"We are in the fight for the championship": AVIA W&S Motorsport drivers David Jahn and Jannes Fittje talk about the ADAC GT4 Germany mid-season

Question: "The first half of the 2023 ADAC GT4 Germany season is done, what is your summary so far?" 

Jannes Fittje: "The start of the season in Oschersleben was already solid. With fifth and sixth place, we collected our first points, even though the goal from the start was to finish on the podium. But nothing more was possible there. At Zandvoort we were in a much better position and were able to put it into practice, which was rewarded with first and third place. The weekend at the Nürburgring didn't go as expected, but we're still in contention for the championship in fourth place in the drivers' standings." 

David Jahn: "We scored good points at the season opener and would of course have preferred to be on the podium. At Zandvoort we were able to show our strength and moved way up in the championship. Now, with an eighth-place finish on Sunday in the Eifel, we were at least able to take points with us and go to the Lausitzring in fourth place in the standings. So it was a solid first half and now we're looking to climb further up again." 

Question: "What is the attraction of the ADAC GT4 Germany for you, what is the biggest challenge?" 

David Jahn: "As a race driver, the attraction is of course always to win. The biggest challenge is certainly getting the car into the right window to be fast. The Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is very demanding there, but we always get it right and then it's a lot of fun." 

Jannes Fittje: "Quite clearly, we always want to be at the top of the podium, that's the appeal. At the same time, as David says, it's more difficult to get a GT4 car into the appropriate range than a GT3, with which I'm predominantly on the road. But when driven at the limit, the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is great and fun." 

Question: "The series makes stops at Oschersleben, Zandvoort, the Nürburgring, the Lausitzring, the Sachsenring and, for the finale, the Hockenheimring. Which of these tracks is your favorite and why? Which one doesn't suit you so much?" 

Jannes Fittje: "I'm looking forward to the Lausitzring. Even though many drivers don't like it, I've always been very successful there so far. I have fond memories of my first victory in the Junior class of the ADAC GT Masters when there were still over 30 GT3 cars fighting in the field. I like all the other tracks just as much, because each has its own appeal and is a challenge in itself." 

David Jahn: "The favorite track is of course always the one where you are successful, so currently Zandvoort. But I've always liked Zandvoort because it's still a classic track with ups and downs and challenging corners. Plus the unique location in the North Sea dunes, that's really special. I also really like the Hockenheimring, because I'm from nearby and there are always lots of friends and family there. I don't have a track that doesn't suit me, each one is fun in its own way."

Question: "You already have a few years of experience in numerous series, is there a series or a specific race you want to participate in?" 

David Jahn: (laughs) "Yes, there are a few I still want to participate in. It's getting hard to do that as I get older, though. I would love to race in America, there are still some fantastic tracks there that are tempting me." 

Jannes Fittje: "At the top of my wish list is the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Of course, a start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans would be a dream as well. I've already driven the 24h at Spa-Francorchamps and Dubai, but I'm always happy to do so there, too. And like David, races in the USA would certainly also be my wish." 

Question: "Your race car is the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, what makes the car so appealing?" 

David Jahn: "The appeal of the car is certainly getting the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS into the working window and pushing it at the limit." 

Jannes Fittje: "I particularly like the fact that you don't have to worry about damaging the car immediately in chicanes and when driving over curbs. A GT4 is much more robust than a GT3, where you always think you could damage the oil pan or even the engine. You can just run it easier." 

Question: "What do you particularly appreciate about your cockpit colleague?"

Jannes Fittje: "David and I have contested a few races together in the past and I know that I can rely on him when I hand the car over to him. He's always strong in qualifying, so I'm sure I can learn something from him. Personally, we get along great, too - we drive together and not against each other. No one has any secrets - I've had completely different experiences with teammates in the past. He's a real team player and I always get an honest answer, I really appreciate that!"

David Jahn: (laughs) "Oh, I melt when Jannes says that! Yes, we've been racing together for a while now and have gotten along very well from day one. Together we've always found a strong setup for the cars that suits us both. I would say we fit well together, despite the age difference, and complement each other where appropriate. Jannes is a fighter and when you watch his races you see that it is almost impossible to overtake him. That's one of his biggest strengths." 

Question: "What do you particularly appreciate about Team AVIA W&S Motorsport?" 

David Jahn: "The precision and approach that the whole Team W&S Motorsport takes is certainly exceptional. Everything is thought out and planned through, and not chaotic. One reacts quickly to changes in situations. Also important to me is the friendly family atmosphere and of course the catering, which is also always great. There is always a good mood and despite the professional work, we laugh a lot together." 

Jannes Fittje: "That's true, the food at AVIA W&S Motorsport is always good! But even more important are the efforts of the engineers and mechanics. That is already a very high level for a GT4 team at which the crew works. Really higher than some GT3 teams I've raced for. I hope that we can actually see AVIA W&S Motorsport in GT3 racing in the future. On top of that, after all the accidents in other series this year, no one was whining or throwing in the towel, but entire chassis were built up in no time to keep competing. That's very impressive!" 

Thank you for the interview and all the best for the rest of the season!