Angus Davies (AD): I wanted to ask you a few questions for my on-line magazine on wrist watches and â€the finer things in life†which includes, Montegrappa pens. You have a passion for cars and speed but you have taken up a number of new challenges, and are now a member of the Montegrappa board. Jean Alesi (JA): You are asking why I decided to join Montegrappa? AD: Yes, you speak of love of craftsmanship. Was any of your family a craftsman! JA: I admire craftsmanship. No, it doesn’t come from my family but I love what is handmade. I was impressed the first time I visited the factory and saw what they were able to do, something I admired and fell in love. Sometimes impetuous as a driver... on the other hand you have a patient side AD: That is interesting because in Formula 1 you are used to shaving seconds off lap times and you are at the cutting edge whereas to make a fine pen takes infinite patience. JA: Certainly. The two go together in anyway because you need to be patient before go out with a product and as a driver you have to wait to go out in the car. AD: Another thing is your car collection, it is quite an eclectic mix. Does that sum up Jean Alesi? JA: Yes. I love history and I love tradition. At one time Rolls-Royce was the bench mark for all the car manufacturers. In terms of speed, Ferrari is the tradition. I have cars which make history and I can afford! (Laughter) AD: Another fact in your ties with Montegrappa is that you not only sit on the board but are involved in design. JA: I love fashion and I love tradition but when talking with our team, I give my opinion but I do not ask for a specific type of design. AD: You received France’s Legion d’honneur. You were born in Avignon but you have the Italian lineage. Is that what drew you to Montegrappa and to Ferrari? JA: You know my mother and father are from Sicily. They moved to France, so, I was born in France but have a strong link with Italy. AD: Artisans. JA: I am sure that in my interest in Montegrappa my origins help a lot. AD: You had the opportunity of driving for Williams but you chose to go to Ferrari when they had reliability issues and Williams were in the ascendancy. JA: Yes, it was difficult to see what I missed but, the added emotion with Ferrari is something unique and I cannot regret anything. AD: Who would you choose, living or dead, as the greatest F1 driver? JA: As a kid, I was a Villeneuve fan and when you have a hero he stays forever your hero. And I tried to do this when I had the chance to drive for Ferrari; it means a lot for my entire life. AD: Is there any driver who stands head and shoulders above everyone else? JA: If you look at the history of Villeneuve, he was not as successful as Nikki Lauda or Fittipaldi but with so much charisma he remains a hero. I was lucky to race with Ayrton Senna, Mansell, Prost who have been unbelievable. AD: Now you have a new challenge with Lotus? JA: I am the Ambassador of Group Lotus. When I joined the company I was not to drive but to help with the new cars coming out like the Lotus Esprit and the new Evora. The chairman of the company asked me â€Why are you not driving anymore?†And I said, â€I would love to but what can I do?†And he said â€Do Indianapolis!†AD: My next question! â€Why Indianapolis?†that is how it happened! JA: You know Indianapolis, I always wanted to do it. But, you need a car company behind you. Now that I have Lotus, â€I can do itâ€. AD: What actually drives you? JA: I need challenges. So being in motor sport has been absolutely fantastic. AD: Thank you. I wish you well in your role with Montegrappa, and with Lotus. Good luck for Indianapolis in 2012. Find More Information: http://www.escapement.uk.com/
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