We’ve just got back from Valencia, the setting last weekend for the second race in the GP3 Series, the only round not held in parallel with a Formula 1 Grand Prix. We were well aware that on a circuit as tight and twisty as the Ricardo Tormo, qualifying would be of fundamental importance. And unfortunately it was qualifying that we got wrong to mess up the entire weekend. I still can’t work out how it could have happened. On paper the strategy was a winner, but quite simply we failed to put in an even half decent lap. We certainly hung about too long waiting for a free track on which to make our move, but for one reason or another it never came about. In the race I did all I could, overtaking on virtually every corner of the circuit and that on a track where in theory it’s almost impossible to overtake. However, by that time the horse had already bolted. Off track, the Valencia trip was without doubt one of the best of recent years. Not just for the climate, but also and above all for the group of indomitable fans that followed me to Spain and with whom I spent, paella after paella, some great times. I’d like to thank them all from the bottom of my heart. The technical/strategic, tactical discussions were as usual endless. True enthusiasts. I’m now at Hockenheim with team Lotus; Romain (Grosjean) and Davide (Valsecchi) are also here for a marketing event with a test session on the track. I’m acting as a taxi driver at the wheel of a two-seat Formula Renault. Great fun for me; perhaps a little less for my passengers!