SILVERSTONE // Christian Horner admits being in Formula One is often a 24/7 occupation. So while preparations for this weekend's British Grand Prix are as hectic as ever, they do provide the Red Bull Racing chief with a little respite, including the rare chance to sleep at his home for a change!
Being based 10 minutes away from the Silverstone track also allowed him the chance to catch some of Andy Murray's Wimbledon win over Richard Gasquet on Monday evening. It is Murray's determination and desire he is hoping to see from his own drivers, the Australian Mark Webber and the Scotsman David Coulthard, at Silverstone as they look to continue their solid start to the season. "Mark Webber was down there watching the match so he will know all about it," Horner said. "He is a gutsy Aussie who has been in similar situations himself. In any sport you have to deal with adversity at some stage and sometimes you need that kind of support to get you through.
"The race will help the British drivers. At any home track you get this, just like Fernando Alonso has in Spain. David Coulthard, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will all get the home support this time and it is always special. "In front of a sell-out crowd it can help inspire them. I think it does make a difference and the home crowd can play a part, as Andy Murray found out. "Silverstone is unique, a challenge and a great track that the drivers enjoy. There is only a few racing circuits with high speed tracks; Spa and Suzuka, but Silverstone has not changed a lot and is one of the classic events. We are looking forward to it even more because we are based so close and it is our home GP."
Horner, 34, has been pleased with how they have done in the first half of the campaign. Scoring points in every race since Australia to put the Red Bull team in fourth spot in the constructors' championship, with the highlight being Coulthard's third place finish in last month's Canadian Grand Prix. The youngest team principal in the sport is hoping they continue to be consistent and eventually challenge the bigger teams of Ferrari, McLaren and BMW.
"We have made a good start to the season and the objective is to remain in the top four. This year, everyone has worked very well as a team and we are beginning to see the true potential. "Hopefully this will be a stepping stone to try to challenge the big three. That is a big step, the hardest step, but the foundations are in place and we are going in the right direction. We are an independent team, but I believe we are equipped with the right personnel. To challenge, you need the right people, resources and a lot of funding.
"I feel we have got the right backing in Red Bull, but it takes time to achieve where we want to be. There are some big challenges to come for sure, but BMW have proved it is possible. We are looking to move into that bracket." Red Bull Racing are a small team compared to say Ferrari, but Horner is someone who has always backed the underdog. Being a Coventry City football fan might have played a part as they fought for years to challenge the bigger teams in the English top flight.
Horner loves a battle and that's why he is excited about this season's drivers' championship. As Felipe Massa, Robert Kubica, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton scrap for the title, it takes him back to his favourite era. "I grew up watching Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Ayron Senna slugging it out for the championship in the 1980s," he adds. "It is good to have four drivers who can win the championship. It is similar to the mid-80s and exciting. A competitive championship is what we need.
"I think it shows F1 is in good shape and producing good racing. It is good for the sport and our objective, as a team, is to have drivers in there challenging for the title. "My life has revolved around motorsport in British Formula Three and Two, then F3000, GP2 and F1. I grew up as a driver then a team owner and now a principal for an F1 team. This is a 24/7 activity, but Formula One is a great sport. It is extremely competitive and you are judged every two weeks.
"You are up against some of the biggest companies in the world and there are some clever people involved. But ultimately, it comes down to two hours. What happens in that time defines how successful you are." @Email:akhan@thenational.ae
