Tim Tramnitz (15, Hamburg, US Racing - CHRS) is poised to contest his first season in ADAC Formula 4. The 15-year-old ADAC Sports Foundation protégé is making the switch from karting to a formula racing car under the tutelage of Gerhard Ungar and Ralf Schumacher, joint owners of the Kerpen-based US Racing team. Tramnitz has done some tests and is evidently thrilled by the speed, the dynamics and the new environment in Formula 4.

Tim, the season would normally be getting underway this weekend at Oschersleben. How are you keeping fit at the moment?

Fortunately, we have a range of fitness training facilities at home, including a weight bench and a spinning wheel. And of course, I go out jogging on a regular basis. Taken together, the opportunities for staying in shape are working well. I want to keep my fitness level up so that I'll be ready when the season starts. We are also installing a simulator for some virtual practice.

After a few years in karting, you are now about to make your debut in formula racing. What are your first impressions?

I've already done some testing with US Racing, first at Oschersleben and then at various other tracks. Driving on the straights at over 200 km/h and then braking hard is absolutely mega. It's a very special experience, and I'm thrilled by it.

How would you describe the new environment?

Working with this team is much more professional than in karting. You have to apply your intelligence. The philosophy behind it is completely different and far more complex. There is so much more to learn. For example, how do you make best use of the aerodynamics? I work on questions like that mainly with my engineer. Gerhard Ungar is also there for us and gives us lots of tips. Feedback from him is always valuable.

How did you first come into contact with US Racing, and how were you recruited by this outfit?

I know Ralf Schumacher from karting because I was a member of his team. Making the step up to US Racing was therefore a logical progression. After I had the first test, it was clear to me that these were the people I wanted to drive for. It's good for me to be starting out in a top team because I can learn a lot from them. Learning as much as possible in the first year is crucial for later on in your motor racing career. The support you get from this team is extremely good. There are so many people looking after you, it's just amazing.

What targets have you set for yourself in your first year in ADAC Formula 4?

Obviously, the expectations are quite high, but I can handle it. I want to finish on the podium as often as possible and to be a contender for the Best Rookie title.

What is your long-term objective in motorsport?

My dream - and this is probably true of almost every single-seater contestant - is to make the move up into Formula 1, even though I know that is going to be a huge challenge. How well I do in Formula 4 is going to be absolutely crucial for the next few years. But at this stage, it's hard to foresee where it is all leading to. I could also imagine a future as a works driver in GT3 sport or Formula E.

How did you get into motorsport in the first place?

My father has always been interested in cars, but was not actively involved in motorsport himself. One day, I got an electric quad, which really inspired me. It soon became clear that I wanted to do something in the driving line. Later came a slalom kart, then a racing kart - the setup became more and more professional. And now I'm extremely happy to be taking my first steps in single-seater racing in the ADAC Formula 4 series.