Q&A with Sabine Schmitz

She’s the fastest female to have lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife and continues to enjoy a successful career on track and on television in various presenting roles. And the 45-year-old German’s next challenge is to take on the WTCC regulars on a circuit she knows better than all of them, while promoting the FIA Women in Motorsport initiative at the same time.

You got your first taste of WTCC action during the official pre-Nürburgring test last month. What did you think of your Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1?

“The first day in the WTCC car was slightly different to the car I usually drive, a Porsche GT3-R. The Chevrolet is slower but it’s not easy to drive really fast because I have to change the driving style really a lot. With no ABS I am too hard on the brakes and my entry speed for the corners is too slow. I am good on the exit but I am losing too much time on the entry to the corners.”

But you enjoyed the experience, right?

“Oh yeah! I always enjoy racing on the Nordschleife, especially in a car like this with no ABS. It’s back to the roots a little bit.”

Was it harder or easier than you imagined?

“I thought it would be harder to drive. It’s actually quite easy but you really have to fight for the last 10 seconds. I can go quicker.”

What was your target for the test – it certainly wasn’t to learn the track!

“The target was to find a set-up because we have no data, nothing. I try to find good handling and not to be too hard on the tyres. I think that worked well and now I have to improve my braking.”

How much will your track experience count?

“The weather conditions can change and for me it would be nice because I am hoping for rain. When there are only wet patches these guys know exactly how the tyre will work on it so maybe it’s not an advantage for me. The advantage for me will be when it’s really hard rain, which I hope for.”

Based on what you learned during the test are you ready for your WTCC debut?

“I need a little bit more time in the car because I only did six laps. But it’s expensive to run a car like this all the time. Instead I take some data home, look at it and get my brain prepared for what’s next.”

Any concerns about going up against an all-male grid of drivers?

“I am always racing against men so I am used to it. But I don’t know how these high-profile drivers will react. I know that men are vain. When a woman wants to overtake them they are not always happy. I don’t know if they are fair and let me pass them, in case I have the possibility to pass them of course!”

How do you rate your chances of success?

​“To beat Tom Coronel will be very tough. And the other guys in the field are not known to be nose pickers. When I am behind the wheel I give everything. I am tough and I bite also. I don’t want to dream too much but if I could be on the podium that would be a dream come true. But if I end up in the top five I will be very satisfied as well. But first you have to finish.”