Photo: oliverjarvis.com
The British Audi LMP1 driver is the first interviewee in a new series which looks at both the racing and non-racing side of the FIA World Endurance Championship's stars.
Racing drivers are a competitive bunch and that can extend into other sports as well! So sit back and get to know Oliver better as he tells us about some of his sporting passions and interests in racing and beyond.
What is the first sport you remember playing/competing in?
“It was football. I played a lot as a kid and I remember playing at school where I was captain of the teams and with my friends a lot. Sadly when I went to senior school it didn’t really remain a priority and karting took over!”
“I follow the Premier League closely but I don’t really have a team; there aren’t that many big clubs where I live, but I love watching it.”
Photo: www.oliverjarvis.com
What is your first memory of being at a race track and which event was it?
“I was at circuits from a really early age because my Dad (Carl) raced in Formula Ford. It would be about 1992 when I was eight-years-old, and I recall being at Snetterton and also Brands Hatch. These are good memories although I actually remember kicking a football around in the paddock more than actually watching the racing!”
If you could have become a professional in any other sport what would it be?
“Football. Whether I could have made it as a professional I’m not sure because I stopped when I was about 15 really. But it was the only sport I could have really seen me making a career out of.”
Which three sports stars outside of motorsport do you most admire?
“I like Gary Lineker [former England player, now TV commentator]. I think he’s a great professional who seems to have a good personality and has been just as successful after his retirement from playing.
“I’m really into ironman and triathlon competition at the moment so Jan Frodeno, who is an incredible champion and a committed athlete.
“This is cheating, but the whole current Leicester City squad too! You have to take your hat off to their achievements this season!”
Which sporting venue other than a race circuit would you like to visit?
“It would be a big boxing venue like somewhere in Las Vegas. I’d love to be part of that intense atmosphere at a title bout. I’ve been to a few fights but I’d love to go to Vegas and see a big one.”
Apart from drivers who else do you look up to in motorsport?
“An easy one. The mechanics. I think the effort and professionalism they show is momentous. They have my ultimate respect, as the guys and girls that work bloody hard. When we finish at 2am at Le Mans in practice, they are stripping the car down and getting it ready for the next day.
“It can be difficult to really appreciate just how hard they work and the sacrifices made with family time, etc. It is also a physically and mentally tough job with the pit stops and a lot of responsibility.”
Photo: Adrenal Media
Which racing trophy would you like to get your hands on?
“It has to be the Le Mans winners trophy. A bit obvious but it is a great one. At the Audi HQ there is a big cabinet with a replica in it. It is huge and it stands out a mile. I’ve been on the podium twice at Le Mans, so I’ve not been far away from it, I just need to reach that top step.”
Which circuits not on the FIA WEC calendar would you most like to drive the Audi R18 on?
“Good question! Bathurst would be fun…and a bit scary! Also I wouldn’t mind Road Atlanta as I’ve never raced there, only tested. Oulton Park would be great too. Thruxton? Hmm, maybe not in an LMP1! Although I always did well there. So many tracks but those are the ones that come to mind.”
Photo: Audi Sport
If you could share the Audi R18 cockpit with two racing heroes from the past who would they be?
“Jacky Ickx and Allan McNish. Ickx is a living legend and achieved so much in different eras. I would be fascinated to see what it would have been like working with Allan as a teammate. He was like an unofficial mentor when I joined Audi and even now he is someone I will occasionally call and bounce ideas off about inside and outside the car. The way he handles himself and deals with everything is impressive. He’s always supportive.”
Did you ever go to endurance races as a spectator, if so what memories do you have?
“Yes, I went to Le Mans in 2008 as a spectator really, although I had just joined Audi. I remember going out during the night on my own and watching the cars for hours. I stayed up the whole night.
“I learned what Le Mans was about and it gave me a greater appreciation of it. I’ll definitely go back and do that after I stop racing because it is such a wonderful event.”
Oliver Jarvis was talking to Sam Smith
