Vitaly Petrov was the first Russian racing driver in Formula 1 and now he is also the country’s first driver in the DTM. Last weekend he made his debut in the first race of the prestigious touring series at the German Hockenheimring. One of Dragtimes.ru journalists Sergey Bednaruk, who has been the DTM presenter on Russian television for the last seven years, spoke to the 29-year-old Vyborg native before the season-opening race.
Vitaly, you have been the first Russia’s Formula 1 driver and now you are the country’s first DTM driver. It's not a step backwards, is it?
It’s definitely not a step backwards. One should understand that while Formula 1 is the top open-wheel championship, DTM is the top touring car championship. Just look at the neck-to-neck results and you will understand how difficult this series is — less than a second gap between the first place and the last one. This points to the fact that the competition level is very high in the DTM, even higher than in Formula 1. I didn't know much about this series before, just didn’t have enough time to follow other racing championships when I was participating in F1. Now I know that this series is also very interesting and significant. Three famous German carmakers fight for their prestige in the DTM — Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.
You have joined the Mercedes team. Factory Mercedes driver — that sounds impressive!
It’s a great honour to work with Mercedes and represent this famous brand in the prestigious series.
Let’s get back to Formula 1. What made you leave the ‘queen of motorsports’?
After racing two seasons for the top team, I found myself in Caterham — the car there did not allow either claiming top places or even getting in the points. Nevertheless, I was not making any mistakes and was squeezing everything possible out of the car. But then other drivers with larger budgets came around and the team made its choice in their favour. We couldn’t afford such amounts.
You lost your place in Renault after criticising the team in an interview. Any regrets about it?
Well, of course, after a while I thought that maybe I shouldn’t have done that. But at that time there was nobody to support me, to land a helping hand, no one with whom I could share my feelings. The team was suffering technical problems throughout the entire season and, unlike others, we were not making headway, so it has just boiled over. But I don’t think that it was the actual reason for not renewing the contract. Let’s say, it was just another trigger.
So, it turns out that racing drivers are not robots, are they?
We try to be robots on the racing track but we are regular people in everyday life. You need the right environment to become a robot in racing.
Is it difficult to leave a top team and join the ranks of outsiders?
Actually, it has made me stronger. In Caterham, in order to pass a more experienced teammate, I had to work more, have more communication with the engineers. It provided fewer opportunities than Renault but there was much more work to do. Therefore, from the point of view of experience, I have really gained a lot.
As you say, money talks in Formula 1 — is it true that the one who pays more gets the drive?
It’s a big problem. In the course of their career, racing drivers are constantly looking for sponsorships and funding for participation in “minor” racing series. For instance, GP2 is the last step before Formula 1 and the price of one season there is around €1.5 million — not every family can afford it. We didn’t have that much money either, so I had to make every effort to find sponsors. Don’t forget that apart from competitions the driver has to live somewhere, eat, and travel from one country to another to take part in races. However, Formula 1 teams also need money so they are looking for pilots who might bring sponsors along.
From this point of view, is the DTM series different for the better?
It is. First of all, car modifications are subject to strict technical regulations here, that is why the team does not have to shell out big money for car development. The carmakers who fight for their prestige on the racing tracks are interested in best pilots to defend their colours. That is why the level of competition is so high in this series. Lazy people should not expect much here.
How did your career in motorsports begin?
My first car was VAZ-2108 so I actually began with touring car races.
But Mercedes race car is not even close to the VAZ-2108…
In fact, a DTM race car is not close to anything else at all. I have taken part in Formula 1 races and in GT races — it’s absolutely different. That is why it is extremely important to have experience gained particularly in this series.
What is the major difference between a DTM and a Formula 1 race car?
Braking and going into corners is different. In the DTM each mistake is costly, more costly than in Formula 1. In F1 you can lose in one corner but then make up for the lost time in the next corner. Here, in the DTM, you cannot win back lost time and even minor mistakes are significant taking into account how tight the standings are.
What were you working on during the pre-season tests?
I spent the tests exploring the car, its handling features, arranging feedback with the engineers, and trying to go deeply into every detail. Apart from that, we have been working on improving the car’s performance. I can say that pre-season tests were very efficient and allowed me to feel more comfortable driving a car which is totally new for me.
So we shouldn’t be expecting great results from you during the first season?
I’ve never been looking for easy ways and I have always chosen the most difficult series. My first season is definitely not going to be simple. My major goal is to gain experience and move forward. However, I don’t think I should be expecting victories or even podiums so far. I think it is going to be difficult even to get in the points.
You didn’t take part in any competitions last year. Is it difficult to get back to racing after a break like that?
On the contrary, I think it’s even better, as I have more motivation and energy now!
How do you keep your body fit?
I do fitness workouts and jogging. I need exercises which improve stamina and reaction but I don’t need to build muscle mass. Actually, I prefer team sports and play football several times a week. I used to drive a motocross bike but this is not allowed according to my current contract. Generally, I always work out once or twice a day.
Many people think that the life of a racing driver is nothing but glamour…
It used to be so, for instance, in the times described in the “Rush” movie. Everything is different now. Motorsports is about hard work with no time left for anything else.
Are you getting a lot of attention from female fans?
In Formula 1 you are totally hidden so it’s actually impossible. DTM is more open for fans so I guess I will have to hire a bodyguard as now the female fans will give me no peace (laughing).
Do you get an adrenaline rush when racing?
Adrenaline is about a rollercoaster or flying a sports airplane. Frankly speaking, I’m awfully scared of flying. Of course, I got used to it but I’m still very nervous when the plane taking off. But when I am behind the wheel of a car, it’s me who is in control.
Can you compare driving a race car to something else?
I guess, for me it is like shopping for women.
What result would you find acceptable in the beginning of the DTM season?
It would be great if I were somewhere around 15th position in qualifying. And then it will all depend on how fast I am able to get used to the new tracks. I don’t think I can claim getting any points so far. The first season is going to be tough and that is for sure. But I am ready for this challenge and I will do my best. Of course, I really count on our fans during the round which will be held in Russia on the Moscow Raceway. Will be looking forward to your support!
Soon you will be able to know Vitaliy Petrov impressions after his first real race in DTM! Stay with us on Dragtimes.ru!
2014 DTM calendar
May 4 Hockenheim (Germany)
May 18 Oschersleben (Germany)
June 1 Budapest (Hungary)
June 29 Nürnberg (Germany)
July 13 Moscow Raceway (Russia)
August 3 Spielberg (Austria)
August 17 Nürburg (Germany)
September 14 Lausitz (Germany)
September 28 Guangzhou (China)
October 19 Hockenheim (Germany)
Story and photo by Sergey Bednaruk