Now it’s time to hear from the other half of this year’s race-winning PK Carsport Audi duo, Stienes Longin.
The Belgian took the Fanatec GT2 European Series by storm in his debut season last year, taking six race wins and a further six podiums to seal the Pro-Am championship crown alongside Nicolas Saelens.
Longin is back for a second Fanatec GT2 season, looking to defend his title with Peter Guelinckx. The duo have already shown their championship potential in the #1 Audi R8 LMS GT2 with a brace of race wins and a further second-place finish to sit third in the Pro-Am title fight.
Stienes, it’s your second year in the series after winning the Pro-Am title last year. How did it feel to win that crown in your first year racing in GT2?
“Winning a European title was one of my life goals. Last year, I knew there was a good opportunity to do so, and I could not let it slip. Ever since I took the title, I race with more self-confidence. Winning that championship was pretty important to me, yes.”
What were your career highlights prior to winning the Fanatec GT2 European Series title?
“In Belgian circuit racing the Zolder 24 Hours is a pretty big deal, and I’ve won it twice now. My dad is the record holder with seven wins, and I helped win two of those. That’s a pretty nice feeling.”
What makes this a unique championship for you?
“There are several reasons. Racing in an SRO championship was always a dream. The organisation is always top-notch. That is why the GT2 European Series is an ideal championship for me, driving impressive cars with plenty of power. And I think for somebody who wants to climb to GT3, it’s the ideal stepping stone as well.”
What do you think of the level of competition this season, compared to last?
“It’s pretty high! All Pro drivers are quite talented, which means that every lap in the race feels like a qualifying lap. Because this is a Pro-Am championship, you have to take care of your tyres as well. And I think the AM-drivers can learn a lot from the Pro drivers, which is nice.”
You have a new teammate in Peter this year, and you’re already winning races together. How quickly did you gel as a new partnership?
“I have known Peter for quite a while now. In 2008 he started sponsoring my dad, and it did not take long before he was bitten by the racing bug! Peter and I got along from the start. Before this year we already raced together in Belgian championships, winning in the BMW M2 Cup, in the Belcar championship and winning the Zolder 24 Hours as well. Peter has conquered plenty of good results, and that’s quite impressive for someone who started racing only a couple of years ago.”
We’ve got a new circuit to the GT2 calendar for our next round. How are looking forward to, and preparing for Portimão?
“I’ve heard plenty of good things about the track, and I am very curious about the circuit itself, but also its surroundings. I think it will be wonderful to race a GT2 car there.”
What’s your ultimate goal or dream result for this season?
“After winning last year’s title, I would love to become a back-to-back champion. That is goal number one. But since I’ve got eight GT2-wins now, I’m also looking forward to claiming win number ten…”
