Current location:Culture Connection news portal > travel
Zhou wants to inspire a new generation of hometown heroes
Culture Connection news portal2024-05-08 15:41:31【travel】0People have gathered around
IntroductionCompeting in the 2024 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, which ma
Competing in the 2024 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, which marked his inaugural home appearance as China's first F1 race driver, Zhou Guanyu could not hide his joy and pride.
"I'm a Shanghai boy, driven by an ambition to showcase the evolution of Chinese motor sport globally, and to pave the way for more young talent from my country to shine on the international stage," Zhou told Xinhua.
Kick Sauber's Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu (L) competes during the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix race at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, on April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Zhou voiced his desire for younger enthusiasts to pay increased attention to motor sport, and to see greater participation in the field, believing the Shanghai race to be the catalyst for China's motor sport industry.
Discussing the significance of the Shanghai Grand Prix, Zhou said, "Without it, my journey wouldn't have begun, and I wouldn't be standing here 20 years later, racing on home turf. The F1 Chinese Grand Prix has opened doors for more Chinese drivers to compete on the global stage."
In 2004, China hosted its first ever Grand Prix. Seat number 24 in the grandstand was where Zhou, then five years old, was sitting.
Twenty years later, the seat he has also bears the number 24, but it has a much better, and more thrilling view.
Reflecting on his journey from fan to driver, Zhou said: "In 2004, I was a little fan on seat number 24, knowing nothing about racing. Later on, I progressed to some karting events. I would tell my younger self to stay true to your dreams, you're doing great.
"Don't fear competition, believe in yourself, you're not inferior to foreign drivers," he said.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Chinese drivers transitioning to European circuits, Zhou admitted, it's an unfamiliar environment.
"Without guides, I had to rely on myself and the team, as it went from being a hobby to me becoming a professional driver," he said.
"You might be a champion in your country, but in Europe, you'll find that your peers on the track may be much stronger than you imagined. Breaking into F1 was a journey filled with obstacles, but one I never regretted."
Since officially joining F1 in 2022, Zhou won that year's Best Rookie Award, with a best finish of eighth place in that year's Canadian Grand Prix, and a best qualifying position of fifth at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix.
"Every stage is important. Every achievement continues to inspire me to move forward," Zhou said.
The 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix also marked the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai International Circuit.
"Since I joined F1, the Shanghai International Circuit has always been the place I wanted to come most. It's a track that's both familiar and unfamiliar to me," Zhou said, while keeping his calm against the pressure of competing at home.
"I feel more motivated with the expectations of fans and myself. I hope to perform better at home. Before the Australian race, I was already practicing on the simulator for this track. Although I've never raced on this track before, I'm fully prepared," he noted.
Zhou's affection for his hometown is also reflected in the Chinese design on his helmet, which features a map of Shanghai's metro and several local landmarks, including Yuyuan Garden, the Waibaidu Bridge and the financial hub of Lujiazui.
"These elements are what I want to showcase to the world. I'm a driver from Shanghai. I want the world to see the development of Chinese motor sport, and I also hope that more young Chinese drivers can step onto the world stage," he said.
"When I'm old, after my racing career ends, I hope I can help more young drivers fulfill their racing dreams, share the experiences I've gained over the years, and guide them to success."
Looking ahead, he is aiming to put in some outstanding performances in the upcoming season.
"My goal is to have more impressive performances in both qualifying and the main race, while aiming to win more races between mid-table teams and earn more points," he concluded.
Address of this article:http://italy.quotesbonanza.com/article-48e199761.html
Very good!(6)
Related articles
- Lunar New Year Eve sees over 190 million passenger trips across China
- Florida man charged with murdering girlfriend's 13
- Oklahoma prosecutors charge fifth member of anti
- Ben Stiller, 58, says he was 'freaked out' by the horrible reviews for his rare box
- Instacart partners with Uber Eats to offer restaurant deliveries
- Penn State's leading receiver KeAndre Lambert
- Chynna Phillips, 56, reveals she has to undergo surgery to remove a 14
- Semenyo scores to help Bournemouth beat Wolverhampton 1
- Jewish student is ordered to leave Oxford encampment after refusing to sign up to radical pro
- Mbappe nets twice in win over Lorient but PSG's title party delayed by Monaco victory
Popular articles
Recommended
Kylie Jenner wears bullet
A look at the Gaza war protests that have emerged on US college campuses
Hannah Waddingham looks incredible in pink tweed co
Fans voice mixed reactions as Chicago Bears release stunning AI
How to drastically slash your odds of getting Alzheimer's
Remnants of bird flu are found in grocery store milk
Biden picks up another big union endorsement, this one from building trades workers
Mississippi city settles lawsuit filed by family of man who died after police pulled him from car
Links
- Myanmar junta releases thousands of prisoners in New Year amnesty — Radio Free Asia
- House prices fell 0.2% in last year, official figures report
- Inflation tumbles to 3.2%
- Plumbing problem at Glen Canyon Dam brings new threat to Colorado River system
- House panel says China subsidizes fentanyl production to fuel crisis in the United States
- Asian Americans more likely to believe in climate change: AP
- House prices fell 0.2% in last year, official figures report
- Hofstra's Tyler Thomas chosen as Haggerty Award winner
- Kansas' higher ed board is considering an anti
- Nathan MacKinnon races to career season, looks to power Colorado Avalanche on another title run