Müller: "The Bernese race day was brilliant" 🎥
INTERVIEW After his victory at Misano, Nico Müller has experienced a lot. In the interview ahead of Audi's home race at the Norisring, which brings back special memories in him, he talks about two special occasions. How many phone calls, WhatsApp messages, text messages and other acknowledgements did you receive after the victory at Misano? Nico Müller: "There were actually a great many [...]
How many phone calls, WhatsApp messages, SMS and other acknowledgements did you receive after the victory in Misano?
Nico Müller: "There were actually a lot of congratulations. It's nice to see that people are cheering along and enjoy sharing in such successes. There were also messages from long-time companions and important people in my career, such as our former boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich - of course you're happy about that."
After the victory in Misano, you went straight to Audi Sport in Neuburg, where you gave driving lessons to soccer star Thomas Müller. Müller to the power of two, so to speak ...
Nico Müller: "Meeting Thomas Müller was an absolute highlight. He's a totally cool guy, completely down to earth and very relaxed. He did a great job behind the wheel as well. Driving a race car like the Audi R8 LMS GT4 at the limit isn't that easy. He quickly dared to push the car and had a lot of fun doing it. For me, it was an honor to give him some driving skills, to coach him a bit and also to give him a little taste of the DTM during a cab ride in the Audi RS 5 DTM. It was a really great day for both of us."
How the two Müllers experienced this day, shows the video magazine under the link youtu.be/6Z2gRpXqw0M
Are you interested in football at all?
Nico Müller: "I'm not the biggest soccer fan, nor am I a particularly talented player. But I do follow what's going on from time to time. There's so much interest in this sport that there's no getting around it. What's more, Young Boys have a grip on the Swiss scene at the moment, which of course also makes me very happy."
Back to the DTM. The Norisring is on the agenda this weekend.
Nico Müller: "I'm extremely looking forward to it. It's a track I have a lot of fond memories of. I won my first DTM race there in 2016. A year ago, too, we were strong there within Audi. I've always felt comfortable at the Norisring. I like street circuits in general and go there with a good feeling. I'm highly motivated and well prepared."
The race and atmosphere at the Nuremberg city circuit are unique. This weekend sees the 77th edition of the Norisring Speedweekend.
The Norisring is only 2.3 kilometers long, but what makes it so difficult anyway?
Nico Müller: "There are only four curves, the layout looks simple. But we're driving there on otherwise public roads. The track is quite uneven. The surface changes from year to year. Unlike on normal racetracks, you have to approach the limit step by step from below, because between the walls and guard rails, every little mistake costs you dearly. And the gaps are minimal. At the Norisring, it's all about hundredths."
What are your expectations for the Norisring?
Nico Müller: "BMW was very strong there last year and they'll probably be the same this year. But of course we don't know where we stand at the Norisring compared to Aston Martin. We have to concentrate on ourselves and do a top job again. Then I see no reason why we shouldn't fight for the really big points again."
Between the two DTM races in Misano and at the Norisring, you were at the E-Prix in Bern. How did you experience it?
Nico Müller: "The race day was absolutely brilliant, the spectator interest huge. The support I felt, even though I didn't drive at all, was cool. I don't think I've ever had such a long and intense autograph session. It's nice to see that the Swiss share this passion."
dtm.com/en/event-guide/2019-norisring
