Exclusive: “Charles Pic is highly sought after,” according to Olivier Panis
Since the beginning of the season, Olivier Panis has been back at the Grand Prix as a technical advisor to Charles Pic. The Grenoble native, who retired in 2006, is sharing his Formula 1 experience with the young Frenchman. He talks to Motorsinside.com about his protégé's first season and his prospects for 2013.
So, Charles Pic at Caterham in 2013, is it confirmed?
Olivier Panis: « It’s very flattering, but it’s still a rumor. We can’t stop them from circulating. For now, Charles is still with Marussia. It’s my job with Didier Cotton (who notably managed Mika Häkkinen and is now part of Lewis Hamilton’s management team, ed.) to discuss with other teams. Caterham is a possibility, but nothing is set in stone. »
Where do the negotiations stand?
« We are in contact with several teams. Charles is having a very good season. He has built a strong reputation in the field and is currently in high demand. But Marussia could also be an opportunity for 2013. »
We hear that it’s not always easy with Timo Glock, his teammate. Is there tension in the Marussia garage?
These are just driver stories. It happens all the time. There’s nothing shocking, I’ve experienced it too when I was a driver (smile). Glock has a big reputation in the paddock. He’s stood on podiums and he has experience. It’s not always pleasing to see a young one in front of you. But they work smartly together to improve the car.
Charles is often described as someone quite shy. What is he like on a daily basis?
« He is someone very natural, very cool. And behind the wheel, he’s quite a skilled driver with a lot of talent. He is very pleasant to live with. »
What assessment do you make of Charles’s first season at the highest level?
I’m satisfied. He intelligently built his season. For the first three Grand Prix races, I told him, “you need to finish” (which he did by finishing 15th in Australia and then twice 20th in Malaysia and China, ed.). After that, he warmed up. Today, he is well-positioned within his team and in the world of Formula 1 in general.
You are the last French Grand Prix winner, in Monaco in 1996. Do you think Charles, Jean-Eric, or Romain have their chances?
« That’s all I wish for all three of them (smile). For the moment, it’s Romain who has the best car. So he’s the one with the best chances. Winning could actually do him some good. »
