Tobias Schimon is the voice of Fan TV in the ADAC GT Masters. The 37-year-old has been up close and personal with the German GT Championship for five years and regularly goes in search of interviewees for his viewers. In an interview, the Munich resident reveals what a standard workday at the racetrack looks like, and which reporter is his idol.

How did you get into motorsport?

I was born in Nuremberg and grew up with the Norisring on my doorstep. I found my way into motorsport through an internship with a TV station. I gained initial experience in various series, such as MotoGP and what was Formula 3 at the time, and was immersed in the world of racing. I always wanted to be on television. That was clear to be before I could even walk.

What are your roles?

At the racetrack, I am responsible for entertaining the fans and have been presenting Fan TV in the ADAC GT Masters since 2018. I want to get the fans closer to the action, both on the track and in the pit lane, and ultimately to convey the emotions.

How do you prepare for a race weekend?

I read a lot of news articles on motorsport portals and on the ADAC GT Masters website. That is a very good site and source of information for me. I also check the social media channels of the drivers and teams. However, I try to keep a balanced mix in the way I present things: on Fan TV, we do not want to overwhelm the viewers with information, but also to entertain them.

What does a standard day at the racetrack look like?

I meet at the circuit one hour before qualifying. The day begins with a meeting for those involved in the production and the sequence editor. The cameraman and I then head into the pit lane and greet the fans in the stands. I give the spectators a summary of the day’s events and announce any fan activities, such as the pit walk and autograph sessions. After qualifying, I accompany the pole-sitter to the Pirelli Pole Position Award and discuss his thoughts on the session. Between qualifying and the race, I fly through the pit lane during the pit walk and entertain the fans. That is always a highlight for me, because the drivers are relaxed and happy to sign plenty of autographs. I also take the opportunity to speak to the fans and, for example, ask them who is their favourite driver. On the grid, I capture the final few thoughts and outline the position going into the race. After the start, my cameraman and I are particularly attentive, as anything can happen out on the track. Our task is then to clear up what is happening on track, by getting comments from team members. As soon as we know the race winners, I do the winner’s interview with the driver from the first stint. That is the most emotional moment of the day, because we get their reactions immediately after the car crosses the finish line. After a few more interviews, I bid farewell to the fans. As you can see, I am on the move a lot – I usually do about 20,000 steps in a day.

What happens once the working day is over?

Once my job is done, I hang around the paddock and enjoy the atmosphere. There is a cool mood, particularly on the Saturday evening: the teams are still working on the super sports cars, and the drivers spend longer in the paddock. I am already preparing for the following day by chatting to teams, drivers and the ADAC. I am not someone who is keen to get away from the racetrack. Once back at the hotel, I review the day with my technology team.

Your most important tool is the microphone, but you also have a button in your ear. What is that for?

Most of the time, I am listening to the circuit speaker. I hear exactly the same thing as the fans at the circuit. Sometimes, however, the sequence editor speaks to me and provides me with information – for example, he lets me know that there is a commercial break coming.

Before the races in the German GT Championship, the guests of the “Club of Champions” of series partner Herrenausstatter get the race up and running with the “Drivers start your engines” sign. Does this offer up any interesting conversations?

Definitely. The guests are always very fascinating interviewees for me. Celebrities from the world of sport, in particular, are absolutely fascinated by the action in the ADAC GT Masters. For example, we had Francesco “Franz” Friedrich at the Sachsenring – a four-time Olympic champion and the most successful bobsleigh driver in the world. Sportsmen and women have a very close association with the subject, as they know how to react in pressure situations. That makes them very intrigued. I also have fascinating chats with guests from outside the world of sport.

In your career as a fan reporter, has there been one interview that you remember in particular?

I always look back fondly on the finale of the 2018 season at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. The title race was extremely exciting and Mathieu Jaminet and Robert Renauer were ultimately crowned champions for Precote Herberth Motorsport. There was a pretty exuberant atmosphere in the garage. I never managed to ask a question. That was definitely one of my top moments and a crazy final race of the season.

How do you cope with nerves before you do your presenting?

I used to be nervous, particularly in my first year in 2018. I was a newcomer to the ADAC GT Masters and did not know the environment, which meant I initially had to earn the trust of the drivers. It is important to me not to impair the drivers, but to offer them a great stage. In the meantime, the paddock has become like a big family to me. Over the years, I have made a lot of friends. Over the course of time, I have stopped being nervous, thanks to the nice and fair way that people treat me.

Is there a reporter who particularly impresses you?

Kai Ebel is obviously one of my big idols. He has made his mark on the pit lane in Formula 1 for years. He was always fair and created a good atmosphere, which allowed him to establish a good reputation. I had the opportunity to interview him briefly on Fan TV at the final round of the 2022 season at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. That was great. However, I try not to emulate anybody, as you have to write your own story. When it comes to fashion, I tend not to pay too much attention to Kai Ebel. (laughs)

What race would you really like to report on?

I would absolutely love to work at the Nürburgring 24 Hours again. That is where my career as a motorsport reporter started and, for me, it is the ultimate event. It would obviously also be a dream to get into Formula 1 and follow in Kai Ebel’s footsteps. However, I would always put the 24-hour race in the Eifel ahead of F1. There is nothing better for me.