The Class-1 season countinues with Pal Virik Nilsen racing in both the Australian Superboat and World Championship series. Here is some questions we asked Pal before the upcoming races in june.
Q: Three races into the 2011 season. What is you feelings so far?
PVN: After the first WC and Australian race i have mixed feelings but mainly good ones. In Abu Dhabi with Chris Parsonage racing we did not have the propper time to be prepared enought. But i think we did as good as we could because the course did not suit our setup and Giorgio and myself need some time to get confident together. But we will be there soon. Maybe already in Arendal you will see us up among the top places. In Australia we had great expectations but sadly we crashed out. The positive thing is that the boat felt very good. But it was maybe to much with 3,5 – 4 meter swells offshore.
Q: How is it to race for two Class-1 teams at the same time?
PVN: Its great. I feel privileged to have the chance. I thought the WC was out of my reach this season also, so i am glad the ofer came just befor season opener from Chris and Giorgio.
Q: You been with Tom (Barry-Cotter) for many years now. How is your relationship?
PVN: We have always a laught and a great time together outside the boat. But we are really proffesional at the same time. Two young guys living our dreams and enjoying every second of it. I think we have a great future in front of us and i really believe we will fight for the World Championship title soon. Already in 2012. Tom is a born talent and i am lucky to throttle for him. We have now approx 50 races together so we know eachother very well. I also love the whole Maritimo team and they give my so much joy and pride.
Q: And your WC driver Giorgio Manuzzi?
PVN: I like Giorgio very much, he is a funny and nice guy with a really passion for motorsport. Now and then its a little challenge with the language but we sort it out and use a translator sometimes. I am sure we will progress during the WC season together.
Q: I guess you have many hours on flights during the season. How do you deal with it?
PVN: No problem at all. I am use to it now and its actually nice to be on the same flight 15 hours with no phone, no computer, nothing at all.
Just a good book and some movies. Its a valuable relaxing time in fact. Now i like the long flights more than the short ones.
Q: How many hours do you use to get to Australia?
PVN: Depends on where in Australia the race is but in average i use around 36 hours from i leave home until i meet the team down there.
Q: What do you think of the remaining season?
PVN: I think it will be better. I know we are among the best in Australia and we have two races there in June-July. Now we just need some points to get back in the championship. In the WC Arendal is up next and that is a race i always look forward to off course. We will have better equipment there so i hope for a better result. Last time i got a second place and Giorgio third so our ambitions can`t be low.