Cologne boys Salman and Jusuf Owega both start for the Montaplast by Land-Motorsport team in the ADAC GT Masters, but go in pursuit of points in different Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. 20-year-old Jusuf is now in his second season in the German GT Championship and claimed his maiden victory this year. He also led the German GT Championship until the halfway point of the season at the Nürburgring. When Salman made a guest start in 2021, he became the youngest driver ever to line up in a super sports car in the ADAC GT Masters, at the age of 16 years, four months and 28 days. Now 17 years old, his best result of the season so far was fourth place at the Sachsenring. The brothers are often accompanied by their father, Dr. Ammar Owega. In an interview, the medical professional chats about the life of his racing-mad sons.

How did Jusuf and Salman get into motor racing?

It came from them. I have always been interested in motor racing, and even studied mechanical engineering for a semester before I switched to medicine. However, as young lads they both got it into their heads that they wanted to drive karts, and started in Bobby cars.

When did their wish come true?

I found out about Kartclub Kerpen-Manheim, where Salman was allowed to drive as a six-year-old and Jusuf when he was nine. They watched karting institution Ritchie Schnock and told me that they should sign up straight away. They were immediately able to easily hold their own in the midfield, so I did indeed sign them up.

What happened next?

We only had a limited budget, so we bought everything second-hand and employed young people who drove themselves and enjoyed a bit of mechanics. Salman drove his first race when he was eight and went on to win everything you could win in a kart. Over the course of their careers, there have also been setbacks, but the boys never stopped enjoying what they were doing.

When was the decision taken to take up motorsport professionally?

At the age of eight, Salman was the best in Germany in a kart and won the prestigious Bundesendlauf race. Jusuf was driving in the Karting World Championship in Bahrain and was setting some of the fastest times, despite not starting for one of the top teams. It was clear then, if not before, that it was time to start looking towards professional racing.

What brought them both to the ADAC GT Masters?

Jusuf was the top rookie in the British Formula 3 series at the age of 16, but unfortunately hardly anyone noticed. That made it clear that we needed to race in Germany in order for anyone to pay attention. We decided to start in ADAC GT4 Germany, which took place at ADAC GT Masters race weekends, where there was a lot of media interest. Jusuf had his first season in the ADAC GT Masters in 2021, while Salman went straight from karting to the GTC Race, where he won the GT3 championship and SemiPro title in the 2021 GTC Race. season. In the same year, he made a guest start in the ADAC GT Masters in Hockenheim and became the youngest driver ever.

You are often to be found at the racetrack. How do you support your sons?

Elite sport is all in the head. There are many talented people, but only a few successful ones. For this reason, you need a strong mind, and I help my sons develop in this regard. Alongside my full-time job, I also spent ten years as a race doctor at the Nürburgring, so know what has to be done after a crash. At the circuit, I am always kept informed via radio, and it puts me at ease to know that, should anything happen, I can step in immediately. After all, and my sons are also well aware of this, motorsport is not without danger.

How would you describe Jusuf and Salman’s characters?

They are very ambitious, quiet and reserved, so they do not come across like racing drivers. Salman struggled a little at first and used to question why Jusuf was faster than him. He was lacking experience and, in such strong and evenly-matched racing series like the ADAC GT Masters, every little thing counts. For me, it is important that both remain well balanced emotionally and do not do anything ill-considered at the circuit.

Is motorsport always a topic of conversation at home?

On the contrary, it is hardly ever discussed. We talk about totally normal things. My wife, like all mothers, worries about her children and does not come to the racetrack because she finds it too stressful. However, she knows that Jusuf and Salman are totally committed and supports them both as much as she can.

What is plan B, should the racing careers not work out?

Jusuf has done his international school leaving examination. Salman is in the process of doing it, and sometimes the double workload – school and motor racing – is tough for him. They are both aware of how important education is and that it offers good professional opportunities alongside a career in racing.

What does father Owega want for his sons?

Formula 1 is obviously the dream of any racing driver. However, it is extremely difficult to make that dream come true. A position as a works driver would be one goal, but the first job is to be successful in the ADAC GT Masters and to improve all the time. Jusuf and Salman learn a lot about life through elite sport, and know that motor racing is a privilege and that they are role models. They need to live up to that responsibility.