I began motor sports at an early age, since I was already riding a motorbike at the age of 6 and took part in my first competitions when I was 10. I rode superbike until I the age of 24, in parallel with go-karting. I then caught the motor racing virus four years ago.
What sparked your interest?
I began to miss competitive sports. Five years ago, the Lamborghini importer in Switzerland, Roland Affolter invited me to accompany him on the Dijon race track, and it was a real eye-opener.. I found the Lamborghini GTR to be even more fun than motorbikes, and as you get older it’s not so painful either.
What’s your finest memory?
My victory in Barcelona in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP-570-4 just after the birth of my son. I hadn’t slept for three days and I left directly from the hospital in order to arrive just in time for the qualifying rounds. Nobody really thought there was any chance of winning, but I simply ran on adrenalin right the way to the podium.
Of which performance are you most proud?
The first race of the 2010 season in Hockenheim, which was phenomenally intense. That was where I felt the most pressure. I fought an incredible duel with the season winner, constantly pushing each other to the limit. My tyres reacted unpredictably to braking, everything was a matter of millimetres, and the suspense was truly nail-biting. By the end I was exhausted but victorious, and it was definitely the finest battle I’ve ever fought.
What would you see as the ultimate objective?
I don’t set any long-term objectives; each race is a goal in itself, and each time I try to win and above all to excel.
The dream location where you would love to race? There would of course be the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, but that’s really something special. Otherwise I would love to go back and race on the Laguna Seca track in California which I only know on motorbike.
How does this passion influence your professional activities?
Whether motor racing or other competitions, such activities strengthen me and help me adopt a rigorous approach to life. I remain stoical even in situations of extreme stress. Within my professional context, I also try to improve constantly and to focus on the details that enable me to win.
