Motor racing starlet Enzo Tarnvanichkul has given his impressions of Helmut Marko after signing up to the Red Bull driver development programme.
Marko oversees the that initiative and plays a major role in assessing if talented young racers have what it takes to make it all the way to Formula 1. Among those hoping to catch his eye is Tarnvanichkul who, at the age of 13, became Thailand's first ever FIA Karting champion this year.
He received his trophy at last week's Prize Giving gala in Bologna, Italy, last week – handed the gong by Red Bull star Max Verstappen. Prior to the ceremony he appeared at a press conference, during which he spoke with a wisdom beyond his years about signing for the team.
"It is of course a very prestigious academy," said the teenager. "Many drivers who were part of it later also reached Formula 1, which is of course the pinnacle of motorsport. First of all, you are very happy that you can join such a great academy.
"However, you soon think about the results and put pressure on yourself. You want to win, everyone, so that creates extra pressure. Plus, having a company like Red Bull on your car also makes it more fun, but it also creates more pressure because you represent the company."
Young Tarnvanichkul was asked about his first impressions of Marko, whose methods have been criticised in the past. Earlier this year, former Red Bull junior Jaime Alguersuari said he still carries the "trauma" of working with the Austrian and that, despite seeing "several psychologists", he sometimes "wakes up crying, having dreamt of having done a great lap only to see the face of Mr Marko, angry".
Tarnvanichkul is yet to spend much time with Marko but, based upon his first impressions, he suggested some descriptions of the 79-year-old are "misleading". The young Thai added: "Marko is a great person – he has also had a wonderful career and has driven in F1 and Le Mans.
"A great and inspiring character when you meet him. The television sometimes misleads you. However, when you meet him it is very special and so felt it too."
Also on stage with Tarnvanichkul were two other FIA Karting champions from this year, including KZ champion Viktor Gustavsson of Sweden and, from Brazil, OK title-winner Matheus Morgatto. All three received their prizes from Verstappen.
