Sphinx
Staff Emeritus
- 6,724
- England
- GTP_Sphinx
:: GT Academy Boot Camp - Driver Comments ::
Robert, Austria
“To be honest, I am feeling good. It is not a problem. I have learnt a lot about driving a fast car. It is the first time I have done anything like this and it was very, very nice to learn how to brake into corners and things. It is very impressive. Even if I am not in the last eight this has been a great prize. I still get to drive the GT-R. That is a big dream.”
Christian, Germany
“I’m a little disappointed. I came with no experience. I started karting just two weeks ago when I suddenly thought I should try and do some preparation! That was in a six horsepower kart rather than the 20 horsepower ones we were racing! I think I did a good job on some of the laps in the car, but I was just not consistent enough. The instructors weren’t happy with my skills. I am still looking forward to the next three days. No pressure and no more interviews!”
Roberto, Spain
“I am disappointed to go out in the first round, but I knew it was going to happen. I made some mistakes on some of my timed laps. This is still a great experience and I am very happy to come here and enjoy myself driving some amazing cars. There are some very fast guys left in and I wish them all good luck.”
Marco, Spain
“I am very happy, but I know I am in store for a tough day tomorrow but I’ll do my best. The two days driving have been incredible. The GT-R has so much power. I am not used to this cold weather so that is a bit tough. I am learning so much from the instructors and now I am looking forward to putting it into practice over the next few days. I will stay 100% concentrated. This is my dream and I’ll do all I can to get it.”
Marko, Finland
“I feel OK, to be honest. This is still a great experience. Of course I’m disappointed but we still have some great things ahead of us. Driving the GT-R was the highlight for me. From here I’ll definitely go back to playing my PlayStation. I would like to do more real driving as well if I can.”
Jeroen, Netherlands
“I am feeling very happy indeed. I had a feeling I might get through. The first four guys seemed a definite. I am maybe not as close right now, but I have the feeling that my times are getting closer and closer. The toughest was the endurance karting. Very hard and very fast karts. Once hour’s driving was hard work.
I have really enjoyed the cars. The acceleration of the GT-R is amazing. It was a shame it was wet. The drifting in the 370Z was the most fun. You really do feel the weight of the car, which I guess is one difference from gaming. It is a huge experience. I wanted to start slowly but make sure I am on the right learning curve and I think I am doing that.”
Luca, Italy
“I am so happy. It went very well today. I have been working hard since I was here last year. I am a little better physically than I was last year, but I still know it is going to be a tough day tomorrow with some physical activities. Things are good and I hope to keep going well. Some of the guys who weren’t here last year are certainly getting better all the time.”
Giacomo, Italy
“I was thinking I would get through as I had performed well over the last two days. I’m very happy. But thinking about tomorrow I am a little scared as I heard it’s going to be very tough!”
Steffen, Germany
“I think to be eliminated is what I expected. There are many very good drivers here and the lap times are fast. I have improved since 2008. I think if I can make it a third time maybe I’ll finally do better! This experience has been very different. We have learnt some new stuff and driving in the wet has been a challenge.”
Jordan, France
“I know that I am going to need a very good day tomorrow to be in the last four. I’ll give it all and I am confident my fitness is good. The whole thing has been really good. I have learned a lot. Driving the 370Z with an instructor I have learned so much and I was getting faster each time. I have to think about all that I have learned today and apply it tomorrow.”
Tony, New Zealand
“It has been good and we still get to drive so I am happy with the experience. I knew some of the lap times and that the competition was really tough. So when they were announcing the last eight I wasn’t expecting to go through but I was hoping. It has been a good experience, especially meeting all these people and the drivers.”
John, UK
“It is going to be hard going back to work next week. I have had a good time and don’t feel too bad. I think the karting took it out of me and it was hard to stay concentrated. I have definitely learnt a lot and had good fun. Maybe I tried to change too much in one go on some of my laps and I got it wrong and gave a bad impression to the judges.”
Daniel, Ireland
"It was extremely tense waiting to see if I got through. I have learnt so much from the judge's who have been fantastic to me. You see them on the TV and feel they would be hard to talk to, but they have been tremendous and I hope to keep learning and improving."
Filipe, Portugal
“I thought I would be first or second place overall, so I wasn’t too surprised when I heard my name read out first. I’m going to call my wife and tell her how I went! I’m expecting tomorrow to be a hard day; I think there will be a lot of fitness and running, but I have been preparing myself for this for the last 2 weeks.”
Oliver, Switzerland
“I was quite surprised to hear my name read out as no one really knew what was going to happen. It’s great, I am so happy. I think it was my driving technique that got me through. Sabine and Johnny told me I have been improving each time and I need to continue that. I loved driving the Nissan GT-R cars – it was fun fun fun!”
Daniel, Australia
"I'm pretty devastated. My speed was really good and getting the car to work well under the braking. I made a giant mistake by not turning up for the media interviews. I am disappointed in myself and in going out but I really hope to have this chance again in the future where you will see an even faster Daniel Holland.”
