Chilean racing driver Benjamin Hites has been driving in the ADAC GT Masters since the start of this season. He and Lamborghini works driver Marco Mapelli share the cockpit of the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2 run by the GRT Grasser Racing Team. In an interview, the 24-year-old discusses his helmet design, which is a nod to James Hunt, his first steps in motorsport, and the opportunity in the ADAC GT Masters.

Your helmet design is heavily based on that of famous Formula 1 world champion James Hunt. What is the reason behind that? Why did you opt for that design? I really like the film “Rush” and the story behind James Hunt. He was a special character both on and off the track, about whom there are a lot of spectacular stories. His driving style and character have inspired me, he is my idol. I am not only remembering James Hunt with the helmet design, but the colours also show my strong ties with my homeland.

The Olympic rings adorn your overall. Why is that? It is the logo of the Chilean team that was selected for the Olympic Games by the government. Although motorsport is not an Olympic discipline, I still want to support the team and my country.

How did you get into motorsport? It started when my father gave me a kart. I was still very young at the time, and was immediately captivated. After starting out in a national karting championship in my native Chile, I moved to Argentina, where there were better opportunities. There, I drove in the “Top Race Series”, an Argentinean stock car championship. The high standard and no-nonsense approach on the track meant I learned a lot during that period. At the same time, I was also competing in the Ferrari Challenge in the USA. In recent years, I have been racing in various European GT series and am now enjoying the challenge in the ADAC GT Masters.

Do you live in Europe or back home in Chile? During the season I live in Barcelona. If I have three or four weeks without any races or tests, then I like to fly back to my family. After the season, I spend October to February in Chile.

Does your family visit you at the racetrack sometimes? My father tries to get to all of my races. Sometimes my mum and sister also travel to the events. I am always pleased to have the support of my family.

You set a new qualifying record in Hockenheim, only to see Arjun Maini go even faster just one day later. How upset are you about that? For me, it was a fantastic feeling to set the lap record in my very first qualifying. It is obviously a shame that it was broken again the following day, but I am still pleased with the pole position.

How important is it for you to have a Lamborghini works driver at your side, in Marco Mapelli? It is good to have someone on your side who sets a high standard. I can follow his example and improve the way I go about things.

What are your biggest challenges in the ADAC GT Masters, and what is the biggest opportunity the series provides? Some of this year’s circuits are new to me. In that case, it is important to do as many laps as possible, particularly in the free practice sessions. Plus, the title race is very close, so we must remain focussed at all times. The ADAC GT Masters is a good platform, on which to learn and prove yourself as a young driver. Many professional drivers have come through this series, and I would like to follow in their footsteps.

What is your favourite circuit in the ADAC GT Masters? So far, I like the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg best. However, the Norisring was my first time on a street circuit, and I really enjoyed that too.

Away from the racetrack, what do you do in your free time? In my free time I train in the gym and go cycling. I also like to spend time with friends.