Race driver Helmut Marko was quite famous in the 70s ... He forever linked his life with motorsport, staying in business even at his venerable age.

Biography: brief information

Helmut Marko was born in wartime - in 1943, on April 27, in the small town of Graz. Marco's father is a domineering man, insisted on getting higher education and was unhappy with his son's passion for racing.

In 1967, Helmut received his doctorate in law. He remembered this day only due to the fact that two days earlier he finished second in Langebarn in the Formula V race.

Life on the track

Marco was brought into racing by his childhood friend - At first, young people were engaged in motorcycle racing, and then moved on to competitions in mountainous terrain.

Johan helped Hellmuth with everything. Negotiations with sponsors, meeting with the right people and the preparation for the races was invaluable to Marco.

In 1970, Rindt invited a friend to become a pilot for a team where he was a co-owner. And Hellmuth immediately won third place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A year later, the Austrian improved his result to a victorious finish. At the same time, he set a record for the maximum distance covered, which was broken only 40 years later.

In racing sports cars of the 2-liter class, Marco was a success. First, the rider rises to the third step of the podium at the competition in Daytona, then becomes the second in the famous Targa Florio race. Then again the third place on 1000 km of the Nurburgring and the second in Zeltweg on the track of the same length.

"Formula 1"

Helmut Marko made his racing royal debut in a rented McLaren car, although he was officially part of the BRM team.

The racer decided to train a month before the first start, with the car he was helped by Johan Rindt's friend Bonnier. On the first training lap, the car stalled. The same thing happened the next day. On his first official start at the Austrian Grand Prix, Marko came out not quite confident in his abilities.

In many respects, the unsuccessful career of the driver in the first "Formula" contributed to the leadership of the team. At that time, in BRM, Marco was already the 5th pilot, and he was taken into the team only because of sponsorship investments. Accordingly, he received the worst car, which did not allow him to fully reveal himself.

In the final race of the 1971 season, Hellmuth finally got into a good car. But even here he was unlucky - the mechanics made a mistake with the calculations and shortly before the finish line Marco ran out of gas.

Shortly before the French Grand Prix, the Austrian still received a car, technically comparable to the car leader of the team - Beltoise. Under equal conditions, Helmut Marko showed the best time and Beltoise crashed the car. Then the management decided that Marco would become the first pilot.

It was at the very moment when the racing career began to gain momentum, an accident occurred that put an end to Marco's future plans in the world of motorsport.

At the French stage of Formula 1, where the Austrian race car driver received the best car and a team of mechanics, circumstances were not in favor of the talented pilot. In Ronnie Peterson's car, the fire extinguishing system was falsely triggered and flooded almost the entire car of the next one behind Marco. For better view Hellmuth began to raise himself in his chair, then a stone flew out from under the wheels of Peterson's car. He punctured Marco's helmet and severely injured his left eye.

The pilot himself got out of the car and lost consciousness. The career of a Formula 1 driver was over, almost never started ...

Still the same in motorsport

But the resilient Helmut Marko did not leave motorsport. An educated and legally savvy man, he has done a lot for the development of motorsport in his homeland.

Marko also brought Karl Wendlinger into the race. He was their manager for several years.

Then the Austrian created his own team RSM Marko, which won the "Formula 3000". In 1996 Helmut Marko at Red Bull - at the head of the youth team training program.

Since 2005, he has been the permanent chief consultant for the main Red Bull racing team. Marko did a lot to ensure that the Austrian team also successfully participated in prestigious races.

It is also noteworthy that Helmut Marko speaks positively of the Russian racer Daniil Kvyat. He plays for the Red Bull subsidiary Toro Rosso, with Carlos Sainz Jr. as his partner.

A strong-minded Austrian is always quite tough in protecting the interests of his team. That is why he has won the recognition and respect of millions of motorsport fans.

