They share a cockpit and together scrap for every thousandth of a second out on the track – but what makes them tick away from the steering wheel. The ADAC GT Masters answer personal questions about themselves and their team-mates. From cooking skills to temperament: how do the driving partners feel about each other. Today its’s the turn of Tim Zimmermann and Leyton Fourie, who share a BMW M4 GT3 Evo for FK Performance Motorsport.
Which of you is an early riser, and who prefers to sleep in? Tim Zimmermann: That’s an easy question: I am definitely the early riser. Leyton Fourie: I sleep for as long as I can. Happily until 08:30 or 09:00, if the schedule allows it. But Tim is awake by 05:30 every day. Tim Zimmermann: I really like it that way, and even get up early on weekends.
Which of you is the better cook? Tim Zimmermann: I make a very good porridge. Leyton Fourie: That’s not cooking, that is just mixing milk and oats [laughs]. You don’t cook so much, because your girlfriend does it for you. I reckon I am the better cook. And I do a good “braai” [braai is a South African expression, meaning to have a barbecue and social evening].
Which of you is the most impatient? Leyton Fourie: That depends on the situation. When it comes to food, definitely Tim. As soon as it is served, he is the first in the queue. If that doesn’t work out, for whatever reason, he can become very impatient.
Which of you pays most attention to detail? Leyton Fourie: I would say that is 50:50. We both have our specific areas, in which we are very meticulous. In my case, it is numbers and statistics, which are very important to me. Tim Zimmermann: I concentrate more on the driving itself, and the practical things involved in that.
Which of you is spontaneous, and who prefers to plan things? Leyton Fourie: Tim is definitely the planner. He plans absolutely everything. I am sure he already knows what he will be having for breakfast in two years’ time [laughs].
Which of you is tidier? Tim Zimmermann: Me. Definitely.
Which of you is the most punctual? Tim Zimmermann: I am more punctual. Leyton Fourie: However, that does not mean that I am not punctual. I have definitely improved compared to last year. You just always arrive much too early!
Which of you is more extrovert? Tim Zimmermann: I’m out on this one. Leyton is definitely ahead in that regard.
Which of you is more willing to compromise? Leyton Fourie: This morning, I set my alarm especially, just to be here for YOUR qualifying. So, it surely has to be me [laughs].
Who is most impulsive? Tim Zimmermann: Leyton, as soon as things don’t go to plan. Leyton Fourie: I just react in the moment, but that helps me on the track. I would say that it is an advantage.
Which of you is more creative? Tim Zimmermann: My normal job, which I do away from the racetrack, demands a lot of creativity, so I would say that I am.
Who is happiest to take risks? Leyton Fourie: Me. We saw that last year in Zandvoort, when I passed the Lamborghini on the outside. Having said that, you climb hills… Tim Zimmermann: I would say we are about 50:50 on this one.
Which of you is most irritable? Leyton Fourie: He can really drive me up the wall [laughs]. Tim Zimmermann: In actual fact, I am more easily irritated.
Who is the optimist, and which of you is the pessimist? Tim Zimmermann: I am more optimistic. Leyton Fourie: I would say that you think about things more, then you improve the situation until it feels better. I, on the other hand, just wait and see what happens.
