"… building on the winning spirit."

In 1988 in Monza Gerhard Berger won one of his most emotional races. Twenty years later, ‘his’ Scuderia Toro Rosso celebrated its first victory. In an interview the 49-year-old Austrian talks about the future of Sebastian Vettel, his own plans for 2009 and the fight for the Toro Rosso cockpit.

A perspective from an armchair psychologist’s: During the season the thought of why you deal with the whole stress of Formula 1 instead of sitting in a cafe in Monte Carlo or doing something fun with your daughters ran through your mind a few times. And in Monza it became clear again as to why: ‘Exactly for this reason. To experience days like today.’

Wrong. Of course you sometimes question the meaning of things when the pressure is really on. But the bottom line is always the same: the fun and passion my job brings are greater than all the problems put together.

What were you feeling when Sebastian crossed the finish line first?

It wasn’t the first time I’ve experienced something like that. But that Toro Rosso was able to win a GP so early on, I didn’t expect. And also, that it happened in Monza with its particular flair, made everything more wonderful.

What is Sebastian Vettel more capable of than other 21-year-olds before him?

Winning races. He’s fast and is very mature for his age. In theory we already knew that, but now he’s been able to deliver the corresponding results.

Is it only fun to watch him race – or is it also fun to go for a beer with him?

With Sebastian it’s definitely about the whole package. He’s not only a great racing driver but he’s an amazing person as well.

Apparently he’s good at imitating voices. Can he do you, too?

I’ve heard that he can. But I’ve never had the honor of experiencing it.

‘Sebastian looks 15 and thinks like a 30-year-old,’ you said once. Exactly the opposite of what people say about you ...

They do? I don’t know. When you talk to Sebastian you notice that he’s much more advanced than others his age.

What sort of feeling do you have as a master letting his apprentice go to another business?

He’s just moving within the family. For Toro Rosso of course it’s a great loss, that’s clear. But this way we can give back a little of the manifold support we’ve received from Red Bull.

Right now there’s a flurry of rumors flying around about who’s going to get Sebastian’s cockpit. Being considered for a Scuderia Toro Rosso seat is Sébastien Buemi from Red Bull Junior Team, for example.

A very good driver. The question is who would fit well with him. We are hoping for a team made up of a young and an experienced driver.

Sébastien Bourdais ...?

... recently drove three good races. But he sometimes makes unnecessary mistakes. He hasn’t quite convinced us yet.

You say the following about your team: ‘For the last two years we’ve been fighting to get rid of the former Minardi way of thinking and bringing in the winning spirit. What philosophy will Toro Rosso begin 2009 with?

We want to keep hold of the winning spirit and build on it.