Closest assistant Dietrich Mateschitz Helmut Marko has a reputation for being one of the toughest yet effective managers in Formula 1. More than once he made decisions that at first glance were controversial, but then the riders, on whom Marco was betting, confirmed that he was right. This happened with Daniil Kvyat, whose appointment to Toro Rosso caused a lot of controversy at the end of 2013, but now, a year later, no one is surprised by the fact that it is the Russian who will replace Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull. In the paddock of the Russian Grand Prix, the correspondent of the Championship spoke with Dr. Marco about Kvyat, the 2014 season, Renault's lag behind Mercedes, expectations for the 2015 season and the vacancy at Toro Rosso.

Dr. Marco, how important it is to Red Bull Russian Grand Prix, especially considering the Daniil Kvyat factor?
- Firstly, I must say that the circuit makes an impression. We travel all over the world and it is always a pleasure to visit new countries.

“I knew Kvyat very well from his karting career, in junior Formulas. I am sure that in next year he will do a good job. "

Now we have Kvyat, who will be in our top team next year. ... On the whole, Russia is a very important market. Both the track and the surrounding views are very good.

When you signed Daniil Kvyat to Toro Rosso a year ago, this decision drew a lot of criticism, but he was able to prove that you made the right choice ...
- I was criticized when I signed Vettel, then the same thing happened with Riccardo. I'm already used to it. We are Red Bull, we are brave, we love to take risks. Although I do not think that we risked in this case. I knew Kvyat very well from his karting career, in junior Formulas. I am sure that next year he will do a good job.

- Were you surprised by his level of performance in the 2014 season?
- No, that's why we signed it! I have watched his career. In Formula 3, he won pole positions on the wet track, was half a second faster in GP3. No surprises.

-. Have you thought to postpone the announcement until his home race in Sochi?
- No, why? We proceed from sports interests and stick to our decisions. On the contrary, this way the Russians had more time to get used to this idea.

- "Red Bull" is extremely heavy season... Did you expect such difficulties before the start of the championship?
- No, absolutely not. We are experiencing problems because the engine does not have enough power. This came as a big shock at the beginning of the year, but we have made improvements. Considering our situation, I think we managed to win back great, but we still lose 50-60 Horse power... When you concede so much in power, there is practically no chance to compete with a Mercedes.

You will have a closer relationship with Renault Sport. How confident are you that you will be able to compete with Mercedes engines from the start of the 2015 season?
- Yes, our cooperation will indeed be closer, but for now we have to wait and see what changes for the next season will be allowed by the FIA ​​regulations. We are confident that we will be closer.

"We are used to the fact that Mercedes has a better engine, but when the difference is only 15-20 hp, you can survive."

How much - we do not know yet. We are used to the fact that a Mercedes has a better engine, but when the difference is only 15-20 hp, you can survive. Definitely, next year the gap will be less than this one.

- What are your general expectations from the 2015 season?
- We definitely intend to fight for victories, that is why we are in Formula 1. We will attack at the maximum, we will work closer with Renault and we will try to improve the chassis. We hope to be the first again next season.

Daniel Riccardo surprised many with his performances and victories in 2014. Did its shape come as a surprise to you?
- I was surprised at how quickly Daniel was able to bring us results. I figured it would take him a while to get used to the Red Bull and go as fast as Sebastian. The tests in this regard were not indicative, because they were difficult for the whole team, but from the first race it was at the required level. And I expect the same from Daniel next year.

- Now there is a vacancy at Toro Rosso. ?
- We will consider this issue very carefully. We are in no hurry. It is important for us to make an informed decision. I think I can answer this question in Abu Dhabi.

Given that Toro Rosso may have two newcomers in 2015, what are the prospects for the other riders in the Red Bull Junior support program? Can they expect to get into Formula 1 in the coming years?
- It depends on how they will perform.

“We will attack at the maximum, we will work closer with Renault and we will try to improve the chassis. We hope to be the first again next season. "

It all depends on that. If they show something exceptional, they will go higher. This is not a system where after some time you are guaranteed to go higher. It all depends on the performances.

- When you signed Max Verstappen, did you expect such an abundance of criticism?
- Yes, I'm used to it and have repeatedly proved that all critics are wrong, and I don't understand why they keep asking me stupid questions about him.

- Final question: Is Red Bull following any other Russian pilots?
- Not at the moment. But if we see a very competitive pilot, we will definitely get in touch with him.

