Nicknamed 'The Professor' for his intellectual approach to competition, four-time world champion Alain Prost (AP) is the second most prolific winner in Formula One history. Over his 13-year career, Prost took 51 victories, 33 pole positions, 41 best laps and 106 podiums in 199 races. In 1999, he joined sports heroes Pele and Muhammad Ali in the prestigious list of the World Sports Awards of the Century, achieving the award for the motor sport category.
Within the scope of this role, Prost will attend a selection of races over the year, plus events outside the Formula One calendar, including the World Series by Renault and various other activities.
The legend was in town over the weekend for the 2013 Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix and we spoke to the man himself to find out more.
SGCM: How different is the Formula One now as compared to your active years?
AP: It's always a cycle and things keep changing. In my time, Formula One followed technology improvement all the time and almost every year, there were new stuff. Nowadays, there are technological features like the DRS, adjustable wings, or the way tyres are used. However, there are people who like it and those that don't. The racing side is also closely related to the commercial side, as there is a need to put up a show that combines support and technology.
As for the commercial side, Formula One has seen a huge increase in media exposure, and obviously in the number of races in different countries. It has become a worldwide sport which is important for constructors and sponsors. The only problem is the economical crisis. It is hard to find big sponsors for smaller teams, again it's a cycle, but I hope that things get back to normal situations in future. The impact of Formula One in newer countries is quite enormous and that is good.
SGCM: What advice do you have for the younger generation of drivers?
AP: That's the most difficult question you can ask someone like me. Honestly speaking, there is almost no advice. Perhaps the advice would be to start as young as possible because that's the way it goes at the moment. Most drivers start young with go-kart racing, but only a few make it to Formula One.
It's like work, a job - there's no trick but most importantly, drivers must have the passion and motivation which are the two most important attributes.
SGCM: If there was one driver now that you can pair up with as a teammate, who will it be?
AP: Well, it's a good generation of drivers. If you are talking about personality, maybe guys like Jenson or Mark, also because they are a little bit closer to me in terms of generation. But with regards to skills, there are many good ones out there like Sebastian, Lewis, Fernando, Kimi - all these guys are very good so it can be quite interesting if we team up.
SGCM: There is now a movie called 'Rush' that is based on the story of Niki Lauda and James Hunt. If there is going to be a movie about you, which actor would you like to play your character?
AP: Myself. I would like it to be myself (chuckles). Well, I have no idea really, I did not watch the film (I plan to catch it next week), but I could see that the actors were good looking and resembled the characters quite well, so I think finding one wouldn't be a problem.
