Boutsen Ginion Racing – Ready for its drivers’ home race

For each, in his own way, this will be a home race.  German Thomas Holzer has raced a great deal in Austria while Austrian Dominik Kraihamer will make his debut at the Red Bull Ring, but in front of his fans and sponsors.

Thomas Holzer

We are proud to have WEC drivers racing in the ELMS.  Tell us why you are here with us in Austria?

In reality, this was an opportunity and a good excuse ... Our sponsor EAT THE BALL is Austrian, and wanted to make the most of having a home endurance race to organize several events. So it was great to be able to be in the Boutsen Ginion Racing ORECA 03 Nissan and to run at a track I really like.

I did my very first single-seater tests here almost 13 years ago. I did several Formula BMW races in 2002 and then Formula 3 so I know the circuit pretty well.  The last time I came here the layout was already the one we see today so I shouldn't have too many surprises.

I like it especially because it seems very easy but, in reality, it is a bit tricky. There are some fast and slow corners, and it's not always clear how to find the best set-up. The resurfacing of the track is smoother but, at the same time, there is a lot of grip ... there are ups and downs  ... this is a really nice circuit.

I've run here with a fair few different cars, but this is the first time that I will be driving a prototype at this track. This race has a rather special meaning for me, because I effectively grew up here.  I've spent a lot more time at this track than at the German Hockenheim or Nürburgring circuits... so I'm more or less at home.

Dominik Kraihamer

The third round of the ELMS is your home race but you've never raced here.  What are you expecting of this weekend?

For sure this is the first time I've driven at this track but, with Thomas' advice, I am sure I'll learn quickly.  Our main sponsor is Austrian, and it's going to be a big party for everyone and a great opportunity for them to see us racing a prototype in an endurance race.  It's a home race that we can't offer them within the WEC.

There isn't really any pressure, I am also here because there's a long break between our last WEC race and the next (1st September in Brazil).  This ELMS round allows me to stay focussed on racing and on a race.

I am proud to take part in this home race for our main sponsor.  It will also be great to be with the Boutsen team again as I've known them for a long time and made my prototype debuts with them (FLM and then LMP2).

The two drivers are concentrating on finding a good set up for the car and are confident for a good qualifying position, that session taking place on Saturday at 10:20h.  The 3 Hours of Red Bull Ring will start at 16:30h the same day.