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F3 – Q&A with Tamas Zettner

02.09.16
Hungarian Zettner took over as Race Director for the FIA Formula 3 European Championship at the start of 2016
FIA, Motorsport, Mobility, Road Safety, F1, WRC, WEC, WTCC, World RX

Q: Can you summarise your impressions of the FIA F3 European Championship so far?

Zettner: “I think the FIA F3 European Championship is one of the best race series in the world. It features a very pleasant atmosphere. You can feel a certain team spirit and that’s something I really like.”

Q: What is the special attraction of your job as FIA F3 European Championship Race Director?

Zettner: “I generally like to work with young up-and-coming drivers. They are more open than experienced racing drivers and are still learning. They try to really incorporate our advice and instructions to put them into practice – even if they not always succeed and mistakes happen. But I think that’s normal. Furthermore, it’s nice to witness the drivers’ development over the course of the year.”

Q: How would you characterise yourself in your job?

Zettner: “My approach is strict. I want to eliminate uncertainties before they even begin to appear. Doing this sometimes is not easy but it’s our job. And so, everybody knows what they have to expect from us. Nonetheless, I try to respond to the drivers and explain them – for instance – the reasons for certain regulations. As complying with a rule is easier when you understand what it is for.”

Q: How was your start into you new job as Race Director in early April at the first round at Paul Ricard?

Zettner: “Not difficult at all as my predecessor, Sven Stoppe, and the FIA already had laid the foundation for this great race series. In addition, we have got fantastic stewards who also do a brilliant job. Emanuele Pirro is particularly important as he, being a former F1 driver and Le Mans winner, can tell the young drivers about his own experiences. He tries to forward his wealth of experience to the Formula 3 drivers and the young guns listen attentively.”