Today we interview one of the most potential drivers in the Spanish scene. We talk about Alberto Segovia Cámara, professional driver and a passionate about simulators, where he is already in the TOP 25 of drivers with more IR.
Do you remember your beginnings? When did you start on simRacing? Who introduced you to the world? Are you still in it?
Alberto Segovia: I remember the first time I became passionate about motorsport, about 20 years ago. I remember Carlos Sainz with the Toyota Corolla, that engine sound I first heard is still inside me and will accompany me all my life.
In the world of simRacing I started with the Gran Turismo sagas, the first and the second. It really didn’t appeal to me much, since playing with a controller took away some of the grace and realism, but it was the best I had at that time. Later on, I started at rFactor and for the first time I acquired my first steering wheel: being able to compete with real people and measure yourself against the best was something that really caught my attention. The world of simRacing had taken a big jump.
The main responsible for introducing me to this world was my cousin, Gonzalo Cámara. Many of the simRacers will know him: a very fast driver who is always in the lead fighting for the victory. Everything I know and know until now I owe to him: I am very fond of him.
Do you have a driver as a reference?
I don’t like to have any driver as a reference, in the end you end up looking like him and you end up losing your own essence which is what makes us unique. Drivers like Jim Clark or Ayrton Senna have always fascinated me. Even the great heroes who raced in Group B. Also Fernando Alonso has been the only one who has got me out of bed to see his races.
What simulators do you use? Which one do you like the most? Why?
I have tried all the simulators and without a doubt, iRacing is where I spend 100% of my time.
What hardware did you start with?
A Logitech Formula Vibration Feedback, with pedals that looked like they were designed for an old-fashioned sewing machine.
What hardware do you have now? With what you currently run, what do you consider to be the most important element for you? What would be your next upgrade?
Currently I have a Thrusmaster T300 with some G27 pedals and a hydraulic brake mod that gives it a special touch, although I have passed almost all brands.
The element that I consider most important is undoubtedly the pedals. The difference between braking at 50% or 80% is reflected in the time per lap: the more sensitivity you have more accuracy, therefore better times. If I had to summarize everything in one sentence I would say that the steering wheel gives you SafetyRating and the iRating pedals.
I’m not one of those people who are always thinking about buying an upgrade to the hardware: if what I have works well and I’m having fun I don’t need it anymore. After all, no matter how much realism you acquire in terms of information, my mind is still in a room.
Do you take it seriously or more as a hobby?
No, I have never really taken it seriously – it has never gone beyond being a hobby to improve my racing style which I devote the necessary time. I have many other priorities.
What do you think is the reason for being competitive?
Really the reason to be competitive is the passion you have inside, to keep improving second by second, tenth by tenth, hundredth by hundredth, thousandth by thousandth until you get to the top. Then you realize that getting to the top is relatively easy, the hard part is staying there.
How many hours do you train for a race?
The time you dedicate to it is relative: I have managed to win important races by doing my first lap in the session’s classification and in others I have arrived at the race with about 10 hours of training and have not managed to cross the checkered flag. Everything is based on the power of your mind, as Senna said, with your instinct and experience, you can fly very high.
What feature would you highlight about yourself?
I am extremely competitive, I like to analyze every last detail.
What shoes do you wear?
So far, my racing shoes. Maximum contact always.
Your favorite car? Your favorite track? Your favorite combination?
I wouldn’t know what to say, I like anything with four wheels and a steering wheel. I guess the BMW GT4 has been part of me in this last time and I have a special affection for it. If I had to choose a circuit I would choose Spa or Nordschleife, since they are fast yet technical circuits where the real drivers make the difference. In the end if you gain experience, you get attached to any combination.
What does it mean to you?
It’s nice to be able to enjoy the same passion with friends, whether it’s real or virtual. To keep growing constantly and to help others is very satisfying on a personal level. I hope that we can all take this project that is now just starting as far as possible and enjoy it.
Have you had real competition experiences?
Yes, I have done several kart races and some official race track days. My dream to race something important one day is still intact since I was very young. I would like to give that same passion back to the world of motor racing.
What would you recommend to those who are starting in simRacing now?
This is not a game, it is a hobby like riding a bike or practicing any sport. It is a world where you have to be continuously learning things and when you think you already have it, a stranger comes along and unknowingly takes one second per lap.
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