Munich. The course has been set for BMW to join the FIA
Formula E Championship as an official manufacturer with a works team
in Season 5. In an interview, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt
and MSAD Andretti Formula E CEO Michael Andretti talk about the
close partnership and their expectations for the future of Formula
E. In a relaxed discussion, they also chat about their personal
interests away from motor racing.
Mr Marquardt, Mr Andretti, Season 4 of Formula E is already
underway. What are your goals with the MSAD Andretti Formula E team?
Michael Andretti: “Our goal is obviously to do better than in
the past. Last year was not the best for us. I hope we can improve on
that. A realistic goal would be top-five finishes, if we can get
there. Maybe we can also pick up the odd podium here and there if
things work out.”
And from a BMW perspective?
Jens Marquardt: “We are obviously immersing ourselves even
deeper into Formula E this year, and will be more heavily involved in
the MSAD Andretti Formula E team. We have three employees working
full-time with the team this season. We are also supporting wherever
and however we can to extract the maximum out of the package, together
with the drivers. It goes without saying that we are also using our
resources back in Munich. At the same time, we at BMW Motorsport and
BMW i are obviously also gathering information, which will help us to
develop the powertrain for Season 5. That programme is running
parallel to this.”
Michael, you have been actively involved in Formula E from day
one. How has the series developed in that time?
Andretti: “It is fantastic to see how the dream of Formula E
founder Alejandro Agag has become reality. His vision was for Formula
E to offer companies like BMW a stage on which to compete against
other manufacturers out on the racetrack. He has achieved that. It is
a great honour for us to have been involved from the outset. We are a
part of the future of motor racing.”
Jens, did you believe that the series would develop so well?
Marquardt: “Yes, I did. And it was also important that BMW was
involved from the start as Official Vehicle Partner of the series.
There were obviously a few things that we discussed with Alejandro and
his guys. Our involvement was dependent upon a few changes being
implemented in Formula E. The roadmap that Alejandro drew up, with all
the technical steps, actually happened. That simplified our decision
to be involved as a manufacturer out on the track. We then found a
team, in Michael’s outfit, which operates at a top level in motor
racing and has a wealth of Formula E experience. That was really an
ideal scenario for us. Taking this partnership to the next level
working together in Season 4, while at the same time looking ahead to
Season 5, is very exciting for all of us.”
You have both experienced motorsport in many different racing
categories. What do you find so fascinating about the Formula E project?
Andretti: “For me personally, it is primarily the venues. I am
really impressed when we arrive at locations like New York, Paris,
London and Hong Kong, where other racing series have been trying to
race for decades. It is amazing what Alejandro and his team have
achieved.”
Marquardt: “For me, it is more the
technological side of things. In the past, we have often spoken about
transferring things from motor racing to the production side. Never
has that applied more than in Formula E. Here, we have a real tech lab
for our production technology. Everything we do here is cutting-edge
technology. We have exactly the same engineers as developed the BMW i3
and the electric powertrain for the BMW i8. We told them: ‘forget all
the boundaries you normally have to consider in development, and just
focus on performance, maximum efficiency, lowest weight, and the best
overall package’. Once we have achieved that point, we will consider
how exactly we can integrate that in production – for example, for the
BMW iNext models and all future BMW i models. For us, this is the
perfect realisation of our motto: from the racetrack into the street car.”
Before your partnership began, what did you know and think of
your future partners? Michael, what did you know about BMW Motorsport?
Andretti: “I have always followed what BMW Motorsport have done,
and they win in everything they do. Our team already has a strong
partner in Formula E, in MSAD, with whom we work together
superbly. The fact that we are also constantly stepping up our
collaboration with BMW is a fantastic situation.”
Jens, you have worked in the USA for many years. Did the name
Andretti already have special meaning for you?
Marquardt: “Yes, it really did. But that goes a long way back. I
don’t think Michael actually knows this story. As a ten-year-old, I
always used to race my brother to school on our bikes. He was always
Jackie Stewart, I was Mario Andretti – because Michael’s father used
to drive that beautiful black and gold John Player Special Lotus. I
even won a few races to school as Mario Andretti. I came to America in
the late 1990s, where I was involved with IndyCars, in which Michael
was a hero. He won a lot of races, including many against the team I
was working for. This family name – and Michael himself, with
everything he has achieved: you don’t find that kind of thing very
often in motorsport.”
How well do Germans and Americans work together?
Andretti: “I think it works well. Sure, the cultures are a
little different, but we are all racers in the end. That is what it is
all about, so we speak the same language in that regard. We have seen
for a few years, with our partner MSAD Insurance, how well
different cultures can complement each other in motor
racing.”
Marquardt: “I think we complement each other very
well. What Michael and his guys bring to the party, combined with the
sometimes rather stubborn and tight German approach really works well,
because you need both to be successful. It is true that the cultures
differ a little, but at the end of the day we are united by the
passion we share for racing.”
