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Rossi Heading on the Right Track

DUBAI - His age might be deceiving. At the age of just 18, Alexander Rossi might still be a fun-loving teenager but the American is well on his way to achieve what he loves the most — to be a top Formula One racer.

Joining the Meritus team for the GP2 Asia races, Rossi has gone another step closer to his dream. “That’s been my goal ever since I started racing. I’m happy that I’m getting closer to that,” said Rossi.

Rossi will be racing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with his new team and is confident of doing well. “The team finished second in the previous race. We still have six races left and there are lot of points to be earned and lot of opportunities for us. We definitely have not given up on the championship and I also want to get a race win under my belt.”

About the Yas Marina track, he said: “I’m looking forward to the race. I did the last race event there as well as the preliminary test sessions. The track is a little strange, especially sector three, but the facilities surrounding the track are truly phenomenal and like nothing that I have seen before.

Rossi recently signed with the ART Grand Prix, one of the top junior racing teams in the world, to compete in Europe’s GP3 Series. “I have had a good season. We are in a good position in this championship. We have a brilliant team working for me and Luca (Filippi) and we will look to carry the momentum. He is a great driver. But I am taking one race at a time and I am very optimistic going into the next race.”

After test driving the F1 BMW Sauber car, the 18-year-old has also signed as the back-up driver for the USF1 team. “I would be looking forward for this season and develop myself as a good driver. I have got a good car and I have to really push hard to win since everybody out there is competent. My focus right now is GP2 Asia. What might happen in the future is different, but right now I’m taking one race at the moment.”

Rossi, who won the rookie of the year honours in his European series debut in 2009, after finishing fourth in the International Formula Master Championship, made his debut in the GP2 series in Abu Dhabi in November finishing fourth and fifth in a two-race weekend. Once he completes the GP2 Asia assignment, he will be shifting his focus to the ART Grand Prix team which will begin in March. “I’m going there to win. It’s going to be difficult. But with a bit of luck and a good performance, I’m confident on my abilities and we have a chance to push for a win.”

Being an American driver, Rossi felt that staying in Europe has helped him improve a lot. “In America, the aggression is lot less compared to Europe. There people are more timid, cautious and conservative whereas here they rush for a win and are very aggressive during the races.”

jaiprasad@khaleejtimes.com