When he was in Monaco for the Historic Grand Prix earlier this month (10-12/05), Patrick Dempsey gave an interview to local newspaper Monaco-Matin.
Actor Patrick Dempsey at the wheel of a Porsche on the track in Monaco: “Once I’m in the car, everything seems calm”
Known for his role of McDreamy in Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey did some demonstration laps with Eddie Irvine at the 14th historic Monaco Grand Prix. Former driver and owner of a team, he evokes his passion with Monaco-Matin.
When he walks through the stands or the paddocks, Patrick Dempsey draws everyone’s attention and photographers focus on him. Almost a decade after his departure from Grey’s Anatomy, in which he played the iconic McDreamy, his fame is still intact.
Over the last few years he has become a regular spectator of the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. And now, for the first time, the actor has flirted with the rails during several demonstration laps at the wheel of a Porsche 911 Carrera.
As his co-pilot for the day we find the unique Eddie Irvine, former driver, who is always full of good advice. However, in a race car, Patrick Dempsey is far from being a novice since he was a driver until 2015. That year, during his fourth participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he finished second in the GTE-AM category. He also has his own team.
For Monaco-Matin, he shares his passion for a universe that attracts him more than the spotlights of television or cinema.
On Friday, you drove a Porsche 911 Carrera on the Monaco track alongside Eddie Irvine. Tell us about this extraordinary experience.
This car is legendary, we’ve heard so much about it. Everything was incredible: acceleration, handling, balance. …. I think Eddie Irvine had a good time driving on the track again. He was wonderful. It was great to hear him talk about the car’s settings, what he liked when he was driving here. This honour that was given to me to take a trip to Monaco is a dream come true.
Seeing these cars drive all weekend in Monaco, we become aware of the insane risks that the drivers were taking at the time…
Oh yes, undeniably. These cars, this environment and this speed. With every accident, with every disappearance, both the cars and safety have greatly improved. So, today, you see the risks that the guys at the time could not have avoided. That’s what makes it so special, and always so dangerous, because people really push the cars. They are there and go as far as they can.
How do you handle fear as a driver?
The most difficult is the night before the race and before getting into the car. Once in it, you just have to react to what is in front of you and around you, which obviously requires concentration. I have always found that during driver changes and just before the race, controlling your emotions was the most complicated part. I don’t think we talk enough about the mental aspect of motorsport. It is really important to stay calm. Everyone has their own ritual, their superstitions that make it possible to reach this state. But once you are in the car, put on your seat belt and start the engine, everything seems calm.
Before Patrick Dempsey, there were James Garner, Steve McQueen and Paul Newman… What do these three men inspire you? Would you have liked to face them on the track?
I would have liked to race against them and see who was the fastest. [laughs] It could have been interesting but I think Paul would probably have been the fastest of us. I will never know, I never had the opportunity to meet him.
Recently, I watched a video of Revson driving with McQueen at Sebring in 1970. They finished on the podium and had almost beaten Ferrari. They all raced at different periods and with different cars. They had a huge impact and were so passionate about motorsport. They were good drivers.
You play the character of Piero Taruffi in Michael Mann’s Ferrari. It was not too difficult to convince you.
Oh no, I begged to have this job because I’ve been following this story for a very long time. I think Piero Taruffi is a man who never really got the recognition he deserved because he survived. Many people became heroes after their death. Taruffi was an extraordinary driver who achieved excellent results and had a long relationship with Ferrari. The simple fact of being part of this film took me back in time, especially when we shot the beginning of the Mille Miglia in Brescia. It was like in the photos. The moment was magical.
You have often said that you feel more comfortable as a driver than as an actor. Why?
Being in the car, competing, is a matter of passion. As a child, I wanted to become a professional skier and becoming an actor was accidental. It’s always a little difficult for me, there is more stress than in a race car.
The Dempsey Hub 