Helmut Marko is rightfully considered one of the authors of the miracle, which in last years the Red Bull Racing team is doing on the Formula 1 tracks: it won the Constructors' Cup three times, and Sebastian Vettel became the youngest three-time world champion in history. But there is an explanation for everything: in the early 70s, Marco competed in F1 and spent 10 races with BRM, but then, due to an injury to his left eye, he was forced to abandon his career. In a word, he has been associated with the world of professional motorsport for over forty years.

Question: Why are you called "Doctor"?
Helmut Marko: In the course of my racing career, I received a Juris Doctor degree, which was somewhat unusual. I think the press liked to say that "Dr. Marco is at the start." Of the riders who then competed in Le Mans and Formula 1, few could boast of such a diploma. The nickname stuck, they began to replace my name. Everyone knows the "Doctor", but it has nothing to do with medicine.

Q: You have a reputation for being a connoisseur of the arts, different types creativity, and not just a professional who knows all the secrets of racing skills. But at the same time, you are considered a very cold and uncommunicative person. Are you not worried about this?
Helmut Marko: If you are only attracted to beauty, you will never be successful in Formula 1.

Question for about ten years you have been a racing mentor Sebastian Vettel, and it is unlikely that anyone will undertake to dispute. You met him when he was still a boy. Did he feel the warmth and care that is so necessary young man during the formative period?
Helmut Marko: Of course, his parents took good care of him. Young people who need love and a sense of security try to stay in their comfort zone longer. Others want to get rid of guardianship as soon as possible and go their own way. But you don't have to show any tender feelings. It is enough to reveal in young people their strengths... The artificial atmosphere of coziness and comfort does not suit the world of Formula 1.

Question: When did Vettel first speak to you in a less formal manner?
Helmut Marko: Honestly, I don’t know. Once we switched to such communication, but it was all quiet and calm.

Q: How did your relationship develop into an ongoing collaboration?
Helmut Marko: First of all, we are bound by an open and honest business partnership. If Sebastian has any problems, he immediately turns to me. But if something worries me, I go to him. Everything is done in a very professional manner. And, of course, it brings them closer together.

Question: Do you like talking to him?
Helmut Marko: Of course, but I don't like to dwell on it. The public knows Vettel the racer, but he wants to keep his privacy, which is typical of him. And he does the right thing, by the way.

But at the same time, he is extremely focused on his work, so he needs to rest, he needs free time... Sebastian has to plunge into himself, so that later in qualifications and races to give out something that no one else is capable of.

I know very well how Sebastian trains, and he knows how to properly use his freedom in order to achieve the highest results.

Austrian race car driver, participant of the Formula 1 World Championship

Biography

Initially, he studied to be a lawyer, received a doctorate in law. In the 1960s he made his debut in Formula V racing, in 1969 he took part in the Formula 3 competition. The next year, he moved to sports car races, where he finished third in his first participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1971, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, setting the still unbeaten record for the maximum distance covered in 5335 kilometers, won three races in the European sports car championship in the 2-liter class and took part in five World Championship Grand Prix. Formula 1 ”(did not start in the German Grand Prix because of the fuel that ended in qualifying).

In 1972, he won three prizes at the stages of the World Sports Car Championship and took part in the Formula 1 World Championship. At the 1972 French Grand Prix, he was injured when a stone flew out from under the wheel of the car in front of Ronnie Peterson knocked him through the visor of his helmet and injured his eye, which forced Marco to stop racing. Later was the driver's manager

Helmut Marko is a famous person in the paddock, it was he who largely contributed to the appearance in Formula 1 of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Riccardo, Max Verstappen and Daniil Kvyat. In an interview with the official website, Helmut Marko recalled the past, revealing little-known facts about his career ...

Question: Helmut, have you been good friends with Jochen Rindt: grew up together, learned to drive together, went to watch the races together. This is true?
Helmut Marko: So it was. The first race we saw took place at the Nurburgring in 1961. We both failed the exams at the university and instead of going home and telling the sad news, we went to the race.

