As impressive rookie seasons go, look no further than the efforts of Razoon - More Than Racing’s Simon Birch. The rapid Danish teenager sits third in the Pro-Am standings as he takes on the Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli with friend and compatriot, Thomas Andersen.
The #80 KTM X-BOW GT2 crew has already taken the series by storm, consistently battling for Pro-Am honours at each of the four Fanatec GT2 rounds so far this term. Their reward has been five podiums from eight races, giving them an outside shot at the class title with two events remaining.
Silver-rated Birch has dovetailed his GT2 attack alongside GT4 duties in Germany, also for the Razoon - More Than Racing squad, continuing the partnership with Andersen that initially blossomed from Le Mans Cup competition.
We caught up with Birch ahead of the penultimate round of the season at Monza, for the latest edition of Driver Focus:
Welcome to Fanatec GT2, Simon. How has this experience been for you so far?
“It has been an exciting journey so far. It’s great to try a new series of cars and to enjoy it with great competition also.”
You've made a great impression in your rookie season so far, but what were your goals for the year?
“It has been very good so far, with a lot of trophies to our name already and enjoying the season with some new tracks and a new car - the KTM X-BOW GT2 - so a lot of new stuff and data secured. The goal is always to end on the top step to show what we can do. We will keep fighting through the whole season to secure that.”
What do you think of the format of GT2 racing and the level of competition you have faced?
“I think it is very good for young drivers to get a chance when there is a Pro-Am class. As young drivers, we have a great opportunity to show what we are capable of acheiving. The competition is really on a high level, but I feel I have shown that I have the speed to match other KTM Pro drivers, who have been driving and developing the KTM for many years.”
Razoon - More Than Racing are a new team to this series - how have they been to work with?
“It’s a brilliant team with some of the most amazing people around, all very passionate in what they do to achieve success and their goals. I also drive with them in ADAC GT4 Germany. I think we as a team have proven our competence, as we are already delivering top results in our rookie season."
What are your impressions of the KTM X-BOW GT2 and the cars participating?
“It’s an absolute monster of a car! Really fun to drive like the GT3 cars last year, just with much less aero. In that way, the GT2 is actually a very challenging car which will improve your skill set and competence for next steps.”
Thomas Andersen is your Am co-driver and has also impressed. How have you both enjoyed racing and working together as a partnership?
“Thomas is quite new to racing and started last year in Le Mans Cup where we drove together. His learning curve has been very steep, so it is exciting to see that. Driving with him again this year in GT2 is amazing where we have shown what we can achieve.”
What are your favourite circuits on the Fanatec GT2 calendar?
“Definitely Spa Francorchamps is one of my favourite tracks, as I have been there a few times now and I like that it requires technical skills.”
What have been your early career highlights, and aims for the future?
“My career highlights have been in my karting years where I have won different championships and participated and qualified in the Rotax Grand Finals. Besides that, definitely the experience I have already gained in my car racing career, where I drove a whole season in Le Mans Cup GT3 endurance racing and then a lot of driving in many different classes and cars.
“The experience switching from car to car is very important to have and I have been so lucky at an early age to achieve that, which for sure will benefit me in the future.”
Both Birch and stablemate Andersen return to action next month when the Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli visits Monza for its penultimate event on 20-22 September.