Behind the scenes of a FIA ETRC racing event: Q&A with tankpool24 driver André Kursim

Hamburg, 18 August 2015. Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG has renewed its technical partnership with the "tankpool24" and "CESPA" teams again for the 2015 FIA European Truck Racing Championship (FIA ETRC). The company supplies both teams with MEYLE brake discs and pads. In André Kursim tankpool24 team leader Markus Bauer sees a promising young talent. In the interview Kursim talks about the what, when and where of a racing event and the team's collaboration with MEYLE technicians.

André, you have run the first couple of races in the FIA tournament. Describe the final minutes before a race is flagged off.

The final minutes before the start I'm on my own in the cockpit trying to focus on the race. If necessary, we discuss some last details within the team.

What's on the agenda on a race day?

On the day of the race we have to make strategic and technical decisions. For the truck this means choosing the tyres, air pressure and amount of fuel. But we also discuss our race tactics for the start.

What happens immediately after the race is over?

All the trucks drive to the "parc fermé" where they remain until the technical post-race inspection is completed. I use this time to review any technical issues that may have occurred during the race or discuss scheduled repairs and potential modifications or improvements for the next race.

What are the critical moments and what is the biggest challenge on race day?

Personally, my biggest challenge is the qualifying, where everything hinges on getting the maximum out of the truck and out of myself in the first lap. The start is always a critical moment. The skill is to get through the first turns unharmed but still make up positions.

How do MEYLE technicians support you on race day?

Being our partner for brake discs and pads the company provides support not only on race day, but also during training and test drives. What we need is a brake system that delivers high-grip and precise braking performance throughout the entire race or on one fast-paced lag in the qualifying. Only if the brakes function properly over the long haul can the team remain in the hunt. With the MEYLE technicians' support we've been able to find the perfect brake disc and pad pairing, delivering made-to-measure performance.

Are MEYLE technicians present on race day?

Yes, there are technicians present at some of the races. But typically, we are often in touch with them throughout the entire race week and not just on the day of the race. We collaborate closely, always trying to make further improvements or refinements to the vehicle. We've been using MEYLE brake discs and pads for over a year now and become more impressed with the quality with every race.