True Racing’s Stefan Rosina came agonisingly close to winning the Fanatec GT2 European Series Pro-Am crown last season, only losing grip of the title in the final stages of the final race of the season at Circuit Paul Ricard, to finish runner up.
Now partnered with the driver who beat him to the title, Nicolas Saelens, the Team True Racing duo are on the attack to take the 2023 spoils, as they sit just three points behind the class leaders heading into final two races of the season.
Stefan joins us for our next Getting to Know driver feature:
Stefan, it’s great to have you with us for a third season. What keeps bringing you back to the Fanatec GT2 European Series?
“Yes, I agree with you, it's great and I enjoy it. First of all, I would like to thank the KTM team for giving me the opportunity to be part of them for the third time. I will try do everything I can not to disappoint their trust in me. A key factor for me is the positive spirit within the KTM team, we understand each other not only professionally, but also personally. When you have a great team around you and people who fully enjoy their work and literally live it, you have no reason to leave or think about a change, quite the opposite. As long as it is possible for me to achieve good results I intend to stay. Even though it is hard for me to perform on a professional level, as I am fully concentrated on my CEO duties within MATADOR Group. But even so, it still makes me happy and fulfilled. As long as I have the space and opportunities to continue to do so, I will be happy to return.”
Can you share some of your career highlights prior to joining the series?
“For me personally, it was my third place in the Porsche Supercup from 2009. That’s my highlight as it was achieved in a series among the best drivers in the GT category such as Jeroen Bleekemolen, René Rast, Patrick Huisman, Nick Tandy and others. To be part of the GT class elite is a special feeling. I count myself lucky enough to have achieved wins in other GT series. In 2011 I participated in the FIA GT1 Championship alongside Peter Kox and we were able to win at the Nürburgring and achieved a very emotional second place at Donington Park behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo.“
You’ve recorded an impressive catalogue of results since your 2021 debut, what’s your stand-out highlight so far?
“No question – it is the vice-champion title from last year. At the same time it is a bittersweet memory as we were fighting for the championship title and basically lost it a few corners from the chequered flag at the last race, so this year I hope it will go our way. And if I have to pick one specific moment, it’s the win at the Red Bull Ring as that is the home race for KTM. Winning infront of the home crowd is always special and I am happy that me and my co-driver managed to do so, not just in 2022, but also in 2023.”
You have a new teammate in Nicolas this year, and you’ve already achieved several podiums and a first race win. What’s been the secret of your success?
“Nicolas and I get on very well, we try to achieve the same goals: to fight for the best possible result. We are not superior to each other. All this, when combined, creates quality foundations for success, which must be constantly worked on. That is our secret to success, at least in my opinion.”
You’re currently second and just three points away from the class leaders with two rounds to go. How are you finding the level of competition compared to previous years?
“This year’s competition is very tight, as you can see from the results. The difference between first and third place is just a few points. I don't remember such a tight series until the last round. That means it will go down the wire and the last race in Paul Ricard. And this time we want to be on the top spot.”
How are you looking forward to, and preparing for, the penultimate round of the season in Valencia?
“We will certainly try to enjoy it and send it. We are still in touch with the leaders and that’s the most important thing. The preparation is essentially the same as for all previous years. Nothing special. I personally prepare individually at home, in addition to my job. I try to find at least an hour or two every day for sports, whether it's cycling, running, or swimming. There must be some fitness preparation, without that it would not be possible. I sit in the car as such right before the race. In addition to physical preparation, it is certainly important to prepare mentally for the race, that's why I try to turn my head off from work on the way to the event and focus specifically on the race weekend in front of me.”
Can you and Nicolas win the Pro-Am title this season?
“I believe and firmly hope that yes. We have a common goal - we will try to win, we will give it everything we have to achieve it. If we succeed, it would be great. Keep your fingers crossed for us!”
