Salman Owega and Finn Wiebelhaus shared the Ford Mustang GT3 of Haupt Racing Team in the ADAC GT Masters and, with three wins to their name, were crowned champions at the end of the season. A good relationship, trust and mutual respect are essential, in order to be able to perform out on the track. But aside from tenths of seconds, tyre pressure and set-up, how well do the two team-mates really know each other? The answer, and a few anecdotes, can be found in this rather different interview.

Which of you would find a hotel?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “Salman! I am always in the team hotel, and that is fine for me. It is actually really close to the circuit. Salman is usually a bit closer to the racetrack and makes sure that he can sleep a little longer and more comfortably. I would definitely trust Salman, he has a knack for that kind of thing.”

Salman Owega: “My hotels are not always better, only sometimes.” (laughs)

Who has the bigger suitcase?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “That’s tough to say, but I think I do. I take four pairs of shoes with me. Normal shoes, cycling shoes, smart shoes for evenings, and waterproof shoes. I’m not going to win a beauty prize with them, but at least I won’t catch a cold if it rains.” (laughs)

Which of you is more likely to leave something at home?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “I have often had to lend something to Salman or his brother Jusuf. For example, a balaclava or shoes. Personally, I can’t remember ever forgetting anything.”

Salman Owega: “I have never forgotten anything really important, like a helmet, either.”

Which of you is more punctual?

Salman Owega: “Finn is overly punctual! He is always early.”

Finn Wiebelhaus: “There is no such thing as overly punctual.” (laughs)

Salman Owega: “I am always on the limit…”

Finn Wiebelhaus: “Well, being on the limit is when you just arrive in time. As a general rule, I am the more punctual.”

Which of you has the best taste when it comes to food?

Salman Owega: “That is me, I would say. I even bring my own food with me to race weekends.”

Finn Wiebelhaus: “That does not mean that you have better taste, only that you are a more picky eater. However, I would actually let Salman choose the restaurant, because he has more experience and perhaps values taste more than me.”

Salman Owega: “I value quality more, not just taste!”

Which of you is the most chaotic?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “That depends exactly what you are talking about. Salman is very orderly – if you are willing to forget about his time management. He is prepared for any situation and even thinks of things like disinfectant and shoehorns. I am a bit more chaotic in that regard.”

Salman Owega: “Everything is always tidy at my house. I really don’t like it when I come home and everything is just lying around. That is the last straw for me. Generally speaking, Finn and I both like things to be tidy and structured.”

Which of you is most likely to have a heated discussion with your engineer or team principal?

Salman Owega: “I don’t think either of us are that kind of guy. Plus, you want to work well with the engineer, and it is not a good idea to fall out with them.”

Finn Wiebelhaus: “There was no need to this season.”

Which of you is most addicted to using your mobile phone?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “I use my phone relatively seldom on race weekends. I hardly answer any messages, because I prefer to speak to people on site.”

Salman Owega: “We are probably both on our phones a little too much, but not excessively. I consciously try to limit the amount of time I spend on mine.”

Which of you has the most annoying habit, and what is it?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “Salman always arriving late (laughs). I have always been told that I talk too much. And it’s true, I do chat a lot. But I also find that nice in social situations. However, it is sometimes – particularly in public – also good to keep your mouth shut about certain things. Salman is really very good about that. He is very considered in what he says and knows exactly what he should keep to himself.”

Salman Owega: “You can definitely confide in me, and I will keep it to myself.”

Which of your partner’s attributes would you gladly adopt?

Finn Wiebelhaus: “Salman’s inner calmness. He doesn’t let anything at all stress him out. At least, I have never seen him stressed. Perhaps on the track if there is contact, but half an hour later he is totally chilled out again.”

Salman Owega: “I would never shout over the radio, just in the car, where nobody can hear you. I deal with that kind of thing myself. If I could have one of Finn’s attributes, it would be his time management and punctuality.”