OLIVER ROWLAND

Q&A's

Our 'Young Driver' Oliver Rowland chats to McLaren.com

Posted: 09 July 2008

Oliver, can you update us on what you have been up to on track since we last saw you?

"Since you last saw me, in October 2007, I have changed teams to the Tony Kart Racing Team and it's been going really well. I spent the first few races fitting in with the new team; getting to grips with the car and learning new things. We did pretty well at the beginning - the first race we finished 1st and 6th and in the second race we finished 4th. I found the first round quite hard as I am now in the senior class, but I came 5th in the first final and then in the second final I went from last to 5th which was really good. In the next round we kept improving and improving and we finished 2nd and 2nd, which took me to 2nd in the championship. The last round didn't go too well - we had a few problems with the set up of the kart, but generally everything is going to plan. I am currently 3rd in the WSKarting with two rounds to go and only 5 points behind - so it is pretty open."

You recently spent time at the McLaren Technology Centre - what have you been up to?

"I have been spending most of my time in the McLaren Fitness and Wellbeing Centre (FWC), working and training with the team trainers. It has been really good and I have learnt a lot from them. We have been developing a programme for me to take away to incorporate into my everyday fitness. Hopefully, with this programme, I will improve on my overall fitness."

Have you learnt anything which will help you on-track?

"I have learnt that water is really good for you because 80% of your body is water. The guys in the FWC said that I have to keep hydrated, which will help keep my focus up, and they emphasised the importance of having a good diet, as this will also help improve my concentration. There are a lot of things that I can take home and learn from which will benefit me when I race."

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Why has Oliver Rowland become the latest addition to the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme?

Motorsport is not an easy path to choose, in the lower formulae in particular, it requires massive dedication from the driver and their family; it is time-consuming and financially very demanding. We established the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme in the late nineties as we recognised the restrictions that were being placed on drivers who had a clear talent and as with all sports, it is vital to endeavour to develop future generations. We wanted to provide an environment that allowed driver talent to progress and excel. As of the start of May 2007, we are delighted to have Oliver as part of the programme. He demonstrates the talent and determination that we look for in a driver. You cannot judge talent on one race, however a clear example of why we have joined forces with Oliver is his performance at a kart meeting in February at Shenington. Having jumped the start, Oliver was relegated to the back of the grid, but proceeded to take the win with some very classy overtaking manoeuvres. It showed dedication and tenacity.

How did you become aware of Oliver?

Oliver was a Zip Kart Young Gun, which is a scheme operated by Martin Hines. We have been involved with Martin since the early nineties when we jointly launched the McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future karting series. His support to young drivers at this very early stage of their careers is invaluable and it was Martin that first suggested we take a look at Oliver.

Can you outline the support Oliver will receive?

Oliver will receive a range of support, from technical and management advice from within the McLaren Racing operations. We will work with him on the physical training side and there will also be financial investment in his career. As with all contractual issues, we would not discuss the specifics of the latter.

Is Oliver the next Lewis Hamilton?

No driver is the next Lewis Hamilton, or Nick Heidfeld, or Ricardo Zonta, all drivers who have been supported by the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Drivers Support Programme. Each driver is individual, and we have certainly not brought Oliver into the Programme with the aim of him following Lewis’s exact career path. We will take what we have learnt from our work with all the drivers in the Programme and use some of that knowledge with Oliver, but we are not making any comparisons.

For how long are you committed to Oliver?

As with all contractual issues, we do not discuss such detail, however we do have a long term arrangement.

OLIVER ROWLAND

How does it feel to be part of the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme?

I am really proud to have joined the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme. To have such support from some of the biggest names in the sport is fantastic and I am looking forward to developing our relationship over time.

Do you feel any additional pressure?

No, not at all. When you are given an opportunity like this, you don’t allow yourself to be worried by pressure, you have to focus on making the most of it, and that is what I intend to do.

What support will you receive from the programme?

I will have advice from people within the programme on technical and career matters, in addition to training. The programme will also help to fund my racing.

Are you the next Lewis Hamilton?

I’m obviously happy to be part of the same programme that Lewis benefited from. It is not for me to draw comparisons with Lewis, but it is extremely flattering that McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have decided to support my ambitions.

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