We drove all night, parked in the woods and fell asleep in the car, and the next morning we were awakened by the sound of Formula 1 engines. Jochen immediately exclaimed: "This is what I want to do!" We sat on the grass, listening to the sound of cars, and after a few laps we could distinguish Ferrari, Matra and cars with Cosworth engines. I was 18 then, and Jochen was 19.

Q: Can we say that if it were not for Jochen, you would not have gotten into racing? Or was it destiny to participate in the races?
Helmut Marko: Jochen infected me with a love of racing. We were both interested in motorsport, but we lacked self-confidence. However, when Jochen went to England and was successful there, I thought: “If he can, I can too! Why not?" I and all Austrian riders should be grateful to him, he paved the way for the rest.

Question: If not for the race, how would your future be? Would you work as a lawyer from nine to five?
Helmut Marko: Nine to five sounds awful. But yes, I would continue my career as a lawyer. Most likely, I would become a commercial lawyer. I am happy with the way my life has turned out, happy that I survived despite the injuries. [Helmut Marko lost his left eye when a stone pierced his helmet visor during the 1972 French Grand Prix]

Then we did not understand how dangerous Formula 1. We had a kind of self-deception - we talked about bad luck if something happened, but it was the other way around - we were very lucky if we managed to survive.

Q: Your ascent up the racing ladder was almost as rapid as Max Verstappen. There were not many races between the first starts in Formula Vee and the Le Mans in a Porsche 908 ...
Helmut Marko: Honestly, I don't remember. I remember making money in the first year professional career... I raced wherever I could get: touring car racing, prototypes, Formula 2 - wherever possible. I remember about Formula Vee that I started in Monaco in 1967 and won the race. I had my first Formula 1 race in 1971.

Q: Did you strive to get into Formula 1 from the very beginning?
Helmut Marko: Yes. In a professional racing career, this was a natural goal. Especially when I saw for real high level in Formula 1. You just want to be one of them.

Q: You won Le Mans in a Porsche 917. Was it not enough just to race?
Helmut Marko: I have always strived to get into Formula 1, but I remember very well how Jackie Stewart and many others performed not only in Formula 1, but also in sports cars.
The truth is, the Porsche 917 was difficult to pilot. Soon I will be able to remember this, sitting behind the wheel in front of the Austrian Grand Prix, but I will be very careful!

I recently saw a car in the Porsche Museum that I won. I could not believe that we were driving it at 390 km / h on the straight lines in Le Mans. The car looks very fragile, I am really lucky to have survived that era.

Question: Unlike Johan. How did his death affect you?
Helmut Marko: When I was informed about his death, I could not believe, because in those days he no longer piloted as risky as at the beginning of his career. Lotus built a fast but fragile car, and Jochen wanted to win races and titles. At his funeral, I received an offer to take a seat behind the wheel. It showed me what auto racing really is - life goes on.

The following year, I had an accident on the Daytona Beach circuit in a profiled corner. At a speed of 300 km / h, a puncture occurred, and in a short moment between the realization that I would not be able to regain control of the car, and hitting the wall, the thought flashed in my head: "God, I should have stopped racing!" It's incredible how your whole life flashes in front of you in two or three seconds. You even remember some of the girls. But the most unpleasant thought was that it was the end.

At the moment of hitting the wall, I immediately turned on the fire extinguisher, because I knew how easily these cars ignite. Then I opened the doors so as not to suffocate - everything happened automatically. The instinct of self-preservation worked.

Q: You made your Formula 1 debut with Jo Bonnier Racing, driving a McLaren at the 1971 German Grand Prix. What was it like? What do you remember about that experience?
Helmut Marko: I don't remember much. It was on the Nürburgring Northern Loop - not the most pleasant place for a debut in Formula 1. I don't remember why I didn't start - I only participated in training. I guess I was negotiating with Surtees and BRM, and Surtiz thought I had signed a contract, but in fact there were legal obstacles.

However, I remember that two weeks later, during the Austrian stage, I realized how difficult it is to pilot these machines. It took me a while to get the most out of the car.

