"We will step on the gas to become junior champion": AVIA W&S Motorsport drivers Finn Zulauf and Daniel Gregor talked about the ADAC GT4 Germany season's halfway point

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

Daniel Gregor: "Of course I have mixed feelings. The start of the season at Oschersleben was difficult. Then at Zandvoort we celebrated our first victory in the Junior classification and further podium finishes, and we were able to repeat that on Sunday at the Nürburgring. So, the individual results are already very good and we are currently in second place in the Juniors. Now we have to continue to really step on the gas in the second half of the season in order to become champion in the Junior classification. Second place in the standings is a good basis for this." 

Finn Zulauf: "The first weekend was mixed. On the other hand, we were able to show our pace in the third and fourth races at Zandvoort and achieve strong results. At the Nürburgring we were again very successful and filled our points account. We now want to build on this to finish the season as winners of the Junior Championship at the finale at the Hockenheimring in mid-October."

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

Finn Zulauf: "The competition and performance level in the entire field are now very close and the competition is tough. You can already see that in the qualifying results, where the gaps between the lap times of many cars are within one second. There are now also many pro drivers sharing the cockpit with amateur drivers, which is an exciting mix. We can learn a lot in that environment to prepare well for the future in other series."

Daniel Gregor: "The ADAC GT4 Germany is a very strong series with very good drivers as opponents. You have to show consistency without exception to be up front and to win the championship at the end of the season. There's also the aspect that it's even more of a team sport series. In the DTM Trophy, you're solely responsible for the result. In the ADAC GT4 Germany, you have to share the car with your partner. You have to rely on him not to overrun the tires and, of course, see to it yourself that he can keep pushing after the driver change. The team also has to coordinate the strategy for the stop perfectly."

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?" 

Daniel Gregor: "My favorite track is the Hockenheimring. Since I live nearby, it's also my home race. I can sleep at home, so you go to race day in a completely different way. In addition, I was there regularly from my childhood days and therefore associate many memories with it. As a racer, I also really like the characteristics of the track. Of the other tracks, there isn't one that I don't like as well. Maybe Oschersleben, because it's quite remote. Spa-Francorchamps would certainly be a track I'd like to see added to the calendar. I drove DTM Trophy there last year and that was spectacular." 

Finn Zulauf: "I really like the Sachsenring. It's smooth uphill and downhill there and there are nice curves to drive that I really enjoy. I was able to achieve my best qualifying result there in 2022. Similar to Daniel, I don't like Oschersleben that much. The layout has never suited me, so the track will never be one of my favorites. If it was up to me, Spa-Francorchamps could replace Oschersleben. I haven't raced there yet, but I had a lot of fun on the Ardennes roller coaster during GT4 test days."

Question: "You're still at the beginning of your career and have good prospects. What is your goal for the coming years?" 

Finn Zulauf: "In the long term, we certainly both have the goal of becoming factory drivers. To that end, I'll be working hard over the next few years to keep improving and learning. Of course, I'd like to establish myself further in the GT3 field next. The GT World Challenge would be worth mentioning here, and of course the DTM."

Daniel Gregor: "As Finn said, the big goal is a contract as a factory driver in the foreseeable future. In the near future, I'd like to get into a GT3 cockpit to compete in the WEC and Le Mans at some point." 

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

Daniel Gregor: "Finn is very consistent and focused. He delivered superbly at Zandvoort. He's a real team player, enjoys my trust and, as we've already established, that's a key to joint success in the ADAC GT4 Germany. The chemistry between us is right and working together is simply fun!" 

Finn Zulauf: "Personally, it's a great fit for us, which is very important to me. In terms of sport, Daniel is very ambitious. That's probably the most important quality to have in a career. He works very meticulously and self-critically to constantly improve." 

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

Daniel Gregor: "The concept with mid-engine and around 500 hp is its biggest advantage. The Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is very agile, competitive in all conditions, and great fun to drive. That you feel comfortable in the car is simply important to be successful in a championship." 

Finn Zulauf: "There's nothing to add to that. I really enjoy the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS, especially in the rain, and we were able to prove that enough at the Nürburgring. With the right setup, it's certainly the best car and an all-rounder in the GT4 field." 

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

Finn Zulauf: (laughs) "Has the catering already been mentioned? That is particularly important to me. But seriously, the atmosphere and the personal aspect of the team are unique. Everyone is like a family. Everyone helps each other, whether among the drivers, with the engineers, the mechanics and all the other team members of AVIA W&S Motorsport. There is always a lot to laugh about with the team principals, despite their professionalism. Everyone appreciates the others, and they treat each other with respect. In terms of motorsport, it is definitely one of the most professional and organized teams I know. Everything is structured and documented, nothing is left to chance. That is certainly a key to the success of AVIA W&S Motorsport."

Daniel Gregor: "I'm actually 'only' on loan from Timo Bernhard and his Team 75 Motorsport and was positively surprised right from the start by how warmly I was welcomed at AVIA W&S Motorsport. Everyone is very motivated and you can feel how everyone lives motorsport with passion. The atmosphere is very pleasant and I get along well with everyone. The professionalism of the team is very evident and is carried out consistently." 

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