Darren Turner at Aston Martin Interview
Aston Martin teamed up with engineering group Prodrive in 2004 to get Aston Martin back into racing with the DBR9 and they have been very very successful promoting some of the best driving talent around such as Darren Turner. They also have Bruno Senna, David Hannson, Pedro Lamy and Alex MacDowall on the team! Darren Turner won the Le Mans in 2007 and in 2008, a celebrated double . Aston Martin has also been a major presence at the Nürburgring, Spa and Silverstone this year with Darren on the podium for the 6 Hours of Silverstone.
Darren Turner races for Aston Martin
Born: 13 April 1974 Camberley, England
Nationality: British
Lives: Banbury, England
Helmet: Black, blue and red
Category: PRO
Career highlight: Le Mans 2007 and 2008 winning GT1 in an Aston Martin DBR9
International eXcellence Magazine caught up with Darren between races for this interview.
IX – What makes you so passionate about racing?
DT – The competition. I’ve been very competitive since I was a child.
IX – Where did you grow up and how did you get started in racing?
DT – I grew up a couple of miles from a kart circuit in Camberley. I wanted to race motorbikes but my mum wouldn’t let me. I used to go and watch people karting at the track and, in the end, I persuaded my parents to let me have a go. The rest is history
IX – How did you come to join Aston Martin Racing?
DT – I was already driving for Prodrive so when Aston Martin Racing was formed between Aston Martin and Prodrive ten years ago, it was a natural progression.
IX – What do you love and hate about the sport?
DT – I love the travel, seeing some amazing places. I hate the bureaucracy and red tape and the negative impact it’s having on our sport.
IX – Who are your mentors or figures you most admire?
DT – When I was younger, Senna was my idol. I’ve been very lucky in my career and had some great team-mates who I have learned a lot from. For instance David Brabham has been very influential.
IX – The Le Mans 24 Hrs was exciting and challenging with that sudden rain on such a hot day and the various pit stops, how was it in the driving seat?
DT – Stressful! The rain this year was a lot harder and more intense than last year and it caught a lot of people out. I was relieved that we got past it and carried on with the race. A small shower can be fun, but this left us in the lap of the Gods.
IX – What is so fascinating about the Nurburgring for you?
DT – It’s the purity of the racing. It’s a real old-school circuit and every part of it is a challenge.
IX – Racing is very competitive sport, how do you balance that working in a team with other drivers?
DT – You are always measured against your teammates but, as you get older and more experienced, you realise that there are a lot of good people at this level and you can’t beat them all every day but, you need to be consistently up there. It’s actually really good having top-level teammates as it pushes you on.
IX – How do you prepare mentally and physically for the racing season?
DT – DT – Physically it’s about keeping a good level of fitness. I’m not a gym-enthusiast – I’d rather be outside running or cycling. Mentally, it’s about resting and relaxing and trying to switch off – actually trying not to think about it too much.
IX – Which is the hardest race you ever had and why?
DT – Le Mans 2005 – because of the cockpit temperatures. It was 71 degrees centigrade. Doing an hour stint was nearly impossible.
IX – What is your favourite race of the year?
DT – Nürburgring – I really enjoy the thrill. Every corner is a challenge and, with all the traffic, no two laps are the same.
IX – If you could have only one car from any period which would you pick & why?
DT – DBR9 will always be my favourite. It was mega to drive and we had some amazing results in it. If there was any way I could own one, I would give up my house for it!
IX – What would you say were the most important things for maintaining a great quality of life?
DT – Enjoy life! Everyone takes everything so seriously (even I’m guilty of that, though). Being a dad has given me perspective about what’s really important in life.
IX – what other passions do you have in life, both work and leisure?
DT – My home. I live in the countryside and love being outdoors with my dog.
http://www.astonmartin.comhttp://www.darrenturner.net/http://www.prodri…
