Believe it or not: Single seater and sports car driver Roland Rupprechter has, with some interruptions, been involved in motorsport for 40 years now. It’s high time we got to know the Austrian BOSS GP driver better.
How did you get into motorsport?
ROLAND RUPPRECHTER: “I’ve been a motorsport enthusiast from an early age and watched all the F1 races and the “Paris-Dakar”. It was clear to me that once I had my driving licence, I wanted to race. My second car was a BMW M3, which I drove in snow rallies and other events. In 1985, I made my debut in the sports prototypes with a 2-litre Royale. Later, however, I only ever drove when money was involved.”
What was your favourite experience on a racetrack?
RUPPRECHTER: “When I drove the sports prototype for the first time. It was still a right-hand drive car, and it was still the old track at Hockenheim. I’d only seen it on TV before, then you leave the pit lane and drive onto the track yourself – it was a childhood dream come true!”
You are extremely sporty, where does that come from?
RUPPRECHTER: “I’ve been cycling since I was a teenager, I’ve competed in many criteriums and won a few. When I was 40, I started taking part in cycling marathons. There are sometimes 1,000 or 2,000 starters who take it very seriously. I still train three to five times a week to give myself a chance. Endurance also helps me in the racing car, of course, and I also see motocross as training for fine motor skills. I also enjoy kayaking and paragliding.”
I would like to swap places for a day with …
RUPPRECHTER: “… Walter Röhrl! I was always impressed by him when he was still actively driving. He lives an extremely healthy life and is extremely reserved, but then again, he’s very pointed – an absolute role model. I’ve read all his books.”
What is your motto in life?
RUPPRECHTER: “Live your life – you only have one! Fulfil your dreams and don’t put them off. When you’re young, you’re motivated and you want to learn something. I see a lot of people who put it off until later but then get too comfortable. I’m especially grateful to my wife Patrizia that I was able to do all this. It’s not always about the expensive things.”
Pictures: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP
