PRO ANNUAL 2018

a partnership agreed. And the work is ongoing as there are plans for this facility to host a FIA-approved rallycross track, with help from legendary circuit designer Hermann Tilke. This in in addition to the 3.2-km long circuit and 1.2-km kart track that the location currently houses. “This year has already been a success for the circuit itself, but the rallycross track is not quite finished yet,” said Scheider, who hopes to do the roll-out this December or January 2018. “However, we are building many different things at the track itself to create further opportunities, including offices. The track has also been used a lot more though, with the ABT Formula E team coming out to do a lot of testing and so we’ve had a few different racing categories out here. It’s good to see and it’s helping us to move in the right direction.” Despite an already busy schedule, Scheider has also been running his own race team, in the form of Scheider Motorsport, which took part in the ADAC Formula 4 Germany championship for two seasons from 2015. However, after investing a lot of personal money into the outfit, and with results not forthcoming, Scheider has pulled the plug for the short- term. “I was very open with my team with regards to the level of budget in young motorsport these days, like Formula 4, which has gone quite high. I told them that either we find a driver that has that kind of budget, or we just leave it. I don’t want to just be a part of racing, I want to be successful and I need to present it like I want it to be.” Scheider has also found a use for the Formula 4 cars at their new home in Mallorca. Young drivers can hire them to test and hopefully prepare for their own campaigns in the class, at a price and location that Scheider considers to be one that is the best value in Europe. However, he also hopes that another familiar type of racecar may provide a chance for Scheider Motorsport’s return to the race tracks and paddocks, whilst keeping a realistic view on the possible situation. “I had already ordered two Audi RS3 LMS TCR cars before the decision about DTM from Audi, but I couldn’t give one of them back. There is a chance that we could be running one or two cars in 2018, but this topic is still open for discussion, with no actual deals made yet. For me, it is the same as Formula 4 - either we do it with a proper budget, or we leave it. There are times when you have to make a decision, particularly for yourself, when you put up your own money and not get anything back. That’s the wrong decision, so you have to be sensible about it.” With a very busy schedule keeping him on toes, life for Timo Scheider after DTM isn’t looking too bad at all. So, could there a renaissance for Herr Scheider, and a return to the fastest tin-top series around? He seems pretty happy for now, but just keep an open mind – anything is possible... SH I F T ING GEARS T I M O S C H E I D E R PRO ANNUAL 2018 47