Name: Florian Denard
Age: 19
Location: Lavignolle de Salles, France
V-WTCC Car: BMW 320si E90
V-WTCC Achievement: Winner of the BMW Brand Cup Race at Valencia
 

You won a Brand Cup event. Tell us your story of the races.
First of all, let me say how incredible it was that I won the BMW Cup. I had not expected this to happen at all. I managed to qualify on the third spot on the grid, right behind Mattieu [Prevot – ed.] and David [Greco – ed.], using Bram [Hengeveld – ed.]’s setup. I was satisfied. I had an unusually good start and managed to grab second position. Throughout the race I managed to increase the gap behind me while chasing David for the win. In the last few laps he seemed to have some difficulties with his tyres and I could close in on him and eventually overtake him. This happened in turn 11, with only a few hundreds of meter to go to the finish. It was incredible!
In race 2 I had to start from 8th position. I decided to take it easy on the first few laps, but managed to win some positions nonetheless and climbed up to 5th. It was incredibly close, with the top 5 within just 1.5 seconds. I the lastlap I managed to walk away with 3rd after David and Markus [Kononen – ed.] hit each other. I cannot describe how happy I
was with this result!
Thanks to the drivers for a high level performance and all the fair-play and thanks to the V-WTCC Team for the organisation.

How did you prepare for the races?
To practise I drive in a ‘Free Practise’ sessions all the time with a full tank, so I can simulate racing conditions of
the races as best as possible. How long I practise really depends on how much I like the track with the given car.

How did you become a simracer?
I started playing virtual simulation games when I was 15 years old. I played GTR with a cheap steering wheel, which I
later swapped for the Logitech G25. Online I started at OtauGames.com and drove in their league OtauGames On-Line a bit
later. Recently I became the new president there.

Are you a real racer as well?
I'm not a real racer and this is not in my plans to become one.

What are your expectations for the Semi-Finals in Valencia?
Given that the BMW is the best car among the 4 available in Valencia, my goal is to finish in the top 3. I’ll give it all
I can and hope to have fun, as usual!

Do you have any tips for new drivers?
There is no secret. Training and patience are the keys to success!

Who will win the V-WTCC 2008?
I think, having driven against him many times already, Mathieu Prévot [fastest driver in the V-WTCC Ranking of Valencia – ed.] is the best placed driver to win the V-WTCC if he manages to get a ticket for the Grand Final. Then again, anything is possible…