Alfa Romeo's Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu in action during the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir on March 20, 2022. (DPPI/Handout via Xinhua)
China's history-making driver Zhou Guanyu is now targeting the podium after gaining a point on his F1 debut.
BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Finishing 10th in the Bahrain Grand Prix on his Formula 1 debut on Sunday, Zhou Guanyu became the first ever Chinese driver to race in a Grand Prix.
Zhou shared his thoughts and feelings in an exclusive interview with Xinhua after the opening race of the new F1 season.
MAKING HISTORY
Until Zhou took part in last Sunday's race, no Chinese driver had ever driven in a Grand Prix. Dutch-Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung tested for the Renault F1 Team in December 2009, and was announced as the team's third driver in January the next year.
In 2011, Ma Qinghua became the first driver of Chinese nationality to take part in a Grand Prix weekend when he drove in the first Friday practice session of that year's Italian Grand Prix.
F1, however, had still been waiting for a Chinese race driver until Zhou made his way forward when he joined Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season.
"I did it and scored my first world championship point, which not only showed the best of myself in my dream job, but is also a big affirmation of myself," said Zhou, who burst into tears of joy after the race as he became the 66th F1 driver to have scored points on his debut.
Zhou Guanyu takes an exclusive interview with Xinhua. (Screenshot)
Looking back on the opening race, Zhou could clearly remember the last few laps. "On the last lap, I knew where I was and wanted to make a final push on [Fernando] Alonso to get into the top 10."
"I would have been happy with an 11th-place finish on my debut," Zhou recalled. "But if I was so close to 10th, I would give it a shot, no matter how it ended."
Zhou (R) chats with Alfa Romeo team boss Fred Vasseur before the Bahrain Grand Prix. (DPPI/Handout via Xinhua)
With Sergio Perez's unexpected retirement on the last lap, Zhou was elevated to tenth place and took his first point, which was a huge relief given the overwhelming pressure he had in the past few months.
"I was so keen to prove myself," Zhou said. "It couldn't have been a better start as I was able to show my ability in the first race. But it's just the beginning, and it's definitely going to get better and better from there."
"Now I feel I deserve this seat and I know I am ready for F1," Zhou said with confidence.
BRINGING THE BEST
There were questions whether Zhou deserved a F1 contract, but the Chinese driver proved the doubters wrong. "All I can do is to bring the best out of myself."
In his 2021 Formula 2 season, Zhou added a win and a second place finish at the final round in Abu Dhabi to cement his third place in the championship, following three victories in Bahrain, Monaco and Silverstone.
During the Spring Festival this year, Zhou spent plenty of time with his personal physical trainer, the team engineer and the team's simulator. Jumping from F2 to F1, Zhou explained that the downforce of the car had increased dramatically, so he had been strengthening his neck during his pre-season preparations.
Zhou (L) battles with Haas driver Mick Schumacher during the Bahrain Grand Prix. (DPPI/Handout via Xinhua)
The long duration of the race is also a test for the drivers. "F1 cars have multiple electronic systems that drivers have to adjust by themselves," Zhou said. "You need to concentrate for a long time, whether it's how you feel about the car or how you deal with car faults, you need to do it in the fastest possible time."
In addition to physical training, Zhou also had to get familiar with the car and the circuits. Over the winter, he was one of the drivers with the highest test mileage, and was often seen in the team workshop.
COMPETING WITH HIS IDOL
"It doesn't matter who it is. I will try to overtake as long as I have the opportunity," Zhou noted.
On the penultimate lap of the Bahrain GP, Zhou was following Alpine's Fernando Alonso and waiting for a chance to overtake.
"My car had a little vibration before Turn 1 when I was ready to attempt an overtake," Zhou recalled, knowing that Perez had stopped and he was tenth, but wanted to move a place forward. "I just wanted to keep up with Alonso and bring this point home."
Zhou (C) in conversation with his engineers before the race. (DPPI/Handout via Xinhua)
F1 first held the Chinese Grand Prix in 2004 at the Shanghai International Circuit. Then aged six, Zhou watched that first race carrying an Alonso flag, and now he is competing against his childhood idol.
Zhou was full of emotion discussing the Bahrain race. "When I look back on my journey, from holding [Alonso's] flag and supporting him in Shanghai, to joining the Academy to learn and grow; from testing together and driving his car, to competing in the same track and finally scoring a point behind him, it feels like a dream."
Born in Shanghai in 1999, Zhou had a strong interest in racing at an early age and dominated China's national karting championship at age 10, just two years after he had started racing go-karts. In order to pursue better training in motorsport, Zhou left his hometown of Shanghai at age 11 to study and train in the U.K..
Zhou initially joined the Ferrari Driver Academy before switching to the Alpine Academy (formerly the Renault Sport Academy) in 2019, when he debuted in Formula 2.
A HELPFUL TEAMMATE
"I am very happy about tonight's result: for me, but most importantly for the team, with two cars in the points, and for Zhou who got points in his first race," said Zhou's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished sixth in Bahrain.
The success of an F1 team is inseparable from the tacit cooperation between the two drivers. "Bottas would ask me if I need any help before a race," Zhou said, adding that he was moved by how friendly and easy-going his teammate is.
"It is more about improving together as a team and building competitive cars," Zhou added.
Zhou in action during the race. (DPPI/Handout via Xinhua)
The new technical regulations for the 2022 F1 season have witnessed changes in tyres, aerodynamics and many other aspects, which has meant a new start for all teams and drivers.
"I am very satisfied and very grateful for the efforts from the team," Zhou said, adding that during pre-season testing, the car's performance was not stable, but gradually improved.
"There was an improvement each time and both cars came back with points, which makes me very proud," Zhou added.
AIMING FOR THE PODIUM
Before the Bahrain GP, scoring points was a goal Zhou didn't expect to complete until mid-season. Asked if he would set a new goal after taking a point home on his debut, Zhou answered calmly.
"The most practical thing for me now is to maintain the state, and maintain the original goal," Zhou said. "Now that I've got a point, I'm looking forward to more and more points."
Zhou Guanyu poses for a driver's portrait. (Photo courtesy of F1)
Zhou's helmet is printed with white and purple porcelain pattern redolent of Chinese cultural elements, while the reverse side features the Chinese national flag.
On September 27, 2020, Zhou started from pole position and led all the way to win his first F2 race in Sochi, Russia, raising the Chinese flag in F2 for the first time, and now he is aiming to do the same thing in F1.
"I have brought the national flag with me and hope to see it on the podium in the future," Zhou said. ■
