July 12, 2024: First up is Bernhard Laber, born in 1964. He has extensive experience in motorsports as a driver and team manager. His racing experience spans a wide range of vehicles, including Porsche 911s, Mercedes AMG GT3s, McLaren GT4s, and MINIs. His background reflects a strong passion for motorsports.
How did your motorsport adventure begin?
“I started karting when I was 18. It was the early 1980s, and my parents were not financing my activities, so I was getting by with the money I earned working during the week.
In the early 1990s, I got involved in racing Porsche 911s. I raced a few times with a 964 with Cup trim, which had an upgraded six-cylinder boxer engine, lighter bodywork, and more advanced aerodynamics compared to the regular model.
The first official Porsche Super Cup race I took in place was season 2004, during the final months of the 996 model’s production. This model featured a transition to a liquid-cooled boxer, a departure from the previous air—and oil-cooled engines.
In 2005, I was impressed by the dynamic characteristics of the BMW-designed MINI Cooper S. They are high-speed cars that were incredibly enjoyable on the kerbs. After that, I took part in the MINI Challenge Europe with a John Cooper Works R53, which was equipped with a supercharger. In 2006, I drove the Cooper S R56, which was a significant evolution from its previous model. It was powered by a 1600cc engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger.
In 2007, after competing in endurance racing with the Cooper S, I took a break for almost ten years. In 2016, I had an enlightening meeting with Walter Röhrl, a rally champion and a compatriot of mine. We put together a Porsche Cayman 981 Club Sport GT4, and I was so impressed after testing it that I decided to drive it in the GT4 Northern Europe Cup.
But at that point, I no longer wanted to merely sit behind the wheel; I wanted to create my own team. I purchased three McLaren 570S and 570S GT4s, and from 2017 to 2021, I enlisted six drivers for the GT4 European Series. In 2022, I made the transition to the International GT Open, driving a Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo. Last year, a friend invited me to the Red Bull Ring Classics, and I tested in the Alfa Revival Cup. I was so impressed by the experience that I gave up the GT3. Racing in the Alfa Revival Cup is incredibly enjoyable, especially due to the Italian atmosphere.”
How many years have you been racing? Do you consider it a hobby or a profession?
“At the moment, it’s just a hobby. I have been competing for over 30 years, which to me means striving to be faster and more efficient than others. It’s also a metaphor and a way of life.”
What is the best moment of a race?
“Crossing the finish line as a winner.”
What is the most exhilarating race you remember?
“Without a doubt, it was the 2004 Porsche Super Cup round in Monaco on the Formula 1 weekend. At the world’s most famous street circuit, the spectators’ eyes are all on you, but you don’t realise it because the grandstands are so close. The track has no escape routes since the barriers are along its edge. It’s all in your hands: the success of the race depends on your precision and reflexes. There is no room for error; a single mistake leads to hitting the wall, damaging the car, and retiring from the race. There is also no time to practice and get familiar with the layout because the track only exists for one weekend a year.”
Why did you choose the Alfa Revival Cup?
“Because it provides a real, unfiltered driving experience. The competition is open because the cars are similar in performance.”
What goals have you set for yourself?
“With Lukas, we will strive to achieve as many podium finishes as we can. I noticed there are quite a few fast pro drivers on the grid, so it’s hard to finish in the top positions.”
Why the shift from the current Gran Turismos to historic Alfa Romeos?
“I was impressed by the precision and speed of these sports cars from the 60s and 70s, especially considering that they have no electronic controls or aids. Racing with 800/900-horsepower cars no longer excites me. I find more enjoyment in competing against cars that are very similar in power and preparation.”
Turning to Lukas Stojetz, we encounter a young driver who has been racing for just over a year but who has a clear understanding of what it takes to compete on the track.
“I started with the Clio Cup at the Most racetrack in the Czech Republic, testing a 2018 Clio RS. I found this car challenging to drive, and great for learning. Last year, I obtained my sports license and tested a GTAm with Roberto Restelli in France. I’ll never forget the first time at the Nürburgring for the Oldtimer Grand Prix. I made my Alfa Revival Cup debut at Vallelunga in September 2023 and then finished the season at Misano in October. Bernhard and I also participated in the Modena Cento Ore 2023 with the GTAm.”
What does racing mean to you? Please tell us your feelings.
“When I’m behind the wheel, my only focus is to outdrive my competitors. My mantra is to never improvise — always act as if you are in full control and prepare yourself on the regulations, especially when you are young.”
Which moment do you like the most?
“The moment before entering the track.”
What is the most iconic race you remember, and why?
“The 2023 Modena Cento Ore is an exhilarating event known for its unique venues, circuits, and expert organisation.”
Why did you choose the Alfa Revival Cup?
“Bernhard convinced me, first of all. Plus, it is a pure driving experience, with the quintessential sports car, rear-wheel drive and manual gearbox. Everything in the cockpit is classic and analogue. I love the sound of the engine revving and the clutches engaging. The style of the bodywork, the details of the lines and the proportions of the shapes, which I find wonderful, all contribute to the emotions aroused by historic Alfa Romeos. Finally, the atmosphere at the Alfa Revival Cup is positive, fun, and friendly.”