Q: You had a home Grand Prix at BRM, made a good impression on Louis Stanley, and he invited you to drive the season to the end ...
Helmut Marko: Yes, at that time BRM was a serious team with a rich history. Louis Stanley was probably the first to receive a real sponsorship contract: he brought Marlboro to Formula 1. There was always glamor, but BRM put up four or five cars at the start of the race, so they were not prepared to the highest standards. However, it was a good experience.

It took me a while to go through the entire hierarchy of the team, and when I got behind the wheel of the right car, I had an accident. I really wanted to get a new chassis - I sat 15 centimeters higher than in my car and could barely move my legs, but I wanted this chassis. On my old chassis, this would not have happened - the stone would not have hit my helmet.

Q: Have you thought about how the injury affected you?
Helmut Marko: Let's just say: the eye injury was very painful. They needed an eye to be sewn on, so any blinking was a terrible pain. In addition, many nights I could not sleep, because I was full of ideas, because for me racing was the only reason to live. But one of those sleepless nights I admitted to myself that it was all over and I needed to look for something else to do.

It was like falling into a black hole, but when I realized that there is life after racing, something switched in my head, and for the next 30 years I did not sit behind the wheel of a racing car. I knew that I would no longer be able to compete at a competitive level and did not want to become a "gentleman driver". Now I can say that I am really happy. I was lucky that I lived through that period, having lost only one eye.

Question: Given the state of the art in medicine, your injuries would probably be curable today ...
Helmut Marko: First of all, it should be noted that after my accident a new visor was presented - it became more or less impenetrable in order to prevent the recurrence of such injuries. Other improvements were made - in my opinion, there were too many of them, because there should always be a certain risk, and if you don't like it, you can always choose a taxi driver's career.

Question: What do you remember about your teammates?
Helmut Marko: In the first year, my partner was Jo Siffert, who died in Brands Hatch in 1971 after a suspension failure. Several races later in Brazil, the same breakdown occurred in my car. This clearly demonstrates how security issues were treated in those years. Then I raced with Howden Ganley and a Swedish guy whose name I don't remember [Reine Vissel]. Sometimes my partner was the Englishman Peter Gethin - a very funny guy. Of the fourth of us, only Howden and I are still alive.

Q: Have you thought about what you could have achieved in Formula 1, if not for the injury? Some thought you were more talented than Niki Lauda. How did you feel watching his success?
Helmut Marko: I have no problem with that. Nicky took my place at BRM. He got a contract with Ferrari, which was originally mine, but I do not envy. We still have a good relationship.

Have I ever thought that I could be in his place? No, I'm not a dreamer. In fact, I was with Nicky when he first met Enzo Ferrari. The visit turned out to be impressive: you enter a dark room and see Enzo seated in even darker glasses. It looked very mysterious. (laughs)

Question: It sounds like Nicky tried on everything that you planned for yourself step by step?
Helmut Marko: Exactly.

Q: Did the young riders you worked with know what you've done in the past?
Helmut Marko: I do not know. I didn't ask them.

Question: Do you give examples from your career in conversations with young people?
Helmut Marko: Times have changed, now my stories about how I piloted old cars would be a waste of time. All I tell them is that they have to be competitive, fully focused on their work, and so on. This is what I am trying to convey to them from my experience.

Wait, though: I got a call one day from Daniel Riccardo, who was driving my Alfa Romeo during the Targa Florio demonstration races. He complained that the clutch was heavy and the brakes were tight. It was probably there that he got an idea of ​​how hard it was in the old days. I told him: “You are paid hundreds of times more than we were paid. Okay, ten times more, you have less work and the cars are safer, so have fun and be grateful! "

Q: So you never give flying advice? But do you pass on any of your experiences to the young riders?
Helmut Marko: I tell them the following: try to plan the race weekend differently, more efficiently. Don't try to be the fastest on Friday - save something for qualification. In Monaco, I advise you to try a different trajectory. The simple experience you have if you've spent 50 years in motorsport!

Question: And this brings us to another question: which best moment have you survived 50 years in motorsport?
Helmut Marko: I will probably have to name three such moments. The Le Mans win was special. First championship title with Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull. And believe it or not, Max Verstappen's win last year in Barcelona. Even in the team they called me crazy for putting him behind the wheel, and he took it and won!