With 67 starts in FIA-GT, Tim Sugden is one of the more regular drivers in the series. This year, the Brit is behind the wheel of a Porsche 997 GT3-RSR of Trackspeed Racing in the company of David Ashburn. In the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he drove the Ferrari F430 of JMW Motorsport, and achieved an amazing fourth place next to Andrew Kirkaldy and Rob Bell. During the meetings of the Le Mans Series, Tim undertakes the position of team manager for JMW Motorsport. Here at Spa, he’s secured a seat with Trackspeed Racing for the second consecutive year, and is sharing the drive in the Porsche 997 GT3-RSR with Ortelli, Bergmeister and Ashburn.
Erin Sweeney: Tim, how did first qualifying practice go for you ?
Tim Sugden: “Wet (laughs). I all the same managed to secure the third fastest time during this qualifying. The car is better, but we had to shorten the session like the other competitors.”
Do you enjoy driving in the rain?
“Yes, generally drivers don’t mind driving in the rain; during the night, our vision is reduced, and water reflects off the headlights which creates a spray and forms a fog, so it’s difficult to see!”
Many drivers say that Spa is their favourite circuit, would you agree?
“Yes, it’s definitely the best circuit on the calendar, there are two corners that make it stand out from the others: Blanchimont, it’s so fast and you want to accelerate fully, but are obliged to lift off; and of course the famous Raidillon of Eau Rouge.”
What is your best memory of the Spa 24 hour race?
“I’ve now participated in this race for quite a long time, but my best memory comes from 2003. After 8 hours we were first overall, but our gearbox had a problem and we admitted defeat at the end of the 14th hour. It may have not been the most successful year, but the feeling of leading the race for a few hours has always stayed with me. Especially when I think that Stéphane Ortelli was racing in a GT2 Porsche also, and went on to win the race; so I concluded that if we hadn’t had the problem with the gearbox then we would have stood a chance to win.”
Did you already know your co-pilots before coming to Spa?
“Yes, Stéphane Ortelli and I have known each other for many years, and were teammates for the 24 Hours of Spa back in 2005. Jorg Bergmeister is equally a very talented driver, and knows the car perfectly well through driving in the American Le Mans Series.”
How different is this year’s Porsche compared to the 2008 model?
“Since last year, Porsche have made many changes, around sixty I think, which have helped make the Porsche perform better. So I hope these changes help us beat the Ferraris.”
What are your feelings on the new World Championship for next year concerning GT1, and the European Championship for GT2?
“Nobody knows what will come next year. I think it will be a good idea to introduce a World Championship although it will be difficult to reunite all countries. I’ve participated at races in Asia as well as America, where there is a great ambiance, so it would be great to assemble all these championships. In reality, we should ask ourselves ‘what is GT1?’ as there’s never been a real definition between GT1 and GT2 cars. Each year the rules are changed; GT2 is becoming more and more like GT1, and the next year GT1 category will be reformed, so we must wait to see what will happen.”
Would you prefer to continue in GT2 or race in GT1?
“I’ve already worked in GT1, and I wouldn’t mind having another go, but for the moment I’m happy in GT2.”
Do you still love participating in 24 hour races, or do you prefer shorter races?
“Today, 24 hour races are now looked upon as sprint races; you have to push and drive consistently fast. It’s always a good challenge to be in a 24 hour race, we’re tested as it’s very tiring, and it’s not really comparable to a sprint race of two hours for example.”
As you are Team Manager for JMW Motorsport in Le Mans Séries, and a driver in FIA GT, is it difficult managing the two?
“I’ve always had many responsibilities and have been heavily involved in motorsport, so I guess I find it easy to juggle the two. I manage drivers like Johnny Cocker who runs in Le Mans Series and James Walker who runs in the World Renault Series because I also form young drivers. My role at JMW Motorsport is different but I take much pleasure from it.”
And which one do you prefer, driving or managing?
“Well, I’ve been driving cars professionally for 20 years now, and driving has always been my first passion!”
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
“On the beach! (He laughs) I foresee myself staying in GT2, as I will stay driving for as long as possible; and shall continue to form young drivers.”
Information gathered by Erin Sweeney