BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt and MS&AD Andretti Formula E CEO Michael Andretti answer quick questions.
What is the biggest challenge you face running a racing team?
Andretti: “Having the right people in the right positions.”
Marquardt: “And then keeping them motivated, sharp and ensuring their hearts are in it – through the good times and the bad.”
What job would you do, if you were not in motor racing?
Andretti: “Honestly? I have no idea. Really don’t know what I would do. I am very lucky to be able to do what I love.”
Marquardt: “I would probably be a teacher.”
Which is your favourite racetrack?
Andretti: “Spa is my favourite racetrack.”
Marquardt: “I agree. It is a manly track. Michael knows it as a racing driver, I know it as an engineer. It is a natural track, and a real challenge for every driver.”
What is your biggest success to date?
Andretti: “When I came back from Formula 1 and won the very first IndyCar race back in Australia. That was a big moment for me.”
Marquardt: “Obviously 2012, when we returned to the DTM with BMW and won all three championships in the first year back.”
Which is your favourite car, or racing car?
Andretti: “Racing car… I would have to say the Lotus 79, with which my father won the Formula 1 World Championship. That car was just beautiful.”
Marquardt: “I would rather go for a road car: the BMW 507.”
Who, in your opinion, is the best racing driver you know?
Andretti: “My father, Mario, was always my hero. Nobody has achieved what he has achieved: winning in every category he has driven in. I don’t think that will ever be repeated.”
Marquardt: “For me, it is Jackie Stewart. I have met him a few times, and was very impressed with how reserved he was.”
Which is your favourite airport?
Andretti: “Indianapolis.”
Marquardt: “Munich. I associate it with home.”
What is the most important thing in life?
Marquardt: “Two things: health and happiness.”
Andretti: “I agree.”
V8 or BMW eDrive?
Marquardt: “That’s very easy: today V8, tomorrow eDrive.”
Andretti: “Nice answer.”
Steak or fish?
Marquardt and Andretti (simultaneous): “Steak!”
Suit or hoodie?
Andretti: “Hoodie.”
Marquardt: “Politically correct answer: suit. Private answer: hoodie.”
Travel by plane or car?
Andretti: “That is easy: plane.”
Marquardt: “That depends on the distance. Within Germany and neighbouring countries, I obviously prefer our BMW vehicles. The plane then comes into play on long journeys.”
Champagne or beer?
Andretti: “Depends on the situation.”
Marquardt: “Mineral water, if I am driving.”
Andretti: “Another clever answer …”
Marquardt: “Beer on normal days, champagne when I am celebrating a win with Michael.”
Top speed or balance?
Andretti: “Balance.”
Marquardt: “Top speed.”
Le Mans or Nordschleife?
Andretti: “Le Mans.”
Marquardt: “Nordschleife. Even Le Mans cannot top that.”
Stairs or elevator?
Andretti: “Stairs.”
Marquardt: “Stairs.”
Fastest lap or pole position?
Andretti: “Pole position.”
Marquardt: “Pole position.”
Blockbuster or theatre?
Andretti: “Theatre.”
Marquardt: “Theatre.”
Metallica or Madonna?
Andretti and Marquardt (simultaneously, laughing): “Metallica!”
Baseball or soccer?
Marquardt: “Soccer, by a mile.”
Andretti: “Oh goodness, I guess soccer.”
Diving or hiking?
Marquardt: “Definitely hiking. I don’t like diving.”
Andretti: “Hiking for me too.”
The long interview: PART 1 & PART 2
Street courses can make it difficult for the camera crews but luckily @FIAFormulaE has a team that will do whatever it takes to get all the angles. #HKEPrix #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/dZW9pcLYGw
— MS&AD Andretti FE (@msadAndrettiFE) December 6, 2017
