Scuderia Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz Jnr, are looking forward to visiting Mexico once again, a venue where the fans come out in their thousands and are really passionate about F1, which both feel makes the weekend all the more special.
In 2015, Kvyat finished just off the podium in fourth place whilst driving for Red Bull Racing, and would have loved to have made it onto those steps to soak up the atmosphere from the crazy crowds.
“I’m looking forward to Mexico, I like it over there!
“I remember there were so many fans that attended the race last year, it was crazy! I was a bit disappointed not to be on the podium, because I heard it was mega!”
The boys are both fans of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track, which they feel has been put together well, especially the stadium section. Sainz Jnr particularly enjoyed the driver’s parade through there last year.
“It’s an interesting one! I think the layout is really well thought about, especially for the fans, as there are three areas with stadiums where it’s very impressive to drive through and see so many people surrounding a corner!
“I also have very good memories of the Drivers’ Parade, the amount of people there was incredible!”
Kvyat agreed that the stadium section was brilliant for really feeling the buzz from the throngs of people crammed into the venue, something he really relished.
“Oh yeah, I felt like a rock star during the Drivers’ Parade!”
The Mexican fans play a big part in the Mexican Grand Prix experience, showing great support for all the drivers, which really makes the difference and is something that Sainz Jnr applauds.
“Also because the Mexican fans are so loud, they shout so much, it makes you feel good!
“I’d say that, after Japan, the Mexican fans are also up there at the top of the list!
The Spaniard would however like to make a few changes to the current layout of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track, though pointed out that there are also some great sections to tackle.
“I’d prefer more high-speed corners, but there’s still quite a few chicanes and changes of direction which are interesting.”
Team-mate Kvyat also pointed out the long straight, which could well be a problem for the Faenza based squad’s STR11, which is down on power with its 2015 specification Scuderia Ferrari engine, compared to its rivals.
Food always plays a big part in the F1 experience for drivers when they visit a new location, and whilst Sainz Jnr likes the spicy Mexican food, Kvyat is not as enamoured. He does however love the cool vibe of Mexico City.
“I’m not the biggest fan of spicy food, so I always stick to normal food there. I have to say that the city is enormous and quite crazy, with loads of traffic at any time of day. It’s a cool city…”
The circuit also situated in the perfect setting, which Sainz Jnr sees as a real bonus.
“And the track is literally inside the city, something I also like.”
Having had a strong outing at the last round in Austin, when Sainz Jnr finished in a fantastic sixth place, a result that was a big surprise to all at the Faenza based squad, Toro Rosso will be hoping to replicate that improved performance in Mexico this weekend.
