Patrick Simonon his job: What is particularly important to him, how he sees the ADAC GT Masters 2022 going, and what he definitely doesn’t want to be
Patrick Simon has been an expert and commentator in the ADAC GT Masters for more than ten years and, among other things, presents the programme PS on Air – Der ADAC GT Masters-Talk, which celebrated its 50th edition at the Nürburgring. Since 2021, the former racing driver has also been a track announcer for the German GT Championship. How he prepares for his assignment and what he experiences at the track, he reveals in the interview.
Question: Mr Simon, what does preparation for a race as a track announcer look like?
Patrick Simon: “I’m not a quartet presenter who tells people how much horsepower a car has, how old the driver is or where he lives. I want to convey what goes through my body and make people understand my emotional state. When a driver takes a tight corner at 180 km/h, slips slightly, corrects that with great countersteering and then still sets the fastest time – that’s what I want to convey emotionally. “
Question: Is the audience different at the different circuits?
Simon: “It’s hard to judge from the commentary booth. But since the middle of the season I’ve been commentating from the man box and it’s great to see how people react. They sit in two detailed command posts, put on their Mickey mice and listen to the person commentating. And to experience their enthusiasm and joy is unique. That goes for all the tracks, whether at the Nürburgring or the Lausitzring. “
Question: Was there a special experience as a track announcer that you will never forget?
Simon: “As I also commentate on the NLS and 24-hour races, I’ve been through a lot. An endurance race can sometimes be interrupted for a few hours because of an accident or freak weather. You don’t bridge that time gap as a quartet commentator. Unfortunately, I have also had to comment on fatal accidents. Those are moments you don’t wish for, but the positives far outweigh them. “
Question: Is there any feedback from spectators or drivers after a race?
Simon: “You get criticised quickly, praise is a bit harder for many. Criticism comes from the riders if you mispronounce their name, for example. But that’s also true. Sometimes a mistake creeps in and if no one corrects it, you carry it around with you all the time. I’m always happy to receive constructive criticism. “
Question: How is the relationship with the drivers?
Simon: “They’re scared of me, at least I finished on the podium at my guest start in the ADAC TCR Germany. Seriously, we work well together. I sometimes get insider information from the drivers that is not intended for the public. That shows that there is a relationship of trust. “
Question: How do you rate the season so far?
Simon: “Somehow everyone is afraid to win, to get points and to become champions. It’s a very intense and exciting season. One thing is certain: The ADAC GT Masters is a very strong and balanced series. Personally, I feel very comfortable and can do what I want with all my passion. The ADAC doesn’t give me any guidelines, they give me all the freedom I need. I really enjoy this trust. “
Question: What does the future of motorsport look like?
Simon: “It is important to be a technological pioneer as well as an entertainer. Everyone involved has to pool their energies and work together, there’s no other way. The fans at the track are really getting into it, you can see that from the fact that we’ve had one attendance record after another this season. “
Question: Who will be German GT Champion 2022?
Simon: “There are a few contenders. Personally, I wouldn’t mind if we ended up with someone we didn’t have on the list. That would mean four more crazy races and you couldn’t ask for better entertainment. “