He secures a podium finish after starting from the very back of the field twice. He beats his own lap record several times at one racing weekend. He is the current SONAX rookie champion in the ATS Formula 3 Cup and secures the championship title five races before the end of the season. According to the media, Marvin Kirchhöfer was the favourite even before the season had started. Still, nobody could have predicted that the 19-year old from Leipzig would be leaving the rest of the grid behind him so easily. We met up with Marvin Kirchhöfer from the Lotus talent factory from Oschersleben on the morning after his victory. An interview.
Marvin, how are you today?
“I have to say I am a little tired. The evening yesterday was an hour longer than usual. The mood is great though. All the stress is gone.”
Have you taken in yet that you are the 2013 ATS Formula 3 Cup champion?
“Honestly, I think I will only realize it at the award ceremony in Hockenheim.”
What was the decisive factor for you winning in the end?
“I think I have learned so, so much last year. Gustav Malja was my toughest competitor, but I watched the races again very closely. He only won three or four times but finished third or fourth constantly. I wanted to pick something up from him and saw that it is not necessarily about winning but rather about consistency. That was my key to success. I was on the podium almost every time.”
You are also a candidate of the young-driver promotion programme of the Deutsche Post Speed Academy.
“It is a big opportunity for me. I did not have any idea what to expect at first but it is just fantastic! They both promote and challenge us. How we present ourselves, give interviews or how to behave at the table. It starts with the very basics and then touches every little detail. Motorsports is not only about the things that happen on the track any more but those off the track as well. Therefore, it is the best promotion programme in Germany for me.”
Can you name one specific example demonstrating where you are simply better?
“My Dad plays a big part. Beside his day job he does something extra that he has fun with and is passionate about. And if it is only the little things like organising something. Plus, there is the collaboration with my engineer and my mechanic. If everything fits that is a great prerequisite.”
What are you going to remember from this season?
“I think we had some exciting races. First in Spa, which was one of the most wonderful races for me, and then at Sachsenring close to home. I have never had so many fans at the track before. That was brilliant. It was not so great that I got disqualified though! But then I managed to push through the field from the very back almost to the top. I am sure, that those moments shape me and help me a lot in my development.”
Now you have completed the general qualification for motorsports with honours.
“The ATS Formula 3 Cup was the best decision that I could have made in my second year in car racing. I did not have that much experience as some of the others at the beginning of the year. It was a good step for me because you have opportunities to practice aside from the races. That is crucial when you are young but also depends on finances. I am glad that I was able to spend a lot of time on track.”
Every driver contesting the ATS Formula 3 Cup has a chance to win an award off the track, the Ravenol Media Award. Are you going to apply?
“I think it is great to show what things you can do off the track. Of course, the goal is to be among the front-runners in this. But I won’t reveal anything yet. It will be something special and unique.”
What are your plans for next year?
“There were a few talks regarding the FIA Formula 3 European Championship and GP3. It depends on finances and I also want to feel comfortable and do something that I really want to do. I want to trust my instinct in this matter. I hope to continue working with the Lotus team. My goal is definitely Formula 1. We will see.”
Do you have anything scheduled for after the end of the season?
“There are a lot of plans at the moment. One highlight may be a GP3 test in Abu Dhabi and I might do a guest stint in the European Championship, but all that will depend on our financial situation. I am really looking forward to my DTM driver test this autumn which was made possible by my ATS Formula 3 Cup championship title and Volkswagen.”
Will we see you in the ATS Formula 3 Cup again?
“I will not vanish completely. I was very happy to participate this year. And I think that I will visit and maybe give advice to some of the drivers. I also want to use the opportunity to thank my team principal and the entire team. This year could not have worked out any better. Everybody did a great job. I am very glad that I was able to participate this year. My thanks go to my team!”
Thank you, Marvin, for talking with us! We are looking forward to hearing from you again in the future and wish you a lot of success and a perfect season final in Hockenheim in two weeks time.