An interview with the mid-season champions Leyton Fourie and Tim Zimmermann

Leyton Fourie from South Africa and 29-year-old Tim Zimmermann are the ADAC GT Masters’ mid-season champions. In the final race before the halfway point of the season, the two FK Performance Motorsport drivers have taken the lead in the standings. In this interview, the BMW duo outline their expectations, offer insights into their personal working relationship as team-mates and reveal why it is sometimes necessary to speak frankly.

As last year’s runners-up, you were among the top favourites for the title right from the start of the season. Would it have been a disappointment not to be right at the top of the standings now?

Leyton Fourie: “We were just one of two driver pairings carrying over from last year. As such, we knew the potential of our package and what we needed to do to make the most of it. The start of the season was a bit of a struggle, though, because a few variables didn’t go our way. Zandvoort, on the other hand, was a dream weekend with a win and a second place. When we finally got to the Lausitzring, we didn’t know where we really stood, although I had a pretty good feeling right from the start. If someone had asked me at the Red Bull Ring whether we’d be the mid-season champions, I’d probably have said no. Now I’m just happy that we’re at the top, with the progress we’ve made and what we’ve got out of the package.”

Tim Zimmermann: “The funny thing is that before I moved to BMW, everyone told me that the Red Bull Ring was simply the perfect circuit for the car and that it’s super-fast there. Ultimately, both this year and last year, we weren’t just unlucky – we also lacked pace. We knew it wouldn’t be our favourite track this year either, but we’ve always stayed positive. That was also the reason why we performed so well at Zandvoort. Now we’re right in the thick of the title fight, even though the season is still long and a lot can happen. Nevertheless, I’m feeling very positive right now.”

How relieved were you after that dream weekend at Zandvoort?

Leyton Fourie: “It wasn’t that great, because we were already confident ahead of the weekend about our package there. When we won, it felt more like a sort of redemption for what had happened at the Red Bull Ring. I think we needed that – emotionally and for our morale. It was good for the team and it also restored our confidence.”

When did it become clear that you’d be racing as team-mates again for FK Performance Motorsport?

Tim Zimmermann: “I was always certain I wanted to stay with the team, so I made up my mind quite early on. I think we already had a contract on the table back at Hockenheim. But nobody knew at the time who my team-mate would be. Of course, I was hoping for Leyton, because we make a strong duo together.”

Leyton Fourie: “For me, there were a few other matters to sort out beforehand. Once those were resolved, my decision was made. I’ve already raced with FK Performance Motorsport in the ADAC GT4 Germany and we secured promotion to the ADAC GT Masters together. What’s more, we could see that we have what it takes to win the championship with our package.”

What sets FK Performance Motorsport apart as a team?

Tim Zimmermann: “For me, there’s actually always been something in every team so far that hasn’t quite clicked. By that I don’t just mean the work on the track. I bring lots of guests to every event, and everything has to run smoothly. With FK Performance Motorsport, I’d say for the first time that everything simply runs smoothly. Everyone works well together and I’m really very happy. I hope I can stay here for many more years.”

Leyton Fourie: “The team has felt like family ever since my GT4 days. Even though the engineers have naturally changed over the years, the atmosphere has remained the same. Whenever I travel here from South Africa, it always feels as though I’m coming to a second family, far away from my actual family at home. There’s always a good, positive atmosphere and there’s nothing I could possibly complain about.”

This is your second year as team-mates. How has your working relationship changed? Do you talk to or criticise each other differently now?

Tim Zimmermann: “To be honest, we had our difficult moments at the start of the season. The expectations for this year were simply incredibly high. And naturally, when things don’t go as we’d imagined, emotions run much higher. But we spoke about it straight away – that we need to stay calm, even when things aren’t going to plan, and still give it our all. Now we’re back on track. That goes for our overall performance as well.”

Leyton Fourie: “Ultimately, the team is like a family. And in a family, it sometimes happens that you clash when things aren’t going as they should. But the lovely thing is seeing how the team dynamic and the relationships within the squad work. Even after a situation like that, we manage to get everything back on track straight away. We can reassure one another, keep a clear head and refocus on what matters most. Now in our second year of working together, we understand each other much better and, at the same time, we’re simply always honest with one another. That’s how we work.”

Tim Zimmermann: “And that’s a good thing!”

Who are Leyton Fourie and Tim Zimmermann when they’re not behind the wheel?

Leyton Fourie: “At home, I’m quite busy with my studies. It can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but it’s going quite well. I’m also involved in my church community. My faith is very important to me personally. I also play golf from time to time, including with Joe [Joseph Ellerine]. He lives only about 20 minutes away from me. On top of that, I do a bit of coaching for young drivers at the track where I used to race myself and where Kelvin and Sheldon van der Linde also started their careers. Supporting young talent is very close to my heart. Training is naturally part of that, though I tend to prefer activities that are a bit of fun. I enjoy cycling, but mostly at the gym.”

Tim Zimmermann: “I organise quite large events for my partners and sponsors at race weekends. That’s why a lot of time goes into the planning. But I’m also a very good dog dad. I live right by the lake, so I enjoy spending time on or by the water – for example, by hiring a boat, wakeboarding or cycling. I also enjoy hiking and climbing. Generally speaking, I’m very active outside of racing.»

Leyton, you’re also leading the ‘Road to DTM’ standings. How important is this championship to you?

Leyton Fourie: “I just missed out last year, so it would be a bit of a satisfaction to win it now. It’ll probably come down to a head-to-head between me and Finn [Zulauf]. He’s a strong driver too, so the competition will remain fierce throughout the season. My focus remains on winning the drivers’ championship, and the ‘Road to DTM’ would go hand in hand with that.»

What are your long-term goals in motorsport?

Leyton Fourie: “My partnership with BMW goes back a long way now – right back to the M2 Cup. I’ve practically gone through the entire development programme and, of course, I dream of becoming a works driver. It would also be great to make it into the DTM, and of course I’m drawn to the classics – such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a hypercar.”

Tim Zimmermann: “I can well imagine racing in the ADAC GT Masters for a few more years – ideally with FK Performance Motorsport. A lot depends, of course, on my partners and sponsors. Ultimately, they’ll have a say in which direction I take. The DTM is also an option, though it’s on a different financial level. It remains to be seen.”

In the second half of the season, the Nürburgring, the Salzburgring and the finale at Hockenheim are still to come. How optimistic are you heading into these races?

Tim Zimmermann: “As long as it doesn’t rain, I’ll be happy (laughs).”

Leyton Fourie: “I think the Nürburgring will be our biggest challenge. But we definitely know we’ve got the right overall package. As I mentioned earlier: we’re confident and believe in our potential. Now we just need to make the most of everything and get the maximum out of every situation.”