Two-time DTM champion Timo Scheider (39, DEU) will be competing in the ADAC GT Masters for the first time this weekend at Oschersleben (13th - 15th April). The BMW Team Schnitzer driver tells us in interview why he is really looking forward to the Super Sports Car League, what his goals are and how he sees his role as mentor to the BMW Motorsport Juniors. SPORT1 will broadcast the two races from the ADAC GT Masters opening weekend live and in full on Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm. A livestream will also be available online at sport1.de, adac.de/motorsport and youtube.com/adac.
Welcome to the ADAC GT Masters! How do you feel about your first season?
Timo Scheider: "Thanks for the welcome! I'm really looking forward to the ADAC GT Masters. At my age, it's always nice to do something new and I think it's really great to be contesting my first season with BMW and BMW Team Schnitzer. The programme of meetings looks fantastic and I'm going to enjoy it, which is very important, because when you get to my age, you only do the things you choose to do."
What appeals to you most about the series?
"What I find most appealing is being able to do something I haven't done before, like bungee jumping for the first time. Your first time is always pretty special. Finding a fresh challenge is not easy after 16 years in the DTM, Rallycross and everything else I've done, but that's exactly what BMW are now making possible with the ADAC GT Masters."
How do you see your role in BMW Team Schnitzer, since, in view of your wealth of experience, you will mentor the BMW Motorsport Juniors in the team, but this will be your first season in the ADAC GT Masters?
"It is indeed a special situation that I find myself in. There'll be a great deal for me to take on board, but on the other hand, I've got a lot of experience that I can share with my team-mates. I'll be only too pleased to give the BMW Motorsport Juniors the benefit of my many years in motorsport, but some of the guys are more experienced at GT racing than me and can show me a thing or two. So, we'll try to complement one another, and I'll endeavour to give them a helping hand where possible."
Racing for BMW Team Schnitzer, you'll be driving for one of Germany's most experienced and successful teams. Have you managed to settle in yet?
"I already know the team from competing in the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. There's probably no other team around with such a distinguished BMW pedigree. I think it's a big honour and something very special to drive for such a team. At this stage in my life, I'm now really looking forward to contesting a full season with Schnitzer."
What are your goals for this season?
"We aim to win races! BMW were very successful last year and had a decent chance of lifting the title with Philipp Eng right up until the final race. Of course, that must be our goal again this year, but we have to be realistic and wait until the first qualifying session to see where we stand. We're definitely on a firm footing, and the car proved that it's competitive last year. We should certainly be able to win races provided our level of performance is similar to last year's."
Is there any race in particular that you are looking forward to this season?
"The season-opener at Oschersleben will be the first of many to get the old pulse racing, for sure! It's about time the winter break was over and things got underway again. Zandvoort will also be a highlight of my year, because it's my favourite track, but I'm also looking forward to circuits like Most and the Sachsenring where I've not driven for several years."