Alexandra Van De Velde going for a podium in her sole race of the year Alexandra Van De Velde will be at the wheel of a Ferrari. The Wetteren based driver will be climbing aboard the Italian thoroughbred entered by Francorchamps Motors. Together with her former Daikin Racing team mate Vanina Ickx she will be reinforcing the regular drivers of the F430 GT3, namely Frederic Bouvy and Damien Coens. What does Van De Velde expect from her return to the Belgian GT Championship? "A podium place should definitely be a possibility, as long as we're spared any problems. Last week I visited Francorchamps Motors and was able to see for myself that everything is being done to ensure that a perfectly prepared car will be ready for the 4 drivers. "
"Nothing has been left to chance. As with any 24 hours race it will be important that the drivers try not to overtax the car during the race, and spend the minimum amount of time in the pits. I'm fully convinced that with this team and quartet we should be successful. One thing is for sure, we're all super motivated!" a smiling Van De Velde told us.
 Regarding the choice of car she added the following comment: "Ferrari... a name that everyone dreams about. For me the Ferrari will be a great car in which to compete in the 24 Hours of Zolder, and I have also been told that it is reasonably easy to handle. The Francorchamps Motors Ferrari is reliable, as was proven during the recent Total 24 Hours of Spa. This does rather give one the necessary trust and faith for this upcoming race. I'm looking forward to Wednesday and driving my first few laps with this mouth watering car."
 For Van De Velde this is in fact an exceptional race, because after several seasons in the Belcar series she decided to watch from the sideline in 2008: "This will be a highly special race for me as it will be my sole race of the year. I'm therefore truly happy that I'll be able to compete in this race under perfect conditions: a super team, super car and super drivers, a great number of friends, family and supporters who will be following the race from the Daikin-hospitality suite! To put it briefly, I'm looking forward to this enormously, I'm going to give it my all and I'm definitely going to enjoy every moment."
One last question: might we expect to see Alexandra back again for a full season in 2009? "Perhaps"... the young woman comments, playing for time.
Pictures: Martijn Wouters
 VZW 24u.be - Gordon McKay on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 19:30. | 
