The Mühlner Motorsport team, which competes in the Prototype Cup Germany, is running a two-phase shootout to find a talented youngster for the 2024 season. The winner will contest a season in the Prototype Cup Germany, all costs paid, together with a team-mate who is yet to be confirmed.
Team principal Bernhard Mühlner has a clear strategy when it comes to his drivers: “Either I allow a really fast driver, who is capable of achieving at least the podium, to drive free of charge – thanks to my team sponsor H&R – or I bring in drivers who are able to fully finance their own outings. In that case, I obviously don’t set any targets with regard to results.” As neither kind of driver is easy to find, the team is doing things its own way. “We had free rein from H&R, who have given us their full backing,” says Mühlner, who has been working together with the company for no less than 33 years. “So, we drew up a concept and are now in the process of implementing it.”
The concept initially comprises seven two-day shootouts from November to March, which will either take place or have already taken place in Barcelona, Portimão (x3), Estoril, Valencia and Aragon. “We plan to have between three and five drivers per day at the initial shootouts, all sharing one car. Our second car will be on site as a backup. Each applicant drives 200 kilometres and their performance is judged on various different criteria. I must stress that the lap times are not decisive at the initial test.” The criteria can be grouped into three main categories: driving performance, technology and engineering, and marketing and media. “The driving aspect includes things like improving lap times, how safely the candidate drives the car, and their general approach. Technology refers to their technical understanding, how they are able to implement the information given to them by their engineers, and the feedback they provide on the way the car is behaving. Marketing and media includes such things as an interview on camera, or the candidates ability to negotiate in sponsorship situations. Each criteria comprises a number of subitems, which then produce an overall picture.”
In theory, anyone can take part in the first shootout. However, Mühlner recommends that applicants should already have race experience. “Having said that, they should be new to LMP3 racing and, ideally, no older than 21. The potential candidates send us their CV and we decide who will be invited to take part. We then inform the successful candidates, along with a request to transfer € 4950 plus VAT. As soon as the money is in our account, the candidate can select a date, on which there are still places available. Shortly before the test, we send them a brief manual for the car, which explains basics like how to start the engine and the display. Then it is down to business. On the whole, the response to our programme has been far bigger than expected, although there are still a few places available. Young drivers from all over the world have been in touch; we have received far more enquiries than we have spaces.”
And how has the experience been so far, with two shootouts already in the book? “Generally speaking, I have to say that the quality of today’s young drivers is astonishingly good. Ten years ago, the youngsters in motorsport were not so good. Despite this, a clear winner emerged from both of the first two tests. Keanu Al Azhari from Dubai won the shootout in Barcelona, and American Josh Green was unbeatable in Portimão after taking all the aspects into account.” They both progress to the final shootout in Barcelona at the start of March, when the ultimate winner will be determined. “At the finale, the candidates will be given clear tasks, such as a qualifying simulation, and lap times will play a bigger role. After all, the serious business begins just a few weeks later with the opening round of the Prototype Cup Germany at Spa-Francorchamps.”
