Maryeve, you are a talented female driver. Unfortunately, a lot of our visitors will not know who you are. Could you please give a short introduction about yourself to the visitors that do not know you?
I am MaryEve Dufault. I’m from Canada, a small town called Sorel to be specific. My dad and brother were motorcycle racers and I discovered at a really young age my need for speed and adrenaline. I started riding motocross at the age of 4 years old and later on karting and other major developments were formula racing.
How did you get involved in racing? Have you always wanted to become a racedriver yourself? Did your parents always support you?
Seeing my dad racing got me started. I knew I wanted to race but it has not been always been easy. My parents supported me mentally, but not financially. At a really young age I decided to move to California to be able to train 12 months out of the year and pursue other work to make my racing career happen. I worked really hard and I’m really determined because I’m 150% passionate about the sport.
You have started your career, like many other drivers, in karting. Did you enjoy your period in karting and do you think karting will be an essential step in the career of a racedriver?
Yes, karting is definitely important in my career. I learned so much in karting, driving as much as I can and learn the mechanic stuff. I also learned to stay focus mentally and much more things were involved.
You have raced in different formula cars throughout the years. For example, you have raced with the Star Mazda and Formula BMW. What are the main differences between all the cars you have driven throughout your career? Which car, do you think, is the most exciting to drive?
I really liked the Star Mazda, because it’s really fast and amazing to drive. Formula BMW was a little slower, but still really technical and a great car. For your own development, Formula BMW cars have really little downforce. So that prepares you for car control.
In 2008 and 2009 you had some major success in karting and you did well in the cars. What are your expectations of the coming season, 2010?
I worked really hard this year I hope it’s going to show in my result. I want to push myself to the limit and bring great results.
In 2010 you will race as a FAZZT Development Driver. Could you tell us something more about that and the other plans for 2010?
I’m so thankful to be part of Fazzt. It’s a great team with amazing talents behind it. We planned our goal together and it’s really exciting. They are going to help me developing my skills further. 2010 will bring Star Mazda races and we are still working on more opportunities.
Do you think there is a difference between the world of racing in America and the world of racing in Europe?
Being in the F3 last year gave me a stint of what it is. I can say Europe is really challenging with the weather. I think there is a difference, they approached racing in little bit different ways.
Every race driver has good and bad moments during his career. What is your best moment in racing, until now? What is the moment you would like to forget as soon as possible?
My best moments are different podiums, but my worst was when I had a throttle sensor issue that was giving me almost 15 miles an hour less speed at a Formula One event in Montreal in my own country and it looked bad on the track like I was going slow. That was really frustrating.
If you could change your life with another racedriver for just one day, who will be the one you are changing with?
Maybe I would change my life with Alex (Tagliani), who is my teammate. Then, I would be able to feel the IndyCar quite soon in my career.
Is it hard to keep standing as a female driver in a world which is mainly filled by male drivers? What reactions do you get from other drivers, supporters, teams etc.?
It is different with everyone. You can see who doesn’t want you to succeed and who does. As far as a driver, they are usually pretty cool. Just the one that has big ego, those are staying away or try to put you down. But those feelings, you don’t get them or they don’t play your mentally. I grew up with a brother that was bringing all his friends at home, almost 10 years older than me. So, I got it though at a really young age.
Besides that you are a racedriver, you are also a model. Is it easy to combine your modelling and racing career? If you had to choose between racing and modelling, what would you choose?
Racing, for sure! Modelling is just work and it helps me with my sponsors, so it’s part of my career.
Many people think that the life of a racedriver is all fun and just a dream. But if you take a look to the ‘inside’ of racing, what is the hardest part of being a racedriver?
Without a budget, you can’t go anywhere. So, you have to keep pushing on and off the track for opportunities and it does not happen overnight. It’s a long process of hard work.
What would you like to say to everyone that is dreaming of a career in racing?
I tell them not to give up!! Visualize yourself where you want to be, think positively and don’t wait for people to make things happen for you. Put your head down and make them happen!
Originally published: 2nd of April, 2010
