On December 13, Zhou Guanyu, the "first person in China's F1", officially joined the Alfa Romeo team. Last night, at the Alfa Romeo Art Experience Center in Shanghai, Shanghai media and car fans connected with Zhou Guanyu to look forward to the new journey of the 2022 season. Zhou Guanyu also expressed his short-term goal of debuting in F1 for the first time: "I look forward to getting points in the new season. ”
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Two or three years ago, my friend predicted it
I will be able to join F1 in the future
'I just finished my F2 career yesterday and I'm very happy to finally put on my F1 Alfa Romeo uniform. Zhou Guanyu said to Ye Hongli, a friend and driver who grew up together in Shanghai, "You have always told me, 'You can definitely become an F1 driver', and you said that two or three years ago. How many difficulties Chinese drivers have on the road of racing, how much more they have to pay than others, and there are too many things that need to be abandoned, I believe you also understand. Even if you have the speed and strength, the results may not be ideal. Now that I have finally succeeded, I feel very fortunate and happy to have fulfilled my promise to Chinese car fans. ”
Ye Hongli is 7 years older than Zhou Guanyu and is still a driver of gt3 (sports car series). In the matter of Zhou Guanyu joining the Alfa Romeo F1 Racing Team, Ye Hongli is like a "prophet", not only predicting his entry into F1 two or three years ago, but also suddenly attracted by Alfa Romeo's GTA earlier this year, "Clearing my pocket money, after buying Zhou Guanyu officially announced." Zhou Guanyu, the head of the connection, said with a little regret, "Yesterday I just officially joined Alfa Romeo, and I haven't had time to drive it yet." ”
This year's results are satisfactory
Stay in Europe to train during the winter break
Last weekend in Abu Dhabi, F2 ended the 2021 season, with Zhou Guanyu finishing on the podium as the third place of the year. "The goal this season is drivers of the year, at least to top three and get on the podium. I know the level of F2, how strong the drivers are, how fast the car is, and I'm still very satisfied with the last sprint and finishing in the top three of the year. ”
The 2021 season that has passed, Zhou Guanyu's happiest is the opening match at the beginning of the year, "finally won the first main championship." The 2020 opener (withdrew from the race with a mechanical failure while leading) gave me too much pity, too much to accept, and this game was like a 'chance to start all over again'. Secondly, this race is also very difficult, you rarely see F2 is the end of the hard tire start, but with perseverance I finally won the championship, I am also very proud of it. ”
After Abuza' match, Bottas plunged headlong into the paddock-side pool to celebrate the end of the season. But Zhou Guanyu did not set himself a holiday, and he will stay in Europe to continue training. "To run into the team, to communicate, to have meetings, to adapt to the racing of the heart. At the same time, next season's 23 sub-stops, the physical challenge is also greater, I have to be prepared. ”
"The experience of the test matches over the past few years, especially the first practice session of F1, has helped me a lot. Driving F1 and F2 is very different, but through these few important tests, I have adapted well to the key parts of it. I hope that in the next two days of test driving, you can have a good run-in with the car. Zhou Guanyu said, "I don't want to put a lot of pressure on myself in the new season, but I don't just want to start, I still hope to have a good performance." I want to learn from my experienced teammate Bottas, get closer to him and get points for the team. ”
Pick No. 24 to pay tribute to Bryant
I miss the breakfast in Shanghai the most
Entering F1, the number Zhou Guanyu chose for himself was "24", paying tribute to Kobe Bryant. "Kobe Bryant was my idol since I was a kid, and every time the shoes were his. He's had a big impact on me, especially in recent years through books and stories, to learn what kind of person he is — the NBA is a very talented player, but still very hardworking. Seeing him felt the power, and choosing this number was also to get a sense of strength. As early as the 2020 season, Zhou Guanyu printed the slogan "24 MambaNeverOut" on his F2 car, and he also used a helmet with a purple and gold color, also to pay tribute to Kobe. After Zhou Guanyu chose the No. 24, the three Asian/Asian drivers in next year's F1 race were also connected together - Kakuda Yuki No. 22, Alexander Alban No. 23, Zhou Guanyu No. 24.
Of course, Zhou Guanyu also said another reason for choosing the "24", "My own favorite number is 33 (33 is the number of the active driver Verstappen), 3 plus 3 equals 6, 2 plus 4 is also equal to 6." ”
Can't come back for the New Year, Zhou Guanyu of course also has a homesickness, he said he especially misses the breakfast in Shanghai. "Pot stickers, small dumplings", and in Shanghainese, "big cake fritters", "I like hot pot for dinner, but I don't have time to cook by myself, I will make desserts, the best is apple pie." ”
During the connection, Zhou Guanyu also thanked the Alfa Romeo team again, "I know that Alfa Romeo has always paid attention to the cultivation of young drivers, and Leclerc, who is personally concerned, came out of here, and I am also looking forward to bringing good performances to the team." In the video material before the connection, Alfa Romeo Global CEO Ambato expressed a warm welcome to Zhou Guanyu, "The Alfa Romeo family, I am proud to have you join." ”
It is reported that although there is no Chinese Grand Prix and no home stadium in the 2022 season, the Art Experience Center of Alfa Romeo and stores across the country will provide viewing services to fans. Because of Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo has naturally become the main team of Chinese car fans, and will also form the "Zhou Guanyu Tribe" with car fans to enjoy the speed and passion of F1 sports. At the same time, in order to allow the majority of fans who love Alfa Romeo to experience purity and love up close, two new limited edition models were launched on the spot, The Alfa Romeo Giulia Racing Edition and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Racing Edition were launched.