Q & R with Björn Wirdheim

MOTORSPORT QUESTIONS

Whether in ELMS or not, how was your 2014 season?

I raced with GAINER Team in Super GT in Japan, it was my 8th season in the series and 2nd year with GAINER. We finished 2nd in the Drivers Championship for the second year in a row, however we won the Teams Championship.

What did you do during the winter?

I’ve got a young daughter so I’ve been looking after her so that my wife can have more of a normal working life during my off-season together with the usual pre-season preparations of course.

What do you expect from the 2015 ELMS season?

It’s my first year in the ELMS championship but I have previous experience of working with Greaves having raced with them in WEC in 2013. I did four rounds of that championship and we achieved two podiums in that time. We have one of the strongest driver line-ups this season and the team is well prepared and experienced, so the only aim is to win.

Do you know all the circuits on the 2015 schedule? Which one is your favourite?

I know all of them apart from Le Mans, I had victories in International F3000 at both Silverstone and Imola and in F3 at Red Bull Ring and I’ve done a lot of testing at Estoril. Favourite is Silverstone as it’s my home race – I live only 30 minutes down the road.

How do you prepare for a race weekend?

I go through data from previous years and look at on board video to be better prepared once I get into the car. Testing is limited in most Championships these days so you need to use all available tools in order not to waste any precious time.

Do you have a special ritual before the race? If yes, what is it ?

Not really, I put my race gear on the same way every single time I dress, that’s about as close to a ritual as I get.

What are the strengths of your team?

Their level of experience and professionalism.

What are the strengths of your co driver(s)?

I don’t know Gary well enough yet to say really, but from what I’ve heard and seen so far he’s on a very high level considering he is a silver rated driver. He’s got experience of the Championship having raced a full season in ELMS last year. Experience counts for more than raw pace in this type of Championship. Jon I’ve raced with once before and he was very impressive considering it was his first time in endurance type racing (2013 WEC in Bahrain)

What is the race you want to take part in the most? And why?

Le Mans with it’s history is every drivers dream to win.

What has been your best result in motorsport? (which discipline, when, what circuit)

I’m a former International F3000 Champion (2003), I’ve finished runner-up in Super GT GT300 in 2013 and 2014.

HIS PERSONALITY

What is your greatest strength of character?

I’m calm and focussed

What is your worst weakness?

Can’t think of anything that stands out

What is your favourite colour?

Purple

What was the last book you have read?

Straight White Male by John Niven

What can we see on your bedside table?

My phone and photos of my family

What is your favourite music?

Massive Attack

What your favourite flower / plant?

Bonsai tree

In which country would you like to live?

Italy

If you were an animal which one would it be and why?

Dolphin

If you were a person from History, which one would it be?

Steve Mcqueen

What is your life motto?

Racing is life, everything else is just waiting