Anthony Davidson remains optimistic about a return to Formula One racing next season, saying that he is receiving interest from teams looking for race drivers as well as testers.
As anyone listening to the BBC coverage will have heard, Davidson was back in his role as a race summarizer in Valencia this weekend – a role that wins him plaudits, but in which his fans don’t want to see him get too settled.
This gave Autosport.com a chance to track down the British former Super Aguri driver, and to get the low-down about his future plans.
When asked about his current activities, he said: “It has been good for me to reflect on what happened at the beginning of the year.
“I feel I can hold my head high with the job I did in F1 and I see this from people I am speaking to in F1 – that I am respected as a race driver and test driver now, rather than just a test driver as it was before the Super Aguri experience.
“So I feel full of energy for next year no matter what I do, and I think it is going to be an important next chapter in my career as a driver. I am excited about it.”
He confirmed that Honda is one of the teams he is talking to. And, when asked what the future could hold, he added: “You live race by race in this world, so it has been good to come to a new circuit and check out the scene — walk the track and study the onboard footage as well, listen to drivers’ comments and teams’ comments.
“It has been good and I have seen a few people, lots of friendly faces in the paddock and I feel respected here.
“I do feel optimistic. I feel positive. I am a free agent. Some people could get put off like that, but I am treating it like this is the next big thing to happen in my career.”
Here at Brits on Pole we wish him every success – after Super Aguri folded and David Coulthard announced his retirement, the number of British drivers on the starting grid has been halved.
So we’d definitely like to see Davidson with a drive and Button flourishing at Honda next year.
Read the full interview here >>