Inside line: Fredy Kumschick

Practice gremlins did not prevent Williams ace from claiming big Bahrain win

How did the weekend go for you?

In practice we had problems with the gearbox, the engine and the tyres. But then overnight we worked on the car, and it was really beautiful. For the first four laps I held back, but I adjusted my rollbar and brakes a little bit for the last five laps, and it was quite easy, I have to say. I could see that the others had understeer problems. It was not easy to overtake Hubertus Bahlsen; we had a touch in the last race of 2003, and so I said to myself, ‘Be careful, Fredy’

Is it a good feeling to win a prestigious race?

I’m so happy to do it, and I was not expecting to win after such a bad practice. But after 18 years in historic racing I know how fortunes can turn. The track was lovely in the race: a little bit wet, a little bit of sand, a little bit of a tailwind; I was on the rev-limiter for 200 metres on the straight!

Was it fun to be racing as a grand prix support event for only the second time?

Yes. Once a year, it should be done, no question. But I like normal events more.

And winning at the Bahrain GP must be good for Saudia Airlines…

I think so! But they don’t do anything for us, they keep a distance.

Are you confident of a good season now? Yes, but John Wilson in the Tyrrell is really quick and he will be bock. And some of the others had problems as well… AC