You’ve just finished pre-season testing in Valencia, how did that go?
Testing went well. Overall, it’s been a positive test for the team, which together with the data collected from our private test programme, puts us in good stead for the season. The track wasn’t representative of the circuits Formula E races on but we’ve been able to work through our various scenarios and set-ups and feel we’re in a good shape ahead of Hong Kong.
Cast your mind back to January, did you think back then that you would be promoted to a full-time driver at Virgin Racing?
When I joined Virgin Racing as test and reserve driver, it was with the aim of becoming a full-time race driver. But nothing was guaranteed. I hoped that if I did a good job in my duties with the team, particularly on the simulator but also when I had the chance to race in New York, then this kind of opportunity might arise.
Speaking of New York, you became only the second driver to secure pole on their debut, how important was the instant impression you made in helping you get the full-time seat?
It’s difficult for me to say how much it influenced the team’s decision but I am sure that it helped that I could be right on the pace straight away like that.
That race the team secured a double victory, how important was it that you joined a team that has a proven record of winning in Formula E?
I have definitely come to Formula E to win, and as Sam has proven over the past three seasons so far, this is a team that is capable of doing that, and I think there’s potential for it to do even better.
And what is Sam like as a team-mate?
Sam and I know each other really well. When I came out of karting and into Formula Renault, Sam was actually my driver coach, so we already got on well before I joined the team, and that has helped us have a really strong working relationship already. We’re probably fairly similar, and we’ve had really similar paths up to this point, just a few years apart.
What are your aims for this season? I’d imagine beating your team-mate would be high on the radar?
The most important thing is for us both to be scoring as many points as possible so that we can be as high up in the constructors’ championship as we can.
The 2017/2018 FIA Formula E Championship begins in Hong Kong on December 2.