Superleague front-runner and series stalwart Craig Dolby is hoping to make a return in 2011, according to a newly-released Q&A with the driver.
The 22-year-old, from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, has been driving in the football-themed race competition since his 2008 debut with RSC Anderlecht. He was runner-up last year with the Tottenham Hotspur car, coming within an agonising two points of the title, beaten in the final race by Anderlecht’s Davide Rigon.
In 2009 he was turning out for Tottenham when he finished just 30 points adrift of series winner Adrian Valles, driving for Liverpool.
He’s hoping 2011 might be the year when he can deal with his “unfinished business” as he told the series website: “I have one goal for 2011 and that is to be on that top step of the podium at the end of the season.”
He also explained how he had spent the winter working hard to ensure he was in top shape for a 2011 drive: “I want to be in the best condition that I can be in. I spent Christmas with my family and then flew to Spain on Boxing Day and spent some time out there over new year. I spent a week in Dubai which was also very cool. But now it’s all training again.”
He has certainly formed a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur while driving for the team, appearing at White Hart Lane and drawing praise from its management.
Superleague has announced that it will shortly be revealing which teams are due to run cars in 2011 – an essential prerequisite to driver announcements.
Each team is set to run a minimum of two cars and priority will be given to existing relationships – although competition director Robin Webb says: “We have some very interesting new inquiries.”
He also confirmed there would be a a prize fund of more than 5,000,000 euros and “direct interest from a number of top-line drivers who would be new to the series, as well as those who want to return.”
The series is running a 12-race season that kicks off at Monza on the weekend of April 16. The British event will be held at Donington Park on the weekend of August 6.
Here’s the full Q&A from SuperleagueFormula.com:
What were the highlights for you of the 2010 Superleague Formula season?
Winning the first round and also winning the Beijing round, although sadly that did not count for points. If it had…
What was your favorite track in 2010?
I have to say that my favorite track in 2010 was probably the Beijing Street Circuit. I had never driven on a street track before and it was cool.
What are the Superleague Formula cars like to drive as race cars?
The Superleague Formula cars are great fun to drive, they are quite heavy but with a lots and lots of power, so they can move around a lot which is great for the drivers and it gives us exciting racing which is also great for the fans.
What did you do over the winter break to relax and prepare for the new season?
What winter break? I carried on training and pushing hard for 2011, I want to be in the best condition that I can be in. I spent Christmas with my family and then flew to Spain on Boxing Day and spent some time out there over new year. I spent a week in Dubai which was also very cool. But now it’s all training again.
Who was your biggest rival in 2010?
In 2010 I think the biggest rivals were most of the field, there are a lot of strong drivers in the championship, and all of the cars are very equal in performance, I think Yelmer, Max, Chris and Davide, we all had a good years, well at least before Chris went with the flying lessons! Seriously it is great to see him back.
Do you have a message for Superleague Formula fans?
I would just like to say thank you to all the support that I have had. The championship is growing quickly, so I hope that I can stay in 2011 and put on a great show for you all.
Which are your plans for 2011? Would you like to try again in Superleague Formula and get the title you missed out in 2009 and 2010?
I certainly have unfinished business in Superleague Formula, coming so close to the title the last two seasons. I have one goal for 2011 and that is to be on that top step of the podium at the end of the season.