Filip Ugran is a 18-year-old racing driver from Târgu Mureș, Romania. He raced with Jenzer Motorsport in various Italian and Spain F4 rounds and won three races with them last year. I had the chance to chat with him.
youngdriversmonthly:
Hi Filip! How are you doing? What are you up to these days?
Filip Ugran:
Hello, I am fine, thank you. I arrived home 3 days ago and I resumed my preparation for this year.
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YDM:
When did you race karts for the first time? And how did you like it in the early days?
Filip:
I raced karts when I was 14 years old for the first time and I was very happy, because I won the first race I ever participated in.
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YDM:
Back in 2019 you started your single seater career. How has it felt to drive a F4 car for the first time?
Filip:
I’ve driven for the first time a F4 car in February or March last year. Initially, it felt like I was in a plane but after some laps I started getting used to it. It felt amazing.
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YDM:
Last season you’ve competed in Italian & Spain F4 with Jenzer. What was your favorite moment and are you happy with last year’s results?
Filip:
My favorite moment this year is the win in Imola. I was there with the best drivers. I started in p4 and I won the race. I had to defend very hard from both Red Bull drivers. Also I started the year very strong in the first 2 rounds. After I got COVID 19 , I missed one round and than I tried to do the same things as before but I was doing some mistakes, costing me to much.
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YDM:
What are your hobbies aside from racing?
Filip:
My hobbies are riding my enduro motorcycle/quad or swimming.
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YDM:
For the second year you’re part of the Jenzer team now. How is it to work with them?
Filip:
I was with them only in 2020. In 2019 I was driving for BVM. The team is a very serious team, trying to help the drivers with everything. I’m more than happy for the last year with them.
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YDM:
How does a race week look like for you? From monday till sunday evening.
Filip:
Last year due to COVID I was most of the time in Italy, so most of the races I was from Monday in the city where the race was with my dad or my friend, sometimes running on Monday and Tuesday and also sometime on the track walk. Than the race week starts and I spend all day long on the circuit with the team.
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YDM:
How have the corona restrictions changed that weekly process for you?
Filip:
The corona restrictions didn’t really change much to me. The only race week missed was at Red Bull Ring.
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YDM:
Do you have an idol or favorite driver in this sport?
Filip:
Yes, my favourit is Lewis Hamilton. I’m following him since when he started F1.
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YDM:
Recently you’ve tested FIA F3 with Jenzer Motorsport for four days last year. Are you considering any other options for next year?
Filip:
I have a lot of options for this year but I will make an announcement in February or March.
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YDM:
What is your ultimate goal for your motorsport career?
Filip:
As for every, F1 is the goal.
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YDM:
How would you describe your racing style?
Filip:
I would say it is quite aggressive in the first laps, then I am doing aggressive overtakes but strategically.
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YDM:
How can fans follow and support you on your way in motorsport?
Filip:
They can follow me on instagram, there I’m most active and from 28th I’ll try to be much more. I also have Twitter but I don’t use it to much.