Beijing, Nov 4 (NationPress) Pedro de la Rosa beams when asked if he still identifies as a racing driver. "You're born a racing driver, and you die a racing driver," he asserts. "Even if I'm not racing now, I still think like one." Over three decades since he debuted in Formula 1 as a test driver with Jordan in 1998, De la Rosa has come full circle. Now, at 54, the Spaniard holds the position of team ambassador for Aston Martin, the contemporary incarnation of the team that launched his F1 career.

"My role primarily involves assisting the team with commercial, marketing, and media aspects," he elaborates. "However, I also get the opportunity to drive some extraordinary vehicles - Hypercars, historic Formula 1 cars - and I attend numerous races. It keeps me engaged and linked to the sport I adore."

De la Rosa's F1 journey included nine seasons and 104 races for mostly midfield teams, but he gained broader fame as one of the sport's most reliable and technically adept test drivers.

While Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya were securing victories for McLaren in the mid-2000s, De la Rosa was the quiet powerhouse working behind the scenes, covering tens of thousands of kilometers fine-tuning temperamental cars into championship contenders, methodically eliminating handling issues and reliability flaws.

His professionalism and calm demeanor earned him the admiration of fellow drivers. In 2008, he was unanimously elected chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association - recognized as a steady, experienced voice capable of mediating between drivers, teams, and officials on matters like safety and race regulations.

"What defines a good test driver is flexibility," he remarks. "You're not testing for yourself; you're testing for the team. At McLaren, Kimi and Juan Pablo had entirely different driving styles, so I had to shift modes in my mind instantly."

However, the landscape has evolved. "Test drivers today aren’t truly test drivers anymore; they’re simulator drivers," he notes. "After my final racing season in 2012, I joined Ferrari but barely drove the car. You lose touch with reality. The worst simulator driver lacks real-life references."

Electric lessons

Post-Formula 1, De la Rosa transitioned to the Chinese-owned DS Techeetah team in Formula E as technical and sporting director, guiding the team to two championships during a significant transition phase.

"They required assistance on the sporting front, so they reached out to me," De la Rosa recounts. "Then the team relocated from the UK to France. It was a considerable effort - relocating personnel, establishing a new base - but we still clinched two titles."

He even found himself driving one of the electric cars. "During a private test in Berlin, Andre Lotterer injured his ribs on the bumps, and they asked me to jump in. I had never driven a Formula E car before. I used his helmet, his overalls, and completed the test. It was incredibly demanding. People assume Formula E is simple, but it's not. You're continuously managing energy and communicating with your engineer. It's intense yet captivating."

Back to familiar territory

Returning to Aston Martin, De la Rosa is welcomed by familiar faces. "Upon my arrival, I encountered individuals I had collaborated with 26 or 27 years ago," he shares. "Andy Stevenson, our team manager, was once a mechanic in the test team. Some of the same mechanics remain at the factory. I began here, and I aspire to conclude my journey here."

The team has expanded into a global entity with nearly a thousand employees, yet he insists its essence remains intact. "The risk of growth is losing that familial atmosphere. However, we still maintain it. We communicate openly. In other teams, departments often withhold information. Here, we share it - that’s our advantage."

Alonso's unwavering brilliance

De la Rosa lights up discussing Aston Martin's current driver, Fernando Alonso, with whom he shares both nationality and profound respect. At 44, Alonso stands as F1's oldest and most seasoned driver, yet De la Rosa claims there are no signs of him slowing down as he nears his 23rd year on the grid.

"He's phenomenal. Just as fast and strong as ever," De la Rosa praises his compatriot. "Every weekend, I wonder what he’ll do to astonish us. It’s our responsibility to provide him with a car so exceptional that he can’t retire."

When informed of Flavio Briatore's comment that Alonso would still contend for the title with a top car, De la Rosa nods affirmatively. "Absolutely. 120 percent."

Spain's Motorsport Passion

With Madrid joining Barcelona on the F1 calendar, Spain will host two races next season. This has sparked discussions on whether the country can support multiple grand prix events while many others lack any, but De la Rosa believes the interest is present.

"The fan base is enormous now. We have Fernando, Carlos Sainz, and a plethora of emerging talent. Barcelona has already secured a ten-year agreement, and Madrid is vying for one as well. Given that France, Germany, and Portugal have none, having two in Spain is remarkable."

Despite not having the same automotive legacy as Britain, France, or Germany, Spain has still produced world champions in F1, rally, and MotoGP - a success rate that De la Rosa attributes to the country’s lifestyle. "We’re an outdoor nation," he states. "We enjoy good weather, exceptional circuits, and children growing up racing and riding. Each week, I go karting near Barcelona and witness youngsters aged four to ten training diligently. That’s where all those champions emerged from."

The next wave

When asked who might be Spain’s next world champion, De la Rosa chuckles. "Well, it can't be De la Rosa anymore! I hope Fernando secures his third title - he deserves it. Otherwise, there’s Alex Palou in IndyCar, who’s quite special, along with young talents like Pepe Marti, Mari Boya, and Bruno del Pino, who just happens to be my nephew!"

However, he cautions that young Spaniards need better support. "Our F4 and Eurocup-3 series are excellent, but most of the grid isn't Spanish. Companies allocate their budgets to Formula One or MotoGP rather than grassroots. We risk losing a generation if that doesn’t change."

As he prepares to depart, he adds one final line with a gentle smile. "I started here," he states, glancing toward the Aston Martin garage, "and I want to finish here."