Since his time in the USA, Jules Danilo has found a certain confidence. Qualified 8th, he finished his race on the Circuit of the Americas in 9th position.
With 22 seconds behind the winner, he obviously knows that he still has to work a lot, but the 7 points in his pocket in Austin are welcome, at the moment when the French driver arrives on a circuit that he particularly likes, if only because he finished 12th there last year.
Despite a first day which saw him in 9th position, it is still too early to speak of a breakthrough, but the current progress is indisputable and could well start a positive spiral.
Jules Danilo takes stock of its first two European sessions: “Have a good day, well constructed. We did quite a few laps on worn tires. What is certain is that the Soft did not work this time, because you stay on the angle for a long time and the tire destroys a little more quickly. I feel good, I have a good feeling with the front, and the good thing is that from the start I was comfortable on the bike. This means that the setting we have works everywhere. »
Track temperatures which vary from morning to evening; can this have an influence on the race?
“Actually, it’s not very hot. However, the track heated up well in the sun this afternoon, but I had no problem with the feeling. It was quite similar. I left with a new tire this afternoon, and the grip was good. »
Last year, you had your best result at the start of the season in Jerez. Can this help you this year?
“Um… Actually, I have to do all the shopping a bit like in Austin. I did a good qualification there, and that’s also important here too. It helps a lot at the start of the race. It's stressful the first time, because we've never started in this kind of position, but on the other hand, when we arrive at the first corner, there are half as many bikes in front, and inevitably, there are less risk. I have to work on qualifying and, at the moment, I have a good pace on my own, which is positive. »
