Timer at Zero - Time for a Pit Stop with Timo Scheider
The winner is not the one with the fastest car. We are pleased to be able to give you a little insight into the world of DTM champion Timo Scheider, who has been a professional racing driver since 1997. We were allowed to ask him a few questions, which he gladly answered with his easy-going, witty manner.
// Describe yourself in three words - what characterises Timo Scheider?
Timo Scheider: Joyful, ambitious, funny - I always focus on the positive and believe in the good in people.
// What power characteristics does a young, aspiring racer need?
Timo Scheider: First and foremost, one must be aware that the path of the racer can be hard and rocky. This sport, if compared through the years, consists more of defeats than victories in the form of pure success. The important thing is to have a biting ambition and the support of family and friends. Be hungry for success! Success is getting up more often than falling.
// How is the DTM different today than it was 35 years ago?
Timo Scheider: There aren't many differences in the way we work. Of course, the DTM world is turning and developing technically. In the past, everything was more down-to-earth, more rustic and more personal. Today, everything is documented, analysed and precisely proven. The transparent racing driver - data after data. [laughs]
// If your life were to be made into a movie, which actor would play you?
Timo Scheider: Actually Sylvester Stallone or Jason Statham [laughs]. Don't get me wrong - I also like that they both come from humble backgrounds and have achieved a lot in life.
// What wish would you still like to fulfil?
Timo Scheider: [laughs] There's one more item on my to-do list that hasn't been ticked off yet and is honestly bugging me. This wish actually has something to do with racing again. I have not yet driven a Formula 1 car. I've only ever had one foot in it. That's a big wish that I would like to fulfil.
// Who's the craziest person you've met in your life so far?
Timo Scheider: [laughs] Well, when I think back to my motorsport days, it's definitely my teammate Jockel Winkelhock. He was by far the funniest and craziest teammate. You know these people who have a serious conversation with you and after five minutes you discover: I've been pranked! [laughs] A really funny guy. It was a great time with him!
// Sea or mountains?
Living between the mountains, I prefer the mountains in winter and the beach in summer.
// Was there a situation in your racing career where you were really lucky?
Timo Scheider: In this sport, the saying "in the right place at the right time" definitely applies. There are certainly cases where a puncture fortunately happened later. I call it luck of the fittest. I'm very grateful that I was able to turn my hobby into a profession and that I've been on the racetrack unscathed for 32 years now.
// What is something that should not be missing from Timo Scheider's fridge?
Timo Scheider: In general, coffee is a must! I'm addicted to coffee, and preferably black. I'm also a pasta lover. My girlfriend makes the best pasta in the world.
// Are you an emotional or cerebral person?
Timo Scheider: Definitely an emotional person.
// Do you think today's children will have a better/easier or a worse/difficult life?
Timo Scheider: Two things - I'm a father of two boys. When I think outside of motorsport, I have a lot of questions that can't be answered. Things happen that I can't control. Where's the future taking us? From my gut feeling, I don't think it's quite as great as it was 20 years ago. From a sporting point of view, I see it similarly. The economic situation is difficult. Talent used to count first and foremost; now talent is secondary. Those who have money and connections get far but bring less success to the team as a whole. As far as our young talents are concerned, I definitely wouldn't like to be 20 again.
// Thank you very much for the nice conversation, your open words and your time. All the news about Timo Scheider and his career can be found on the new website timoscheider.de.
