Questions for Christina Nielsen, Formula Racing

Q: How was your 2015 season?

The season in the Tudor United Sports Car Championship in the US was good. We finished second in the championship, we put in a lot of effort and it would’ve been good to win it.

Q: What did you do during the winter?

Well we won the 12 Hours of Sebring in march.  We spent a lot of time preparing.  As soon as 2015 ended we started preparing for the next season.  There is a lot to do and I am also studying.

Q: What are your expectations from the 2016 ELMS season?

They are high. The team won the championship in 2015, they did a great job.  We’ve got Le Mans on the schedule, which I am super excited about.  There is a lot to learn, I’m aware there is a learning curve for me, I’m looking forward to being behind the wheel racing.

Q: On the 2016 ELMS schedule, which circuit is your favourite?

I did three races in ELMS two years ago, Estoril, Red Bull Ring and Paul Ricard.  Of those Estoril is my favourite, it is an old school race track, like we have in America.

Q: You are racing with an all Danish team that won the 2015 ELMS LMGTE title.  Coming into the 2016 season does this put more pressure on you as a driver?

No not really.  I think I am a good silver driver out there. Team chemistry and having a good relationship with your co-drivers is also a key element to do well and we all know each other.

Q: What has been your best result in motorsport to date? (which discipline, when, what circuit)

12 Hours of Sebring 2016.  Not only did we get the win, we took pole position and fastest lap.  We also won the Tequila Patron Endurance Cup.  It was the perfect weekend.

Q: Your father, Lars-Erik, has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  Is it your ambition to follow in his footsteps?

Of course. My Dad always has tips for me.  I hear more than he thinks - it’s a Father-Daughter thing.

Q: Motorsport is one of the few sports where men and women can compete on equal terms.  How do you feel about being a role model for other women wanting to start a career in motorsport?

I drive because I love to drive.  I think it takes a certain calibre of person to become a driver as a female, it’s not that easy.  There are a lot of challenges but I do hope there are others out there that see me and what I have achieved and think ‘I can do that to’.

Q: What is your life motto?

I have two.  ‘I am proud to be a race driver, not just a female race driver’.  My previous co-driver Allan Simonsen was very inspirational in the sense he was always critical and worked hard.  But in the end if he couldn’t change things he would get the best he could out of it.  It isn’t easy to look that way but it is very inspirational.