Indianapolis 500
De Ferran Indy 500 Winner's Transcript
  De Ferran Indy 500 Winner's Transcript |
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05-24-2003 11:00 PM |
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 De Ferran Indy 500 Winner's Transcript MODERATOR: Gil, you have won championships, yet this month in press conferences here, there were a few questions that asked if the focus was on Helio (Castroneves). The tears after the race, would you just share your feelings on what it means to win this and just put it all in perspective?GIL DE FERRAN: Well, thank you. First of all, I just wanted to say that I always saw what was going on during the month, particularly with Helio, as something very natural. And let me tell you, I have no bitterness towards him or no jealousy. I mean, to me, Helio is a great driver, and he deserves all the attention that he's getting because he's certainly one of the best in the business, and he has accomplished a lot, particularly here. And for me, it was just about staying focused. And I tell you, when I crossed that line, I don't know, it was a lot of things going on in my head. You try not to think about it beforehand because I think that really gets your eye off the ball. So whenever something like this happens, it always comes as a surprise. I never know how I am going to feel, and it was an unbelievable feeling, certainly coming back from the accident, and again, I had a great feeling of pride for belonging - and I say this not just because Roger and Tim are here - but belonging to this organization. You have no idea what went on behind the scenes. I could speak here all day, and you still won't understand what went on behind the scenes for this month of May to turn out the way it was, and really I was overflowing, I guess, with emotion. And for me, you know, I always dreamed of winning this race. Certainly, I have won championships and all that, but this is one of the most prestigious prizes in international racing. To cross the checkered flag, I am like, 'It is really happening' (laughs). Because you don't -- I don't allow myself to get carried away. And certainly those last few laps there was very difficult, very difficult to stay focused. Read Full Story 
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