Jean Eric Vergne wants to score as many points as possible

The Frenchman looks back on his first half of the season: « I had a good first half of the season. There were some positive points and some negative ones. The negative is that we had too many retirements. The positive is that every time I retired, I was always in a position to score points. So that’s a good thing, you know. I think we could have scored a lot more points, but we still have the second half of the season to get the maximum points. So I am very confident, also that the team can give me a more reliable and even faster car, » he tells GPUpdate.

Your strong point at the start of this season: « I think the last race in Budapest was very good. I really enjoyed running at the front of the race with other guys. It’s a pleasant feeling and it makes me want to repeat those moments in the second part of the season. »

He goes back to the comparison between Toro Rosso and Red Bull, apparently closer this year: « The gap is still significant. They have a very good car and what they do is really impressive. But we are not very far behind. We are getting closer. We need a little more performance to claim that we are on the same level. »

About his teammate Daniil Kvyat, he simply says: « Everything is going well, there’s nothing special. He’s a fast driver and he’s been doing a good job so far. So, it’s good for the team. » he says.

Then he mentions the main goal for the rest of the season: « Continue to work as we are doing, moving in the same direction and scoring as many points as possible. »

The driver develops his point of view on a possible return of the French Grand Prix: « I would like it to happen. It would be great. There are 3 French drivers in Formula 1 so it would be wonderful. France has a rich history in motorsports. I think everyone would like F1 to come back. »

Asked about the strange absence of France while the Azerbaijan GP will soon appear on the F1 calendar, he explains: « No, it’s not strange. We know that these countries pay a lot of money to host F1, and France is not what it used to be. It’s a country that is no longer as wealthy as before. We have a different policy. I don’t really know much about it. All I hope is that France will return to the F1 calendar. I don’t care where. As long as it’s in France, I’m happy. »

The Toro Rosso driver talks about the popularity of F1 in France: « I think it has decreased a little. But if the French Grand Prix returns, I believe its popularity would grow again. We have 3 French drivers and an engine manufacturer who has won many titles over the past few years, the potential is definitely there. »

When asked if he thinks about his future in F1, possibly in an Austrian-liveried car, he concludes:

« No, not really. I’m really focused on this year. And I believe that the best will come if I continue to deliver good performances. It would be a dream to be in a Red Bull. It would be great to fight for victories and so on, I would love it. »