Confirmed, Enrique Bernoldi celebrates: 'It's an honor to be able to defend Flamengo'
rafael lopez Rio de Janeiro
Globoesporte.com
Bernoldi will be Flamengo's driver in 2009
After being confirmed as Flamengo's driver for the 2009 Formula Superliga season, Enrique Bernoldi was thrilled at the prospect of representing the club with the largest fan base in the country. In an interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone from Florianópolis, he also celebrated his return to Formula One racing, a sport he hadn't raced since last year's accident at the Chicagoland circuit during a Formula Indy race, where he injured his hand.
"Representing Flamengo's colors is a different experience. In motorsports, you usually race for yourself. But this time, I'll be representing Flamengo, which has the largest fan base, with 35 million fans. And they're the most passionate in Brazil. It's an honor to be able to represent Flamengo. I've been away from single-seaters for nine months because of the injury I had. But I've always been more of a formula car driver than a touring car driver. I hope that on Sunday, the fans can experience a triple joy: victory on the field, against Fluminense; on the court, with the basketball title; and in France, with me. I'll give it my all," says Bernoldi.
The Paraná native leaves for France on Tuesday night and is expected to arrive in Magny-Cours, the site of the first round of the category, on Thursday. He says he's prepared to handle the fans' demands for victories.
"It's an experience I'm enjoying right now. As a driver, I've wanted to race in the Superleague since last year, to return to formula cars. It's an important championship with significant representation. Last year, I raced in IndyCar, and in 2009, I raced in Stock Car for the first time. I know the fans are demanding, and that's an added motivation. I'll have much more support than if I raced for an English team, for example. But since the season is short, with only six races, I have to go all out and fight for victories. I hope I can please the fans."
When he returns to Brazil, Bernoldi is already thinking about attending a Flamengo game at Maracanã. Since the contract signing took place on Monday, the Paraná native hasn't yet spoken with the club's board, but he's excited to see Adriano on the field.
"It would be a pleasure to watch a Flamengo game at Maracanã. I'm waiting for an invitation from the club, but everything was decided at the last minute. At noon yesterday (Monday), I didn't know where I was going. At 12:30, I was hired. I've never been to Maracanã, but it will be a thrill to see Mengão play and Adriano on the field."