Racers in Isolation: Rodrigo Baptista

Sportscar365 is asking drivers from around the world what they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they’re coping with the racing downtime.

This edition features K-PAX Racing’s Rodrigo Baptista (Twitter/Instagram), who will race for the American team in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS this year while also driving for TR3 Racing in GTWC America.

Where are you sitting out the COVID-19 crisis?

I am spending this time with my family at our country house in Brazil. It’s a bit away from the city so we are a bit more ‘protected’ by being away from any kind of contact.

I am watching everything I can about esports racing and am always in touch with teammates and other drivers.

What sort of TV shows, video games or books are you using to pass the time?

I am following esports big time. From sports cars to NASCAR, I am watching everything.

And lots of movies in the evening also which help my mind to be fresh and not thinking about COVID-19 all the time because, at the end of the day, it’s on the news all day and night.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, we have three dogs here.

What was your first car and what do you drive now?

My very first car was a BMW M3 V8. Right now, I am driving a BMW M4.

What’s your favorite holiday destination?

Italy. I know they got hit big time but I am a big fan of their past, history and food. Stay strong, my Italian friends!

What was your first job, or an interesting job away from racing?

Collecting cars [especially Porsches]. I am always reading and following the market about it.

What other form of motorsports would you like to try your hand in?

I started with go-karts and did one and a half years in single seaters. I really want to try some day a prototype or a DPi, which is the closest to a single seater.

What’s the one thing you are most looking forward to the first day you return to a race track?

Sitting in my race car and dropping the hammer on it, I can’t wait!

That’s the place I feel most comfortable in the world. I am hoping to see all of you soon, really soon.