F3: Q/A: Sam Bird

Sam Bird has his sights set on the F3 Euroseries title in 2009 after inking a deal with Mucke Motorsport for his second year in the series.

Ahead of the new season, Crash.net took the chance to quiz Bird about what the season may hold.

Crash.net:
How do you feel things went for you in 2008?

Sam Bird:
It was a difficult year. I can remember standing here with you last year saying I was hopefully going to go for the title but it wasn't to be and it was quite a struggle. Hopefully this year will be totally different for me, I've signed with Mucke Motorsport who are proven to be a top team at the his level and fingers crossed I can go for the championship.

Crash.net:
What was the most difficult thing for you last year as you moved into the Euroseries?

Sam Bird:
Dallara had just brought out the new F308 and it was new tracks for me and new tyres with the Kumhos, so all those things kind of combined together. Also, I don't think we got the development work done as quickly as we wanted to because my team-mates were all in the same boat. It took until half-way through the year before we were really on it so that was a bit of a disappointment, but at the end of the year, the pace was good and at Macau I was on pole until the last minute or so and we were in contention until I got taken out. Hopefully we'll be up for some good things this year.

Crash.net:
How did the Mucke deal come together?

Sam Bird:
I've been speaking to them for a while and I think it's the right thing to do. I think it is the best move I could make and I'm really happy to be there.

Crash.net:
In terms of testing, have you done much running so far?

Sam Bird:
I've done a couple of days but if I don't know a Formula Three car by now then there is something wrong with me! This will be my third year and it's about time I went out and won something.

Crash.net:
So is testing now more a case of settling into new surroundings rather than chasing things on the car?

Sam Bird:
Yeah exactly. I think now it is a case of team bonding, getting to know my engineer and getting to know how Mucke work as a team and then going from there. I have two good team-mates and they are both rookies but they will be quick. One knows the tracks and one doesn't, but Alexander and Marco will both be strong so it should be a good year for all of us.

Crash.net:
Last year with Manor, it was a British team for you. Will there be any issue with the language barrier or communication from working with a foreign team?

Sam Bird:
I thought that when I joined as it is my first time with a European team. It's fine though and they all speak fluent English. I tried to speak to them in German and completely ballsed it up so I won't try that again unless I start taking classes!

Crash.net:
So twelve months ago when we talked you said you were going for the title. Are you more confident of that this time around?

Sam Bird:
I think so yes. In fact, I know so. The aim is to go for the title and that is what I hope to do come May [when the season starts].

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