Are you sitting at home, missing Formula 2 as much as we are here at InsideF2?

If like us, you’ve been wondering what some of the drivers are doing to occupy themselves while away from the track.

We caught up with DAMS driver Dan Ticktum, to ask him how he’s spending his time during this global Coronavirus lockdown.

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Tell us what you’re doing to occupy your time during the delay?

“I’m concentrating on trying to keep myself in shape, keeping fit is important during this unusual time. I’ve been doing a lot of gaming as well, which has kept me busy. I’ve also noticed that as a racing driver your normal day-to-day life is usually quite isolated as you have a set routine that you always follow and so I haven’t had to make too many changes, I’ve just been very conscious of the new measures.”

Are you at home with loved ones?

I’m at home with my family. It has been fine, as long as my three younger brothers aren’t downloading too much on the wifi 🙂 this makes gaming hard! Only joking, it has been really nice to be all together at home, it is definitely never quiet in our household. They have been doing a lot of gaming too, though I’m sure they are meant to be doing their schoolwork!

There are a few drivers from different Formulas getting involved with online competitions to help pass their time? Tell us what you’re involved with? 

I’ve been playing a lot of games, primarily Call of Duty which is my favourite, and I’ve started a Twitch stream. But I’ve also been looking at streaming iRacing and Formula 1 in the next couple of weeks.

Are you a part of any live challenges with any other drivers or team members? 

Not really, I mainly just stream for fun with others on Call of Duty.

I’ve spent a lot of time playing Call of Duty so I’m quite good at that but I need a bit more practice at iRacing. I’m able to put a couple of good sectors together and then I have a moment, so I need to work on my consistency. I do play Call of Duty with some other drivers, like Callum llott, Max Fewtrell and Billy Monger, and iRacing with Teddy Wilson and Luke Browning.

Do you enjoy a good read?

I don’t do a lot of reading, but I do love learning about cars, so I spend a lot of time on the Internet researching. I’ve learnt a lot about them over the years, and this has helped fuel my love for racing. I especially love GT3 cars.

Tell us about the music you listen to? What are your recent downloads? 

I’m always listening to music, but I must admit my taste is very varied. My all-time favourite is probably classic hip-hop from the 1980s and 90s. Music really helps me focus on my racing and I always listen to it before I get into the car.

I’ve recently downloaded “Because You Move Me” by Tinlicker & Helsloot

What’s the last song you listened to?

“Keep Their Heads Ringin” by Dr. Dre

Many people are watching box-sets or media channels such as Netflix to pass the time? What’s on your big screen?

I don’t watch a lot of Netflix. Though this past week I have watched “Dirty Money” which is quite good.

Tell us about any hobbies that are not car or race-related? 

I love music, and I enjoy playing the piano.

I also like to make my own music but I haven’t done that in a couple of months, maybe now is a good time to start again.

I also love skiing and football.

Have you thought about learning, or trying anything new during the lockdown? Or, been inspired once the restrictions are lifted?

I’ve always wanted to learn to surf. I’m really keen to give it a go but obviously, that’s on hold for the moment.

Let’s get physical. Have you had to adapt your training programme during the lockdown? 

I haven’t had to adapt my training programme too much. I obviously can’t go to the gym, so we don’t have a bench or any of the bigger equipment, which means I’ve been focusing on doing bodyweight stuff and running.

We have a few dumbbells so I’ve been using them but nothing heavy.

I don’t expect it to affect my preparation. In a time like this, it is all about adapting.

If you watched one of your own races back which would it be and why?

The Macau Grand Prix 2017 because it was such an entertaining race, it must be one of the best motor races of all time! If I were choosing solely on my own performance then I would probably say Macau 2018 because I was in the groove and really showed my strengths that weekend.

Which driver past or present would you like as a teammate? Why?

This is a hard one! Probably James Hunt, he was such a character. I think it’s really important that you enjoy what you are doing, rather than being a robot, and he always showed his personality. It would have been very interesting to have a teammate like him.

Do you have a message for Formula 2 fans?

“I can’t wait to get back racing with DAMS, and I’m very hopeful that despite everything, we’ll still have a good set of races. We’re going to be fully prepared when it starts again, and until then I hope everyone keeps well and stays safe.