He has since competed in the Formula Renault World Series 2013, considered as a springboard to Formula One. He will be the main attraction in the Manila Speedshow this weekend, where he will showcase a Lotus F1 race car.
In an interview with Karen Davila on ANC’s “Headstart’ Thursday, Stockinger noted that he is not following anyone’s footsteps in his quest to make it to Formula One.
“The Philippines has not really gone this far in terms of racing in Europe,” Stockinger said. “It’s the first time that we’re doing this, and there’s really no blueprint.”
“I don’t have anyone in racing history to look up to in the Philippines, and ask them, ‘How do you do it?’” he added.
Stockinger said he is “just trying to figure it out,” but hopes his experience will make it easier for future Filipino drivers to make it to the big leagues.
“Hopefully, with the next generation of race drivers coming from the Philippines, I can share my experience with them and make it easier,” he said.
Stockinger, who started racing with his father in the Carmona racetrack in Cavite, stressed that talent can only get a driver so far in the racing world.
“Talent can only get you to a certain point. The person who has less talent but works harder will in the end be more successful,” he said.
The Fil-Swiss racer hopes to inspire more Filipinos to take up racing when he shows off a Lotus Formula One race car in the Manila Speedshow this weekend.
“It’s basically a demonstration. I will be driving an Formula One car around the streets of Manila,” he said.
“This road show is to give back to the Filipinos and the people who have been supporting me, and to show the connection between a Filipino driver and the Formula One, and the fact that we can actually get there,” Stockinger added.
The Manila Speedshow will take place on May 3-5 at the Quirino Grandstand and the AM Mall of Asia Arena. It will be attended by Lotus team principal Eric Bouillier.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
