Spain driver Jordi Xammar has said he is pleased SailGP fans are being shown the ‘reality’ of the pressure facing the Spanish team ahead of the Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas.
Speaking at a pre-event press conference, Xammar said it was ‘not [his] plan’ to become emotional in the latest episode of Racing on the Edge, which highlights the team’s tumultuous performance in Season 3.
However he said it was ‘good for the reality of what we are going through’ to be shown. “We’ve built this team from zero with our hands right from the bottom and I guess when you’ve done that, you feel it more,” he said.
“From the outside everything looks really nice, but when you are an athlete you are under pressure.”
It comes after Spain experienced overwhelming support at its September home event in Cadiz, with 70,000 spectators turning out to watch from the city’s sea wall.
“We knew the support would be big, but we were not expecting it to be that big,” Xammar said, adding that the ‘Marea Roja’ is ‘growing day by day’.
“We are really thankful to them and feel they are also part of our team.”
The team had a strong start, with third and fourth place fleet racing finishes putting them within touching distance of the Final. However, their performance wavered on the second day and they finished in seventh overall.
Despite the team’s challenges this season, Xammar said he ‘100%’ feels more confident of securing a podium position in Dubai.
“We have been working really hard over the last couple of months and taken huge steps forward,” he said.
While heat from the critics ‘hasn’t been easy’, Xammar said it had also helped motivate the team.
“When they doubt you, they make you think about how you can improve and to be honest we have changed a lot in how we are approaching the events and it’s also thanks to them.”
Racing takes place in Dubai between 15:00-16:30 GST on Saturday and Sunday. Full broadcast information and How to Watch details HERE.
