PRO ANNUAL 2018

numbers to work. Indy Lights was next with a view to doing Indy Car, but lack of funds again put paid to this goal. Another switch occurred in 2013 when the Argentine racer hopped to Super TC 2000 and opted for a roof to take on the world of touring cars. So, when Guerrieri turned up for a round of the WTCC in 2016 all eyes were on him – and he didn’t disappoint. Behind the wheel of the Campos Chevvy, he topped the charts in practice sessions, gained an unlikely fastest lap of the weekend and generally ruffled some serious feathers up and down the paddock. So naturally, when he was given the chance to have a more permanent position with Campos Racing at the start of 2017 season, everyone was excited about what he might do. He did not disappoint, winning the first race around the streets of Marrakech and winning again in Ningbo. In fact, Guerrieri has been consistently tough to beat and one of the few independents to have regularly given the works drivers a serious battle on track. Then a huge opportunity came along when Guerrieri landed in Japan. He was asked to move up to the Japanese Honda works team – stepping in for Tiago Monteiro, who had been injured in a test crash in Barcelona. So, sitting p7 in the Championship, a world title still technically within reach, this young Argentine was given the chance to race in the championship-winning car. High pressure, yes, but this unfazed racer just spoke of his excitement and honour. “I am extremely sad for Tiago and I wish him a very fast recovery, but I am grateful for this chance and also very grateful to Campos for making this possible.” Needless to say, 2017 has been quite a year for Esteban Guerrieri. “It has been a total rollercoaster. I think it is probably one of the seasons I have learnt the most from. Not technically necessarily, but more for myself as a human. . . how to handle certain situations the best I can and try to make the most of every opportunity. In short, I would sum up my year as working extremely hard, but living and loving every moment.” Guerrieri has a great mentality; a natural energy that shines through. One can see why Honda chose him as a suitable candidate to replace someone as well respected as Tiago. “I absolutely love what I do, it truly is my passion. I am grateful that I am able to do it and wish that all of us could follow our passion every day. That is true success, I believe,” says Guerrieri with Guerrieri has been consistently tough to beat and been one of the few independents to have regularly given the works drivers a serious battle on track “What I achieve in terms of results, yes that’s important but ultimately that stays in the record book. I feel happy and have a sense of self pride that I amdoing what I love and I work extremely hard tomake sure I do it to the very best of my ability” PRO ANNUAL 2018 91