The minds behind one of the world's fastest one-make race series
29 Dec 2014|6,064 views
Most of us would have at least a small clue about what it takes to be a racing driver. Besides being fast and quick-witted at the wheel, we need to be as fit as a fiddle to withstand the massive G force, which is constantly at work. But many of us can't possibly imagine how it's like to put together a race, much less an entire series of motorsport events.
At the Grand Finale of the 2014 R8 LMS Cup, which was held recently at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, we had the chance to speak to the minds behind the spectacular one-make race series.
Rene Koneberg (RK) (banner, left), the Programme Director of the Audi R8 LMS Cup and the 'Father' of the series, was responsible for shaping up the fast and furious actions involving the four-ringed race cars.
On the other hand, we have Martin Kuehl (MK) (banner, right), Spokesman and Head of Corporate Communications, Audi China, who also shared with us what it is to be like behind the scenes.
SGCM: This is the third year of the Audi R8 LMS Cup. How has the programme evolved since its inception?
RK & MK: For starters, we think that the motorsports culture in China has evolved substantially. People are starting to have a deeper understanding for motorsports. We also saw a sharp rise in the proficiency level of drivers over the past three years, which has resulted in more intense competition.
We have also made progress in terms of racing venues. The racing series started in China with six races. Since then, it has grown dramatically, from the initial 16 cars to 24 cars in this season. We have also moved out of the region and added new and exciting tracks, such as the Yas Marina F1 circuit in Abu Dhabi.
SGCM: The race series also spawned initiatives such as the Young Driver Development Programme. How are the responses like?
RK & MK: The response has been excellent. We are glad to see how the programme has effectively helped young drivers from Asia to climb up the ladder and compete with drivers from other regions on an international level, and take part in iconic races such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
SGCM: We have seen how the R8 LMS Cup took on new features, such as the 'push-to-pass' function. What other changes can we expect in following years?
RK & MK: We aim to implement something new to the series each year to keep a high level of competition within the field. Come next year, we will implement a 'Launch Control' feature for the cars. Also, we will see both a standing start and a rolling start.
Races will also have a new type of qualification, where all cars will go out to the track and compete for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the fastest eight cars will head out again to vie for the pole position.
SGCM: With new technological features and driver aids in the race cars, do you think less is required from drivers?
RK & MK: On the contrary, we think it will give the drivers more challenge. For instance, the 'push-to-pass' function will add 50 more horses to the cars and increase their top speeds. As such, drivers need to alter their driving styles, such as the braking point. With limited use of this boost function, drivers will also need to plan strategically when and where they should use the features.
SGCM: Both of you have been so involved with motorsports for a long time now. Was there a time when you wished you were in the driver seat?
RK: I enjoy motorsports and I can say I'm one of the lucky ones to combine my passion and career as one. I was working for quattro GmbH for three and a half years. Within the role, I was also involved in DTM, specifically in the customer race activities. And since then I haven't missed the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race. For the time being, I'd like to stay where I'm - as the Racing Director of the series. But I do have a racing license.
MK: I will have to first take my racing license. When I walked the track yesterday, I think it's going to be great fun driving at this circuit. We will have to see.
Most of us would have at least a small clue about what it takes to be a racing driver. Besides being fast and quick-witted at the wheel, we need to be as fit as a fiddle to withstand the massive G force, which is constantly at work. But many of us can't possibly imagine how it's like to put together a race, much less an entire series of motorsport events.
At the Grand Finale of the 2014 R8 LMS Cup, which was held recently at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, we had the chance to speak to the minds behind the spectacular one-make race series.
Rene Koneberg (RK) (banner, left), the Programme Director of the Audi R8 LMS Cup and the 'Father' of the series, was responsible for shaping up the fast and furious actions involving the four-ringed race cars.
On the other hand, we have Martin Kuehl (MK) (banner, right), Spokesman and Head of Corporate Communications, Audi China, who also shared with us what it is to be like behind the scenes.
SGCM: This is the third year of the Audi R8 LMS Cup. How has the programme evolved since its inception?
RK & MK: For starters, we think that the motorsports culture in China has evolved substantially. People are starting to have a deeper understanding for motorsports. We also saw a sharp rise in the proficiency level of drivers over the past three years, which has resulted in more intense competition.
We have also made progress in terms of racing venues. The racing series started in China with six races. Since then, it has grown dramatically, from the initial 16 cars to 24 cars in this season. We have also moved out of the region and added new and exciting tracks, such as the Yas Marina F1 circuit in Abu Dhabi.
SGCM: The race series also spawned initiatives such as the Young Driver Development Programme. How are the responses like?
RK & MK: The response has been excellent. We are glad to see how the programme has effectively helped young drivers from Asia to climb up the ladder and compete with drivers from other regions on an international level, and take part in iconic races such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
SGCM: We have seen how the R8 LMS Cup took on new features, such as the 'push-to-pass' function. What other changes can we expect in following years?
RK & MK: We aim to implement something new to the series each year to keep a high level of competition within the field. Come next year, we will implement a 'Launch Control' feature for the cars. Also, we will see both a standing start and a rolling start.
Races will also have a new type of qualification, where all cars will go out to the track and compete for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the fastest eight cars will head out again to vie for the pole position.
SGCM: With new technological features and driver aids in the race cars, do you think less is required from drivers?
RK & MK: On the contrary, we think it will give the drivers more challenge. For instance, the 'push-to-pass' function will add 50 more horses to the cars and increase their top speeds. As such, drivers need to alter their driving styles, such as the braking point. With limited use of this boost function, drivers will also need to plan strategically when and where they should use the features.
SGCM: Both of you have been so involved with motorsports for a long time now. Was there a time when you wished you were in the driver seat?
RK: I enjoy motorsports and I can say I'm one of the lucky ones to combine my passion and career as one. I was working for quattro GmbH for three and a half years. Within the role, I was also involved in DTM, specifically in the customer race activities. And since then I haven't missed the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race. For the time being, I'd like to stay where I'm - as the Racing Director of the series. But I do have a racing license.
MK: I will have to first take my racing license. When I walked the track yesterday, I think it's going to be great fun driving at this circuit. We will have to see.
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