Family racing affair

Dubai: We've all heard the phrase "like father, like son." Well in Mathias Lauda's case the "father" has, in some respects, been replaced by "great grandfather."

The Lauda story is a fascinating one. Mathias's great grandfather Juan Lauda Crespo, a Galician from Spain, went against his family's wishes to become a racing driver.

His father, the much-celebrated former three-time Formula One world champion Nikki Lauda, while not having had to deal with much domestic opposition, had to struggle financially to fuel his racing dreams.

Mathias's situation, meanwhile, has a number of parallels with that of Juan, in that he faced a little resistance from Nikki, who insisted he study instead of pursuing motorsport. Mathias obeyed, but as soon as he was through with school, he took off with a test drive that gave direction to his life.

Numerous drives

"I was always interested in racing, but my father insisted I go to school and study.

"I don't know what his reasons were, but there was no pressure from him and I thought it was best at the time so I finished studying and then began to race," said Mathias, taking time off a testing session for the Dubai-based Speedcar Series, which started yesterday.

"I liked racing and took to it instantly. It was something I wanted to do for a long time; something I was passionate about. I tested and enjoyed it tremendously and it's all I ever wanted to do."

Successful testing sessions for the Formula Nissan 2000 series landed him a seat in the 2002 championship. He was 21 then, and has never looked back. His illustrious resume also boasts numerous drives in other important series such as Euro Formula 3000 (2004), International Formula 3000 (2004), GP 2 Series (2005) and A1 Grand Prix (for Austria in the 2005/06 season).

And looking back, Mathias can see an upward curve all the way in his rear view mirror.

"I've been very competitive in all kinds of motorsport because I feel it gives me everything I need. It's competitive, it's a lot of hard work and it keeps me going.

"I drive because I love driving, not because of my name.

"I've always enjoyed motorsport and I want to be very successful in it. I've achieved whatever I have because I want it, not due to any kind of pressure. There was a bit of pressure when I was starting out, but not anymore.

"When I look back, I can see that my career has gone all the way up and I am quite satisfied with the way things have turned out for me."

Mathias currently spends his time shuffling between the Germany-based Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Series, where he drives for Mercedes Benz, and Dubai's Speedcar Series. He did well in his first season here finishing with four podiums, and is hoping for better luck in the series' second run.

"It's a very tough championship and with lots of good drivers around the competition is difficult to win. Last year was exciting, there was a lot of overtaking, and I did well.

"The series is very good [for Asia] because it has helped produce a lot of young drivers.

"I really enjoyed driving here last year and am looking forward to it this year as well."

He must look ahead if he hopes to make a name for himself, like his dad did three decades ago.