14 international titles, more than 125 pole positions and 150 victories since 1999 emphasise the quality of the work of Lotus. Timo Rumpfkeil’s team won the ATS Formula 3 Cup driver’s title last year. Marvin Kirchhöfer is set to be the title contender in 2013. A member of the Lotus junior programme, the 18-year old from Leipzig won the 2012 ADAC Formel Masters Championship title.
The competition is getting stronger and the performance level is increasing. Marvin Kirchhöfer saw this himself during the winter tests. That is why further increasing his fitness level has a high priority for him right now. He has been handling his Dallara F311 Volkswagen Power Engine well from the beginning. “Feeling the power of this car never fails to impress me. It takes a lot of precise work, which is so much fun for me,” says a happy Kirchhöfer. “I am excited to see how the races will go and I am also looking forward to tough battles and thrilling races!”
Germany’s number one talent
Kirchhöfer has already won many titles and awards. ADAC’s Junior Racing Driver of the Year 2012, Germany’s Motorsport Talent 2012, multiple Sportsman of the Year awards, member of the Lotus junior programme as well as winner of the 2011 German Karting Championship and 2012 ADAC Formel Masters Champion. Nevertheless he will not be afforded special status in the Lotus team. “I am aware that I can build a certain status based on success. At the end of the year you can see who did best.” Team Principal Timo Rumpfkeil is certain to have made the right decision. “I am convinced that Marvin is the outstanding talent in Germany at the moment, and I am glad that he will contest this season again for our team.” Rumpfkeil plans to announce more drivers for the ATS Formula 3 Cup soon.
Big role models
A few test days at the end of March are next on Kirchhöfer’s schedule. “I am looking forward to this new challenge and I will give my very best to be as successful in the new season as in 2012. The decision to compete for Lotus was not difficult for me, because I know the team very well and feel extremely comfortable there. Timo and his team have never spared an effort and have supported me in every possible way in my development.” Perhaps Kirchhöfer can score the hat trick. Winner of the German Karting Championship in 2011, winner of the ADAC Formel Masters Championship in 2012 and in 2013? By the way, Sebastian Vettel is Kirchhöfer’s big role model. It is going to be very exciting.