“I feel really comfortable in the ATS Formula 3 Cup”
The GU-Racing team from Velden, Bavaria proved during the 2013 racing season that it is better to be underrated than overrated. Team Principal Gunther Unterreitmeier signed two drivers. And champion Sebastian Balthasar and runner-up Freddy Killensberger scored 18 of 27 possible victories and 42 of 54 possible podium finishes in the end. Disregarding the previous scepticism of potential competitors, 54-year old Unterreitmeier is busy making plans for 2014, which will surely be controversial again. An interview.
How does it feel to be the team winning both the champion and the runner-up titles?“Champion and runner-up sound nice. Considering that it was our comeback! We have experience, in higher series too. However, I am really pleased with winning both the championship and runner-up titles right away. It definitely only works due to my whole team. And I would like to use this opportunity to thank them.”
Is GU-Racing a champion maker?“A team works well and if they are lucky enough they sign a good driver. That is the right combination. The term is a creation by teams. Some take on fast drivers who may drive for free, with the sole aim of winning the championship title. That is just marketing.”
What story will you tell about the 2013 ATS Formula 3 Cup season?“I will probably never forget the moment when both my drivers lost out on points at Lausitzring. Without that we could have secured both the championship and the runner-up titles much earlier. It caused some agitation but we solved the issue. In the end, only the overall result counts. And the fact, that the guys learned from it.”
Will we see you again in Germany's fastest single-seater series in 2014?“We have never been that far advanced in planning at this point in time as this year. We aim to contest the Cup ranking with two drivers and the Trophy ranking with one driver. Additionally we want to contest the Trophy ranking with another, a female driver. Negotiations are in full swing and we also want to do some tests. We always aim to be among the front-runners when we compete in a race. You just have to test, make a selection and decide on a driver or a female driver.”
Why the ATS Formula 3 Cup again?“I feel really comfortable and secure here. That is not necessarily the case in other series like the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. If you are up against a customer team you do not stand a chance.”
Thank you for talking with us, Günther! We are looking forward to welcoming you back, perhaps with a Speedgirl contesting for your team. We wish you all the best and success for the winter break!
