Bruna Tomaselli is more than 1,000 kilometres from the worst of the coronavirus crisis in her native Brazil, but life for the 22-year-old and her family has still become very different…
How is life in Brazil right now?
I live in Caibi, which is in the state of Santa Catarina in south Brazil, with my mum, dad and sister. Caibi is quite small – the population is less than 7,000 – so there have been very few coronavirus cases here. As a result, they have started to lift some of the lockdown measures. Mass gatherings are still banned and restaurants are still closed, but some stores have started to reopen. We’ve been in lockdown for a few weeks but can go out as long as we’re careful. Every state has different rules because some are really struggling. It’s good that we don’t have many cases close to home, but I worry about the big cities. There are measures in place in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro – Brazil’s two biggest cities which are more than 1,000km north of here – but some people have kept going to work. Those places are important to our economy but most of the country’s 50,000 cases and 3,000 deaths have come from there.
How has your daily routine changed?
I am studying journalism at university but all the universities and schools here are closed so I’m now doing lots of work for that at home. I feel as though I am working harder than ever! There isn’t much time to switch off and escape other than when I’m walking our dogs. I don’t want to fall behind with my studies so that is pushing me on and I am also working for the family business. We have a clothing company and business has obviously been hit by this crisis so everyone is doing what they can to help out. It’s a tough time but our feeling of togetherness is even stronger right now – family is the priority.
Have you had to adapt your training?
Actually not too much because my gym has remained open. Some areas are closed and distancing measures are in place so it feels a bit different, but I am managing to stick to my usual training routine pretty closely. I’ve also been doing more cycling and running, so I feel fit and strong. The big change has been on the driving side. I used to go karting every week but the track is shut now so I’m using my simulator at home every day instead.
How much are you missing racing?
I can barely remember the last time I was in a racing car so I’m missing it so much, and more and more every day. But I’m staying busy, staying fit and staying positive. I hope we can go racing again very soon and I’ll be right up for it when we do.
Find out more from other W Series drivers on life in lockdown here.
