Hexis AMR : Jonathan Hirschi

Hexis AMR have completed their GT1 driving quartet for 2010 with the confirmation of Jonathan Hirschi.

The 24-year-old Swiss driver will partner Clivio Piccione at the wheel of the Aston Martin DBR9 No.10.

Here’s what he had to say about joining the French outfit and his aspirations for the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship.

How did the signature with HEXIS AMR come about?

I met Philippe Dumas (co-owner and team manager of HEXIS AMR) for the first time on the Paul Ricard circuit last year at the FIA GT3 European Championship. We kind of met by chance. The signature just happened like that, naturally, although it took time. And I also know Jean-Denis Delétraz (driver of HEXIS AMR’s DBR9 No.9) a bit.

How does the GT1 car feel to drive from what you have been used to?

I have experience of GT1, but a small one as I ran one race. GT1s are very different from the cars I’ve been driving until now, be it for brakes, chassis, etc. For me, GT1 is the F1 of Grand Touring cars.

What is your view of the new format for the FIA GT1 World Championship?

As it deals with a World Championship, people think it’s fantastic but they don’t really know how it will evolve, seeing that this year is the first edition. Personally, I think it’s going to be very interesting. I’m sure that from two or three races it will get itself talked about and will go past both the World Rally Championship and World Touring Car Championship.

How do you see the partnership with Clivio Piccione?

I’m happy to run with Clivio, he has more experience than me in single-seaters and I am more experienced than him in Touring and GT cars. We are really complementary. I’m also glad to be part of HEXIS AMR, they’re serious, they never have doubts and always charge in. Nowadays, a team like this is worth gold. I also thank my sponsor, Hifi Filter (filtration specialist), who has been supporting me since my debut.

Jonathan Hirschi – biography

Born: 2 February 1986, St Imier, Switzerland

Career to date:

2009: Eurocup Megane Trophy Vice-Champion (9 podium finishes, 4 race wins)

1 race in FIA GT1, 1 race in FIA GT3

2008: Eurocup Megane Trophy (6th, 2 podium finishes)

2007: Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula 3 ATS Cup (15th)

2006: Formula Renault 2.0 Swiss Champion (8 podium finishes, 4 race wins)

2005: FR 2.0 Swiss Championship (6th, 3 podium finishes, 1 race win)

2004: FR 2.0 Swiss Championship (9th)

2002-2003: Karting ICA Swiss Championship

www.hexis-amr.com