Life in the fast lane

TRW’s WTCC Safety Car (SC) driver is Portuguese professional, Bruno Correia, 33.  Prior to a crash involving the safety car in Pau in 2008, the SC was driven by locals, often policemen.

Q: How did you get the job?
A: The FIA’s WTCC race director, Eduardo Freitas, saw me racing in Portugal. I was invited to test for the position, passed and was appointed the permanent driver in 2009.

Q: What model is the SC?
A: We change the make and model every race. In Valencia, we used a Maserati Gran Turismo S, in TRW red, of course! Its powerful V8 Engine does around 450 bhp (similar to the Ferrari F430).

Q:  What do you do in-between the races?
A: The schedule for race weekends leaves me with very little free time as I also man the SC at support races.

Q: As a professional racing driver, do you compete during the WTCC season?
A: I am very focussed on the WTCC as my position carries a lot of responsibility. Occasionally, I take part in some endurance and kart races in Portugal.

Q: How do you prepare for each WTCC race?
A: I keep very fit through sport. I also act as a coach and driving instructor for certain manufacturers.

Q: During a race, are you in the vehicle at all times?
A: Yes, I am; from start to finish.

Q: Is the positioning of the SC dependent on the track?
A: Yes, it depends on whether the track is a ‘street’ or ‘normal’ circuit. But, usually we have two stand-by positions; one on the track and the other at the exit to the pit. For the first lap, I am positioned on the track and then the car moves to the pit exit.

Q. How often does the SC get called?  
A. This year, just once each race. In a support race (the Auto GP Series) the SC intervened twice. As a sprint race, with an average of 12 laps per race, it’s important that the SC’s time on the track is short in case it influences or interferes with the race.

Q: How many people make up the SC team?
A: There is a big, dedicated team, responsible for the car. We also use a local observer, who helps me with the communications and the local race marshal association.

Q: What safety checks does the SC undergo before a race?
A: We use brand new cars that have been checked by the VM. I then do some laps of the track to check the safety equipment, brakes, tyres and engine performance.

Q: Which race do you think was the most exciting this year?
A: The race in Hungary surprised us all. The race track was excellent and saw some fantastic racing. The weather kept changing and I was very busy! Attendance was huge with many people turning up to support local hero Norbert Michelisz, Hungarian BMW WTCC driver.