Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "We would almost be ready" 🎥
WAITING FOR THE SEASON TO START Emil Frey Racing is expecting a tough season in the GT World Challenge Europe. Team boss Lorenz Frey-Hilti only sees a shortcoming in dealing with the new Pirelli tires. But that can be made up. As one of the directors of the Emil Frey Group, Lorenz Frey-Hilti in Zurich not only assumes responsibility in many areas of the [...]
As one of the directors of the Emil Frey Group, Lorenz Frey-Hilti in Zurich not only assumes responsibility in many areas of the company founded by his grandfather. In addition, the Zurich native is also team manager of Emil Frey Racing in Safenwil. However, Jürg Flach is responsible for the day-to-day business and technical management.
After Lorenz Frey-Hilti recently spoke out on the generally difficult situation in the automotive industry (Link to the interview), he now answers questions about his sports team and the expected racing season in an exclusive interview with AutoSprintCH.
How has the Corona crisis affected the race team so far?
Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "As a racing workshop, we were allowed to continue working under different hygiene and distance rules. The race cars were prepared again for the next race and the data obtained from the last test was analyzed. In the meantime, we also carried out preparatory work for the endurance races and worked with the engineers on further development on the simulator. Despite this, we had to apply for short-time working, but no layoffs were made. Employees have reduced overtime and taken vacation because there is a concentration of deadlines in the fall. It's nice that everyone understands the difficult situation, although vacations were only possible at home. Fortunately, no one has fallen ill either."
Emil Frey Racing is, after all, Lamborghini Squadra Corse's reference team. How did the collaboration go during the period of the closed factory in Italy and the borders?
Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "With Lamborghini, we have a partner who is very supportive. Even during the plant closure in Italy, we were in constant exchange. The transfer of parts was a bit difficult and was delayed, but in the end everything we need for the start of the season is here.
Slowly, the measures are being relaxed and the first borders are being opened. What does this mean for Emil Frey Racing?
Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "Immediately before the lockdown in many European countries, we were still able to complete the official GT World Challenge Europe test drives in Le Castellet with other teams in mid-March. Afterwards, the two Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO cars were disassembled, checked and reassembled. Since then, they've been standing there ready to race and waiting to be driven. Now we have to find a common way to test before the start of the delayed season. Except for the 24 Hours of Spa, you're not allowed to do that after the start of the season. Our preference would be one of the tracks on the new calendar that we don't know yet."
Where is the primary challenge?
Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "In 2019 we drove with Michelin tires. With Pirelli, as we have to use in the GT World Challenge Europe, we have almost no experience on the Lamborghini. Therefore, it would be good if we could reel off some more test kilometers with these tires. At the moment this coordination is a bit difficult, but it's the same for all teams. We're preparing as well as possible on the basis of the new dates."
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Can Emil Frey Racing build on its successful 2018 Blancpain GT season with Lexus, when it dropped third overall and the Silver Cup title with Jaguar?
Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "The series, which will be called GT World Challenge from 2020, will be closer than any other GT3 championship. Even if some teams or drivers who pay for it possibly run into economic difficulties and can't appear everywhere, the field will still be very large. In addition, we don't know all the tracks. Of course, our goal is to be at the front of the pack. We have three factory drivers and three other fast drivers in the team, and fortunately we also have another Swiss driver in Ricardo Feller. We are aware that it will be difficult. With up to 60 cars, everything has to fit together. The slightest mistake and you're at the back, even if you otherwise do a very good job."
The calendar now features a mix of eight sprint and endurance races from summer to fall. The 24 Hours of Spa will be held later than ever before. What to make of that?
Lorenz Frey-Hilti: "Of course, such a late date is a risk. In the Ardennes, the weather could be beautiful in the fall or it could already be snowing. These cars are not built for very low temperatures, although these are to be expected anyway, especially at night. From a sporting point of view, the weather can throw a spanner in the works. But Spa is the absolute highlight of the season, there is nothing more beautiful and no more elaborate race. Lamborghini has never won it - the first victory would be a dream and is the big goal. It would be a shame not to start there. And I can't imagine a race without spectators either. I hope there will be a solution by then."
