On selected Thursdays across Formula 1’s European season, GPUpdate.net shares an insight into the up and coming stars of tomorrow. Now it’s time to learn more about Valtteri Bottas – the next Flying Finn who is Williams F1 reserve driver and leading the GP3 standings ahead of this weekend’s title-deciding races at Monza.
Name Valtteri Bottas
Born 28 August 1989, Nastola, Finland
Age 22
Current series GP3
Team Lotus ART
Career in a nut shell Karting -> Formula Renault 2.0 NEC -> Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup -> Formula 3 Euro Series -> GP3
Did you know? In the 20-year history of Masters of F3, Bottas is the only driver to have won the race twice. Previous winners include David Coulthard, Jos Verstappen, Takuma Sato, Christian Klien, Lewis Hamilton, Paul di Resta and Nico Hülkenberg.
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Two minutes with Valtteri Bottas...
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How did you get interested in racing?
When I was five years old I went randomly with my father to watch go-kart races near where I live. When I saw the karts racing on the track, I was just really impressed and I wanted to try one. When I was six or so I managed to try one and that was it – that was my thing! But, really, no-one from my family had ever raced a go-kart.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
I would say winning the Masters of Formula 3, twice! (At Zandvoort in 2009 and 2010)
Do you have any racing heroes?
When I was a kid I was watching F1 on TV and following Mika Häkkinen closely.
Who excites you most on the current F1 grid?
Nobody in particular! But I hope Heikki (Kovalainen) scores some points.
And finally…tell us something ridiculous about yourself please…
One thing I like to do during the winter in Finland is go in the sauna. Afterwards, we make a hole in a frozen lake and go and swim in it (as per usual in Finland).
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Valtteri Bottas was talking to GPUpdate.net’s Gregory Haines
Twitter: @GregoryHainesF1
GPUpdate’s One 2 Watch will return in 2012
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