MONDAY 18TH JUNE 2013. Left to right: Matt Griffin, Jack Gerber and Marco Cioci of AF Corse.
