Jannes Fittje from Germany has a second season in the ADAC Formula 4 ahead of him. After a debut year that included a few setbacks but also many highlights, his slogan for his second year is: "Go all-out!" In interview, the young German talks about the previous year, his expectations for 2016 and also gives us an idea about how his pre-season preparations are going.
Jannes, your second year in the ADAC Formula 4 is about to kick off. How do you expect to do in the next few races?
Jannes Fittje: Firstly, it's important to get the best start possible to the season in order to gain confidence for the task ahead. My goal for the end of this year is to finish in the Top Three overall and obviously to pick up plenty of wins and podiums along the way.
You've just joined the recently established US Racing outfit. What led to you making the switch and how is work with the team going?
Jannes Fittje: Two big names in German motor racing, Ralf Schumacher and Gerhard Ungar, certainly played a part in my decision, simply because their expertise makes me feel good about the task ahead. Plus, there's the excellent tackle we have. I've got a car, with which I can definitely go on the offensive. As regards working with the team, it's apparent that the chemistry between us is right, that we all work very well together and that their philosophy suits me perfectly.
How are your preparations for the 2016 season going?
Jannes Fittje: Aside from a number of simulation tests here with the team and working together on the car, there was the first official testing in Valencia at the end of February, which makes me feel very pleased overall and gives me hope for the new year. Of course, I'm also currently undertaking a personal training programme in order to get the necessary strength and fitness for the season. Ultimately, these factors could decide whether I can meet my expectations in the end.
How do you feel about the new car?
Jannes Fittje: It's great. I've already developed a strong feeling of trust in it, feel at ease and can go beyond the limit. You normally have to drive beyond the limit in order to win. And that's also possible with this car, so I'll be going all-out in the first race.
You also like go beyond the limit when playing football. To what extent does your hobby fit in with everyday life?
Jannes Fittje: Less and less, unfortunately. Especially when compared to the past, I notice that I get to train less and less. I obviously try to turn out as often as possible to play in the odd match or two with the guys, because it provides an excellent counterbalance to motor racing. At the same time, I can work a lot on my fitness. I currently play with the club in a league where we've become established as one of the top three teams. Celebrating the win with the boys after the match is really good fun.
The documentary on Kika children's TV, called Pole Position, is about the everyday life of certain young German motor racing drivers. A television crew followed you around during your first season. In what ways have taking part in the documentary and working with the crew changed your life?
Jannes Fittje: The documentary is really authentic. I remained Jannes Fittje the whole time and not just someone that the producers wanted to see. It was all very unfamiliar to begin with, for sure, but in time, the people around me became friends. The work was a real pleasure. I learned a lot and now know how to behave in front of the camera. I'll certainly be able to make good use of these new experiences later.
And one final question about your future. Do you see yourself in motor racing, in Formula 1, for example? If so, by what traits will people be able to recognise you?
Jannes Fittje: Of course, I aim to drive in Formula 1 and also hope to become world champion. It's everyone's dream here in Formula 4. There are or have been many people who impress me, but I don't have a particular role model. I'm trying to shape a new personality that has never existed before by taking on many positive features from various people such as Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna. Of course, that person is Jannes Fittje!