It’s exciting to be racing again and to have the first round under my belt. Newcastle wasn’t a perfect weekend, but it looks like we’ve started the season well.
I certainly felt good after the win in Adelaide last year and after getting on a good run after qualifying P2 at the Bathurst 12 Hours, and then we went into the first race.
I feel like I’ve taken a step forward in the last few months, and I think that’s because of experience. Obviously, I feel better prepared than last year just because of the experience I have. I feel more prepared for it.
I feel refreshed too. After Adelaide I flew to Austria to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre. It was basically training all week, but the best part is the people I met and the level at which they operate. We are sitting having lunch with world champions from different sports and listening to stories from different people. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh my god, drive cars, that’s crazy!’ Meanwhile they are doing three backflips on a bike or kitesurfing 20 meters in the air!
Gotta grab something from the entrance to an NBA court, right?
© Mark Horsburgh / Red Bull Content Pool
The old cars seemed quite predictable and you could really feel what was going on. But with this car you don’t get that feedback
It was really impressive just meeting everyone, and it’s definitely encouraged me ever since. I can’t wait to go back.
I don’t know if I feel the momentum going into the first race of a new year, but I definitely have more confidence in myself, which I need, because this year’s cars are a big change.
Even with a massive reduction in downforce, the car still feels very similar to drive, but more importantly, you get a lot less feel compared to previous cars. The old cars seemed quite predictable and you could really feel what was going on. But with this car you don’t get that feedback. I think that’s why the first qualifying was so tight, because basically everyone made mistakes and ended up in the same place.
I think it’s good. It’s a challenge. We’re all still trying to get a handle on it and catch up.
Me, my engineer (Martin Short) and Jamie (Whincup, team principal) sat down for a little chat on Friday in Newcastle and said if we could come away with two Top Fives we’d probably be in contention for the podium general and make some very solid points.
Every pitt is a learning experience for Broc and the team in 2023
© Mark Horsburgh / Red Bull Content Pool
I mean, everyone wants to be champion every year! — but I think we had a solid Round 1, I think we’re competitive…
We went and improved it; We got a second and a fifth – I don’t care what anyone says, I was second on the track, even though I may not have the points! — So the results were good, especially for a track where I have never raced with Supercars.
It shows that I was able to continue from how last year ended and how this year started. Last year was about learning, and this season is about applying what we learned.
But this year I have a different mindset with different goals. Right now I feel like I’m in a fight.
Of course, I want to be the champion this year; i mean, everyone wants to be the champion every year! — but I think we had a solid Round 1, I think we’re competitive and hopefully we can fight them this year.
I’ve never put a timeline on it, but obviously I want to get there as soon as possible. I think we’re in that mix this year, we’re in the conversation, but I know I have to improve to be there week in and week out.
Come for you, the 2023 podium…
© Mark Horsburgh / Red Bull Content Pool
We have four races, and you have to be consistent in all four…
So is there a number this year? Will I be disappointed if I get a certain position instead of winning? Since the cars are so new, I don’t know the answer to that question. But like I said, I want to be a champion, and we’ll keep working to get there. The most important thing is to try to be consistent, and I hope that every time I talk to you, I have a few more trophies.
Next up is Albert Park, and it’s exciting to be back at the grand prix. Last year was my first time at a proper F1 event, and with pretty good access with Red Bull! We have four races, and you have to be consistent in all four. Everyone told me this last year, but I didn’t realize how important it was.
I’ve got a lot of mates racing as well – Jack Doohan in F2 and Tommy Smith in F3, so I’m looking forward to finally seeing those guys race and obviously catching up with them considering they spend most of their life in Europe
It’s going to be a great weekend. It’s really exciting to be back in Melbourne. It will be great.
