EXCLUSIVE // CTD TALKS TO FINLAND'S NEXT STAR: AARO VAINIO

With Kimi Raikkonen stepping away from single seater competition this year, Finland has another potential "Superstar" in waiting. In an exclusive interview with ColdTrackDays, 16 year old 2009 FIA CIK European SKF Karting Champion, Aaro Vainio, reveals his thoughts on his transition to Formula Renault for 2010.

The Finnish youngster, who last season placed 2nd at the World Championships in Macau in only his first year at karting's highest level, is set to make his car racing debut in the 2010 Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup. Vainio, who along with the likes of Felipe Massa, is managed by Nicolas Todt (son of FIA President, Jean) is gearing up for his first season out of karts, after signing with SG Formula, who were co-champions in the 2009 Eurocup... [read more]

Stéphane Guérin, SG Formula's team-manager has already been hugely impressed with the talented Finn during winter testing, "He did his first test laps for us at Nogaro before we then went on to Portimao in Portugal. This circuit is, in my opinion, a fine judge of the abilities of a young driver. In this short time, Aaro has already demonstrated his human qualities. He appears to be well-equipped with the necessary mental and physical qualities. We haven’t been easy on him in terms of miles covered since he arrived but we have been mightily impressed."

In our exclusive with the fresh faced youngster our first question was:

CTD -- Will you miss the extreme competiveness of high level karting?

AV -- " For me leaving karting is a big thing and with all that I have achieved in the last 12years, it's bit sad. I think that I will miss it a bit, but I know that these are the steps that I have to take to reach my goal."

CTD -- Having tested the Formula Renault 2.0 recently how will your driving style have to alter/change?

AV -- "Driving between Formula Renault 2.0 and karting is totally different. In formulas you have to drive by using the brakes in the right way but
in karting you can drive more with just the steering. So in formulas you have to think about mass transfer and lateral grip."

CTD -- What do you rate as your biggest challenge for 2010 and why?

AV -- "This year I think it will be to get used to the car's behaviour in the races, and how that can change over the course of what will be a much longer distance. Generally to gain experience of formula driving for my future career."

CTD -- Do you think you can mount a challenge for race wins immediately?

AV -- " I think it's not realistic to speak about race wins in the first part of the season. Of course I will do my best to win but it will be really hard in the beginning, but still my goal is to win my first races of the season.

CTD -- Were you ever tempted to try rallying, as you come from Finland?

AV -- "I have always been interested in rallying, and it has been almost as big a passion for me as Formula One. Going side ways is what I like
maybe the most. It was one of my biggest pleasures in karting when it was wet and slippery. I really like rallying alot!"

CTD -- Will you still drive Karts at all anywhere this year?

AV -- "I don't think so but of course it would be fun and good for training physically.

CTD -- Who were your motorsport idols/heroes when you were younger?

AV -- "To come from Finland it's big honour for me to be involved in motorsport and it's hard to say who is my main idol. But for sure names like Räikkönen, Häkkinen, Vatanen, Alen, and Kankkunen.........are big names for me!"


Our good friend Aaro kicks off his debut season in the first round of the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup at Motorland Aragón (Spain): 17 – 18 April, 2010

CTD will be following the career of this talented Finn very closely over the course of the next few seasons and if funds allow we may well place a small wager with our local bookmaker on the possible identity of the next Finnish F1 Title contender! Watch this space.


Editorial/Interview: Neil Tozer
Images courtesy of Aaro Vainio