From the 6th to the 8th of July, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve hosts the FIA GT1 World Championship, a unique event where competitiveness is pushed to the limits.
On track will be one of the best Portuguese riders today, Álvaro Parente, who, driving the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, hopes to climb to the highest place on the podium and give the Portuguese a reason to celebrate. Here is the interview:
He is currently the official driver of McLaren GT, one of the most important brands in the racing world. What is it like to pilot a structure with so much history?
It's fantastic, since it's a brand that has already won Formula 1 Championships, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 Miles of Indianapolis, etc, but it's also a big responsibility, as we have to honor a name with many scrolls.
I am involved in a McLaren MP4-12C GT3 development program, but I am a McLaren pilot and I have to be available for any activity of the entire structure.
The professionalism of all aspects of McLaren – from the Formula 1 team, to the GT team, passing through the electronics and production department – is extremely high and it also helps me to grow as a driver, as well as being exciting to be involved. in this program.
Is racing in a GT very different from racing in a single-seater?
Yes, it's different. In GT races we share the car with another driver, which makes it very different, because we have to find a compromise in the settings that suits both.
However, the professionalism is very similar to what I experienced in single-seater racing. My team, McLaren Hexis Racing, are very professional, pay close attention to every detail, and McLaren GT have a deep involvement in the entire FIA GT1 World Championship program.
What is your assessment of your participation in the FIA GT1 World Championship this year in the McLaren MP4-12C?
The FIA GT1 World Championship has an extremely high level, some of the best drivers in the discipline are there, which forces me to give my best at every moment in order to guarantee a good result.
The best GT teams are also in this competition, which gives it great professionalism.
Therefore, I make a very positive assessment, as I have shown that I have progress to beat myself for the top positions, as I have already proved both in qualifying and in a race.
What is your opinion about the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve?
I really like it, as it is a demanding, challenging and fun circuit. It has very interesting curves that force us to give it our all and make the difference between the riders.
Furthermore, it is a modern and very practical structure and is an asset for Portugal and for the Algarve region.
Do you expect the race at the Autódromo do Algarve to have a special flavor because it is held in Portugal?
It's not the first time I've held a competition in our country and I've always had huge support from fans, friends and family.
On the other hand, normally, when we race in our country we are more requested by the press, which ends up making the weekend busier.
I hope to feel the affection of the fans again at the Algarve event and I will work hard so that I can thank them with a good result.
Why do you think people should go to the Algarve International Autodrome to watch the FIA GT1 World Championship races?
I think that, whoever travels to the Portuguese circuit, will not consider misusing their time, as they will be able to watch the races very well disputed, with moments of great driving and the cars are fantastic to watch: they are fast, beautiful, spectacular, the sound they emanate is fabulous and quite distinct between them.
There are dream brands involved and you will be able to see the cars up close and contact the drivers during the 'pit-walk', which will be interesting for both us and the fans.
I think it will be more than just reasons to take a trip to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and, of course, to support me, since the support of the fans is always welcome.
What is your opinion about the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve?
I really like it, as it is a demanding, challenging and fun circuit. It has very interesting curves that force us to give it our all and make the difference between the riders.
Furthermore, it is a modern and very practical structure and is an asset for Portugal and for the Algarve region.
Do you expect the race at the Autódromo do Algarve to have a special flavor because it is held in Portugal?
It's not the first time I've held a competition in our country and I've always had huge support from fans, friends and family.
On the other hand, normally, when we race in our country we are more requested by the press, which ends up making the weekend busier.
I hope to feel the affection of the fans again at the Algarve event and I will work hard so that I can thank them with a good result.
Why do you think people should go to the Algarve International Autodrome to watch the FIA GT1 World Championship races?
I think that, whoever travels to the Portuguese circuit, will not consider misusing their time, as they will be able to watch the races very well disputed, with moments of great driving and the cars are fantastic to watch: they are fast, beautiful, spectacular, the sound they emanate is fabulous and quite distinct between them.
There are dream brands involved and you will be able to see the cars up close and contact the drivers during the 'pit-walk', which will be interesting for both us and the fans.
I think it will be more than just reasons to take a trip to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and, of course, to support me, since the support of the fans is always welcome.
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