Ital-Gala, unfortunately I couldn't get the link to work because for some reason it got shortened.
Here is the actual link (interview in French).
Here is a translation (particularly necessary since the computerised translation into English is so bad it's funny):
A new challenge for Jean AlesiFrenchman Jean Alesi, F1 driver for eleven years (201 races), is going to participate in this season's Le Mans Series. As you know, the old F1 pilot will be steering a Ferrari F430 GT with the AF Corsica team. For this seventh season of Le Mans Series, the tricolour will fly next to Toni Vilander and Giancarlo Fisichella, Scuderia Ferrari reserve driver.
Jean Alesi was kind enough to answer our questions.
LMS: How did the opportunity to participate in the Le Mans Series appear?
JA: Discussions with Team AF Corsican started last year, when I was in the UAE for a Speedcar Series test. Then, Amato Ferrari allowed me to do a test with one of the team's Ferrari. This test was performed at Fiorano last October and it went perfectly. I was really delighted to take the wheel of this car!
LMS: How did you feel taking the wheel of the Ferrari F430?
JA: I was very comfortable, very trusting because the car is easy to drive, it is very well balanced. This test was very conclusive and I enjoyed driving.
LMS: How do you see this new season?
JA: Le Mans Series is a new championship for me, it is therefore going to be necessary me to take new landmarks but I have the chance to develop in Team AF Corsica, a very experienced team! I am surrounded with good champions in this category, I am going to share the steering wheel with my friend Giancarlo, a very good pilot therefore I should fast find my marks!
LMS: What effect does it have on you to start the Le Mans Series on the stage of your 1st GP, and very close to Avignon?
JA: It is a great combination of circumstances! Starting the Le Mans Series in Paul Ricard is a bit of a return to the beginning, and it is a very nice twinkle in my career in F1. And that's true, the circuit of Paul Ricard is not very far from Avignon, I will therefore have friends and fans to support each other!
LMS: Several constructors will be present in GT2, the battle is therefore going to be very gripping. With Ferrari, is the objective to recover Title GT2 from this year?
JA: It is a privilege that to develop within so competitive a structure as Team AF Corsica; naturally, the objective is to take the title in GT2 at the end of season.
LMS: You are going to share the steering wheel with Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander, a trio of shock and a team in future...
JA: Giancarlo is a friend, while we share the car, it is very rewarding because we understand each other very well. Toni Vilander, to be frank, I still do not know very well but he is nice and very accessible. I am sure that we are going to live 3 every an exciting season in Le Mans Series!
LMS: And to finish, Jean Alesi took part in a game of Chinese portrait. Unusual questions and instantaneous answers of a pilot ready to confront one of the most overdemanding disciplines in the world!
If I was:
- a colour: green
- a circuit: Suzuka
- a film: Larry Flint
- a cooked food: lasagna
- an actor: Stallone
- a singer: Madonna
- a work of art: the pictures of Keith Haring because I love Pop Art very much
- a memory of F1: my 1st GP of F1
- a wish for this season LMS on 2010: carry off title GT2 with Team AF Corsica