Branko, congratulations on your impressive victory at the Ford Focus Cup in England in 2021. Can you take us back to that memorable race at Croft on your birthday?
Thank you! Yes, it was an unforgettable experience. The Croft race on August 21, 2021, coincidentally fell on my birthday. There were 29 drivers in the competition, and right from the practice session, I could sense that we had excellent pace after testing several setups.
It sounds like the preparations paid off. Can you tell us about the lead-up to the race day?
Absolutely. It was the 5th weekend of the season, and we decided to hit the track a day earlier to adjust to the climate. Thanks to my manager and coach, TIM SUGDEN, who played a crucial role in keeping me mentally liberated from everyday difficulties. His advice echoed in my head throughout the day.
It’s clear that the mental aspect played a significant role. How did you spend the day leading up to the race?
I spent the entire day on the track, even until it got completely dark. I meticulously analyzed every turn, comparing it to the videos I had studied before. It was all about fine-tuning my strategy and understanding the nuances of the track.
Moving on to the qualifications on Saturday, it seems like the weather threw a challenge your way. How did you navigate through the heavy rain?
Qualifications were indeed challenging with heavy rain, but I knew I had to make the fastest lap. I drove with the expectation of skidding on every turn, but it was under control. I finished third, which was the best qualifications ever for me.
That’s an impressive achievement. Now, let’s talk about race day. In the first race, you finished fourth with the fastest lap. What was going through your mind at that moment?
My mentor, Rene Robertson, was there with his son Airton. We didn’t say anything; we just looked at each other, thinking the same. It was a silent acknowledgment of the potential for something great in the second race.
And in the second race, you went on to secure the first position with a dominating lead. Can you share the emotions and thoughts as you crossed the finish line?
It was an unreal feeling. I had one goal in mind, and I quickly reached the first position. Dominating with a 6-second lead from the second, I started thinking about victory. The last lap felt routine, and as I passed under the checkered flag, the sweetness of victory finally sank in. The celebration that followed was significant, and the entire team was proud.
It sounds like an incredible journey, Branko. Once again, congratulations on your victory, and we look forward to seeing more of your success in the future!
Cheers!
