Marino Franchitti

Apr 15 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

MARINO FRANCHITTI has a dream of world domination. A dream that his family will rule the world of motorsport with champions in three different sectors of racing.

Marino is convinced this could be his year as he bids to play a key role in steering Patrón Highcroft to championship glory in the gruelling world of ALMS endurance racing.

And as his big brother Dario is a former two-time IndyCar champion and now younger cousin Paul di Resta has been handed a dream ticket into Formula One, Marino is hoping they all could become champions in their respective fields over the next few years.

As the three West Lothian wonders blaze a trail across the globe, Franchitti admits it is an remarkable feat.

“It is amazing that three family members from one Scottish family are performing at such a high level,” he said.

“I’ve been up in the middle of the night watching Paul’s practice sessions in his F1 car and he is doing brilliantly.

“I’m so excited for him and hope it can lead to a drive seat soon. I couldn’t be happier for Paul and, like me, he is very busy flying all around the world this year.

Opportunities

“All three of us are doing well but the main aim is for us all to keep winning and representing Scotland the way we are.

“We are all driving in different fields of motorsport, as you have to go where the opportunities are.

“I have always been interested in sports cars from a young age, so that is where I wanted to be and is where I’ve ended up.

“Endurance racing does take a lot of concentration and focus because you can be in the car for three hours or even longer in consecutive spells. But I’m used to it now and have my own way of doing things.

“All three of us have a lot of good things going.”

An electrical fault threw a spanner in the works during Franchitti’s first race of the season and cost the speedy Scot a chequered flag.

He had earned pole position in practice before the fault flared up with the car well in front of the chasing pack but, despite the problems, the team still bagged a podium place.

He said: “We had an electrical problem at the race in Sebring but the car was running perfectly. What actually happened was a panel inside the car came loose and wore through the wire.

“It was a bit disappointing as we were five or six laps in the lead but we managed to complete the race and, overall, it was a very strong weekend.”

At the moment, Franchitti is driving a part-time schedule for Patrón Highcroft after his former team Dyson Racing dropped one of their cars.

But he is loving life one the books of the ALMS giants but he hopes he can pick up a permanent drive again next season.

“I’m only doing the long events, which are three of the nine races but I’m confident the team can take the title this year,” he explained.

“I’m driving a part-time schedule although I attend every race and event.

“The team I was with last year cut back from two cars to one car but being with Highcroft for all the long races is brilliant

“With the way the driver market and the worldwide economy is just now, I’m just delighted to have this opportunity.

“It is a great chance for me and I’m in it for the long haul and am looking forward to the future.

“If I can perform the way I should – and win all my races – then we can build towards next year, where, if the team expand to two cars, then I could go back to being full-time. I’m pretty excited about the future.

“One thing I would like to do is the Nürburgring 24-hours again.”

Next up for Franchitti is the world famous Le Mans race in June, and it is one in which he is eyeing another podium place.

He continued: “Le Mans in June is the world’s biggest race, so I’m really excited about our preparations for that.

“I couldn’t be in better company for the race as my team-mates, David Brabham and Marco Werner, are both former winners.

“The car is looking in great shape, too, and after the recent Sebring race, we stayed over and ran the car again for another 12 hours which made it 24 hours in total.

“Sebring is a very rough track but the car handled 24 hours no problem, so we are very confident about Le Mans.

“If we can get to the finish, then I believe we’ll be in good shape.”