What is your roadmap for Season 5? Is there a BMW roadmap and
a team roadmap?
Andretti: “That is already all together. At the moment we are
working very hard together toward the powertrain for Season 5. At the
same time, we are also working to be as successful as possible this
season with the MSAD Andretti cars. The roadmap is the same on
both sides.”
Marquardt: “It is really a challenge, and is probably more
difficult for Michael and his team at the moment than it is for us at
BMW. They have to be fully focussed on Season 4, the racing side of
things, while at the same time setting up the tests for the new car,
as soon as it is ready. Development of the powertrain is currently
mostly done in Munich. However, from next year we will work even
closer together on the test and development side. The goal is to have
maximum performance and efficiency from the start of Season 5.”
The next race will take place in Marrakech. Is driving in
Africa special? Are you looking forward to it?
Andretti: “I love the fact that the series races on so many
different continents. It is cool to head from Hong Kong to Marrakech,
then on to South America. And we are not just going anywhere in these
countries, but to the very heart of them, to the city centres. That is
what makes Formula E so unique.”
Marquardt: “The outing in
Africa just goes to show that Formula E is a truly global series. At
the same time, it also says that E-mobility is global. The major
cities of this world, no matter which continent they are on, will be
electrified in the near future. BMW, as a global player and pioneer,
has to be involved. We are looking forward to appearing in Marrakech
in January, then on to South America, North America and Europe.”
—
The sprint interview: Quick questions – quick answers.
What is the biggest challenge you face running a racing team?
Andretti: “Having the right people in the right
positions.”
Marquardt: “And then keeping them motivated, sharp
and ensuring their hearts are in it – through the good times and the bad.”
What job would you do, if you were not in motor racing?
Andretti: “Honestly? I have no idea. I really don’t know what I
would do. I am very lucky to be able to do what I
love.”
Marquardt: “I would probably be a teacher.”
Which is your favourite racetrack?
Andretti: “Spa is my favourite racetrack.”
Marquardt: “I
agree. It is a manly track. Michael knows it as a racing driver, I
know it as an engineer. It is a natural track, and a real challenge
for every driver.”
What is your biggest success to date?
Andretti: “When I came back from Formula 1 and won the very
first IndyCar race back in Australia. That was a big moment for
me.”
Marquardt: “Obviously 2012, when we returned to the DTM with
BMW and won all three championships in the first year back.”
Which is your favourite car, or racing car?
Andretti: “Racing car… I would have to say the Lotus 79, with
which my father won the Formula 1 World Championship. That car was
just beautiful.”
Marquardt: “I would rather go for a road car:
the BMW 507.”
Who, in your opinion, is the best racing driver you know?
Andretti: “My father, Mario, was always my hero. Nobody has
achieved what he has achieved: winning in every category he has driven
in. I don’t think that will ever be repeated.”
Marquardt: “For
me, it is Jackie Stewart. I have met him a few times, and was very
impressed with how reserved he was.”
Which is your favourite airport?
Andretti: “Indianapolis.”
Marquardt: “Munich. I associate
it with home.”
What is the most important thing in life?
Marquardt: “Two things: health and happiness.”
Andretti: “I agree.”
V8 or BMW eDrive?
Marquardt: “That’s very easy: today V8, tomorrow
eDrive.”
Andretti: “Nice answer.”
Steak or fish?
Marquardt and Andretti (simultaneous): “Steak!”
Suit or hoodie?
Andretti: “Hoodie.”
Marquardt: “Politically correct answer:
suit. Private answer: hoodie.”
Travel by plane or car?
Andretti: “That is easy: plane.”
Marquardt: “That depends
on the distance. Within Germany and neighbouring countries, I
obviously prefer our BMW vehicles. The plane then comes into play on
long journeys.”
Champagne or beer?
Andretti: “Depends on the situation.”
Marquardt: “Mineral
water, if I am driving.”
Andretti: “Another clever answer
…”
Marquardt: “Beer on normal days, champagne when I am
celebrating a win with Michael.”
Top speed or balance?
Andretti: “Balance.”
Marquardt: “Top speed.”
Le Mans or Nordschleife?
Andretti: “Le Mans.”
Marquardt: “Nordschleife. Even Le Mans
cannot top that.”
Stairs or elevator?
Andretti: “Stairs.”
Marquardt: “Stairs.”
Fastest lap or pole position?
Andretti: “Pole position.”
Marquardt: “Pole position.”
Blockbuster or theatre?
Andretti: “Theatre.”
Marquardt: “Theatre.”
Metallica or Madonna?
Andretti and Marquardt (simultaneously, laughing): “Metallica!”
Baseball or soccer?
Marquardt: “Soccer, by a mile.”
Andretti: “Oh goodness, I
guess soccer.”
Diving or hiking?
Marquardt: “Definitely hiking. I don’t like
diving.”
Andretti: “Hiking for me too.”