Three-time Grand Prix winner Thierry Boutsen is one of the pioneers of the Baku World Challenge and was instrumental in the genesis of the race and ensuring it had the impressive billing and status for 2013. With his many contacts in the racing world, the event quickly became a reality. We caught up with the former F1 star who is now a successful businessman with his Boutsen Aviation company
As well as an internationally recognised businessman, Thierry also has a team that he is involved with. Boutsen-Ginion Racing enter two McLaren MP4-12C GT racers at Baku, so the great Belgian, who arced in 163 Grand Prix’ for Arrows, Benetton, Williams, Ligier and Jordan will be a man in demand this weekend, on and off the thrilling Baku World Challenge track.
What is your connection with the Baku World Challenge?
“I spent some time in the country over the last few years with my business – Boutsen Aviation. I came to see what an interesting and beautiful country it is. At the same time I realised that Baku could be a perfect place for a real sporting spectacle like a street race.
“I have a lot of connections with motorsport still, especially with some people in Belgium who are very talented people in putting events on. One of them is Jean-Francois Chamout. So I spoke to Jean-Francois and said it would be a great place in 2013 to build upon the event that was held last year and to make it even more spectacular and varied. Therefore we now have very exciting final FIA GT races that will decide the championships on a quick street track. It will be truly spectacular.”
What do you expect from the new-look circuit this year?
“From what I have seen it looks very quick. The beauty of street tracks is that although everything is confined, for GT cars like this you have quite long braking distances so overtaking should be plentiful.
“The track will also race close to really impressive focal points on the Baku streets like the huge national flag and also the Crystal Hall where they have held big international events like the 2012 Eurovision Song contest.”
Did you enjoy driving on street circuits in your career?
“Yes I did. They provide a unique challenge where both man and machine have to be in perfect harmony. I raced on many street circuits like Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix and of course Monaco.
“Yet the one street circuit I will forever be remembered and associated with is Adelaide where I scored my second Grand Prix victory in 1989. It was a crazy race with very wet conditions and of course when it is like that you have to keep out of trouble. There were a lot of big accidents but I kept my Williams Renault away from trouble and came through to win after Ayrton crashed in to the back of Brundle’s Brabham. It was a great day for me and the team.”
Do you watch much racing these days?
“I try to but it is always tough to try and keep track as I am usually travelling or working. I try to watch the Grand Prix but also see some of the FIA GT Series races on catch-up TV. They look very spectacular and it is great to see big names like Zonta, Loeb and Ortelli, who I raced against at Le Mans when he was with Porsche and I was with Toyota.”
Will you be at Baku rooting for the Boutsen-Ginion team?
“Absolutely, I wouldn’t miss it. It will be an amazing weekend and I know that the Azerbaijani people will come in big numbers to see this unique and colourful event. The race will create a sensational sight around the track. It will be very atmospheric and with all those big brands like Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes Nissan and Porsche represented it will connect with people who have not even seen a race before. That will be the beauty of the Baku World Challenge in 2013.
“Of course I will be rooting for the Boutsen-Ginion team and they will be strong as we have some really good, young drivers in the team. They will put on a really great show during the weekend and hopefully there can be some celebrations on the Sunday afternoon”