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Volkswagen drivers get all geared up for new season

Volkswagen’s Formula 3 and Scirocco R-Cup drivers have jointly prepared themselves for the 2011 motorsport season at an intensive fitness camp in Oberjoch, Bavaria. The camp, which lasted five days, comprised a variety of different training modules designed to maximise the drivers’ physical performance in the areas of stamina, strength and coordination – and to support the young sportsmen in their individual preparations.

“Professional motorsport places very different and very high demands on the drivers, and that includes in relation to their physical fitness,” explained Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, who also participated in the fitness camp. “Their stamina, coordination and reactions have to be perfectly trained if they wish to compete with the crème de la crème on the racetrack. Our fitness camp was an important part of our preparations for the new season and gave those who participated some important stimuli for their independent training activities.”

Volkswagen Motorsport prepared a challenging and diverse programme of training modules for the team of 30 participants, which included not only numerous Formula 3 and Scirocco R-Cup drivers, but also seasoned touring car drivers such as Peter Terting and Fredrik Ekblom. The main component of the stamina training was a combination of technically and physically demanding cross-country skiing, an energy-sapping mountain jog and, finally, a biathlon. Other modules included snowshoe orienteering in small groups, which promoted not only physical fitness, but also coordination skills and teamwork, and a special fitness training session put together with the specifics of being in a racing car cockpit in mind. There was also a Pilates session, group spinning and a seminar on nutritional science to round off the programme.

“I came away from the fitness camp with new insights for my sports preparations. It also showed me that training can be tough but fun at the same time,” said Maiken Rasmussen of Denmark, who is a newcomer to the Scirocco R-Cup. “Meeting all the other drivers was another important aspect of the camp. There was a very positive atmosphere and a really sporting spirit among us – which was another reason why everyone trained so hard.” The camp was also fruitful for 27-year-old professional driver Peter Terting, who will be lining up for Volkswagen at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring: “Working with professional trainers gave us all the opportunity to ask questions about our specific preparation regimes. For example, it was important to me that I optimise my nutrition before and during the 24-hour race,” he said.

-source: vw