OK, sorry it’s a bit later than promised, but it’s definitely worth waiting for. Here’s our exclusive interview with Virgin Racing’s Lucas di Grassi in full! The Brazilian Formula One driver gives his views on the favourite for the F1 Drivers’ Championship, what it’s like to drive against Michael Schumacher and his targets for the season. Enjoy!

How was it growing up in Sao Paulo, wanting to be an F1 driver – a country with such an F1 heritage?

The passion of the Brazilians and their love for F1 started with Emmerson, and of course we have Piquet, Senna, we’ve done very well in the sport and the country became fanatical. I didn’t race because of the heritage, I raced, because I loved to race, I had fun and I enjoyed to race, like I still do today.

How did it feel for you achieving the first finish for Virgin Racing?

It felt like a major achievement, and the first step into the real world of Formula One. Managing to bring the car home with only a small tank made me, and the team so much more motivated. It showed that we were capable of solving problems quickly, and was a real boost for the Virgin Racing team.

Where do you expect to be in 2011?

There’s still too much to sort out this year to think about 2011. We’re focusing on this year for now.

…Who will win the Drivers’ Championship this year?

The Red Bull car is so superior to everyone else, look at qualifying. Red Bull should have won double the races they have done already. Red Bull will win, but it will be a fight between the drivers. Vettel overall is more consistent, but Mark has done very well.

How was it making the transition from GP2 to Formula 1?

It was much tougher than I imagined, so much more to do, working with the teams, keeping physically fit, developing the cars. I’ve had very little time for myself, but it really has paid off, the team have received me quite well.

What do you think about the new Silverstone track?

I haven’t been to the track, I’ve only seen pictures, but I’ve heard very good things. It’s a very good track, and now should be even faster, the changes are in the right direction…

What have been the highlights of this season so far for you, even though it’s been a tough one?

Fighting with Alonso at Monaco, racing with Schumacher, finishing the first race for Virgin Racing.

And how does it feel to race with Michael?

Michael won his first Formula One title when I was starting to go kart racing back in 1994, so I never imagined I would be racing with him. It’s an honour to be racing with him and to be on the same grid. He was always the man to beat and is still a top driver.

Richard Branson said he’d be an air hostess on an Air Asia flight if Lotus beat Virgin. Do you think he’ll do it?

We will beat Lotus this season. Kovalainen did reach 13th, but we have also reached 14th. We can beat Lotus this season.

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