Career summary:
Adrien Tambay, the son of veteran F1 driver Patrick (who drove for McLaren, Theodore, Ligier, Matra, Ferrari, Renault and Lola from 1977-1986) began his professional racing career in 2001 aged just ten, scoring his first podium finishes in his maiden year of competition and winning the "Rookie of the year" much wanted trophy. Very soon, Adrien showed his natural talent for. By 2006 he had moved up to the WSK International Series ICA finishing third overall. In 2007 he graduated to Formula BMW ADAC and took two wins, two poles and nine podiums out of 18 races that season. The same year he also competed in the Formula BMW USA Championship clinching two podiums and one fastest lap from just four races.
To finish the busy year, Adrien also participated in the Formula BMW World Final at Valencia, qualifying fourth and looking strong for the race until electrical problems ruined his chances of victory. Nevertheless Adrien earned a scholarship to compete in the growing Formula BMW Europe championship in 2008 for the German Eifelland-Racing team. The series will run seven races as support races to F1 Grand Prix.
Adrien is also enrolled in the French Federation FFSA junior driver development team called the Auto Sport Academy. Under the leadership of Jean Alesi he will be attending the Dubai training camp session at the end of January 2008 in Dubai alongside fellow rising talents Sebastien Grosjean, Jean-Karl Vernay and Jean-Eric Vergne.
Q Is your father a good coach?
I believe so. Patrick Tambay accompanies me most of the time and his advices are always useful. He is a racing reference. It is fantastic that he manages to pass on his racing experience and knowledge from 114 F1 Grand Prix to me. What more can I ask for, he is the perfect coach?
Q What is your best memory?
I suppose the last race in Hockenheim in 2007. I won from fifth on the grid. To be on the podium in front of a cheering crowds present for the DTM races was a fantastic experience. I won the rookie championship way ahead of the others too. My two wins in the same race weekend paid off and I have been awarded a scholarship which gives me the chance to race in a good team this year with Eifelland Racing.
Q What is your preferred track?
I suppose Hockenheim because I won my first ever race there. So it makes Hockenheim very special. But the most technical track is certainly Zandvoort and I have never driven yet in Spa, Hungary, Silverstone and Valencia. But we will get a chance to learn the tracks this season prior to the races as tests are scheduled.
Q Why is your helmet blue?
I designed my helmet myself even if it is produced by JCB Creation. I used the blue from my fathers helmet. It is very similar and at the same time, very modern.
Q How do you prepare for a race?
I am not superstitious, but I have a few habits: I always get in the car from the right side. I focus on my race and I keep a high profile fitness training programme between the races. I have learned from my father that you need to be a full athlete to being a good driver.
Q What have you learned in 2007?
Almost everything and yet here are so much more to learn... I was the rookie and was listening to the engineers and was eager to translate every data on the track. I had so much to learn to get ready for each race. This year Ill be more relaxed and experienced and will focus on the set-up of the car to improve my driving style and the overall performances.
Date of birth: 25/02/1991
Age: 16
race starts: 22 starts IN FORMULA
Birthplace: PARIS 16eme (France)
Resident: for now Le Cannet (France)
Website: www.tambay27.com
Height: 176cm
Weight: 66kg
Hair: Blond
eye color: Green
Blood Type: A+
Zodiac sign: Poisson
Hobbies: Jogging, cycling, squash, fitness, ski Favourite Sports: same as hobbies
Languages: Italian, French, English
Favourite music: Pop, rock
Favourite singer: James Blunt
Favourite drink: Water, without gaz!
Favourite food: Sushi
Favorite color: Blue (like on my helmet) Who designed your helmet? Myself
Your "Moto" ? Winning in F1 A wish or a dream that you would like to come true? F1, being able to transform my passion into my job.
What do you cherish most? My black 7 years old cocker dog. “Reglisse” I take it very where except at the track and in my car….
What do you do beside racing? Studying of course. Serious studying. I will pass my highschool exam diploma this year in France. For now I passed the first half of the test with 17 points out of 20. A good result. Second half in June. It's getting serious.
Start of racing career: 2001 in kart, french championship, at the age of 10
First racing car: Formula BMW (2007)
First win: karting: 2001(lavelanet) formula: Hockenheim (2007)
Car that you wish to buy: Ferrari F430 scuderia What do you want most in life? Keep up my will to win and win and win Best qualify in life: I never give up
What do you hate most: Be bare feeted in the sand. I just hate this Driver (driving) that you admire most: Lewis Hamilton (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) Driver (not driving) that you admire most: Michael Schumacher, Zanardi, My father Driver (who does not live) that inspires you ? Gilles Villeneuve
Career summary:
Start of racing career: 2001, six years ago 2007 (formula BMW Germany) -Rookie Champion after 9 podiums,2 wins and 2 pole positions...
2006: 3rd World Series of karting in ICA plus poleman of the european championship in ICA.
2005: 3rd European championship West in ICA-Junior
2002: Vice champion of France in Minimes
