Stefan Lehner, the GT Summer Series is introducing the “Driver’s Mentor”. What is the thinking behind it?
SL: The GT Summer Series is aimed primarily at amateurs and newcomers, but experienced drivers will also be on the grid. Newcomers often need time to acclimatise to the racing environment. We want to support them and speed up that process. The “Driver’s Mentor” will advise, assist and coach them on race situations and personal conduct in the paddock. He will also act as a mediator should any dispute arise between two drivers.
Robin Selbach, you have secured none other than Frank Biela as Driver’s Mentor. Why did you choose him?
RS: Frank is one of the most successful touring-car and sports-car drivers Germany has ever produced. He has won Le Mans five times, claimed every national championship title available and excelled in the world’s top series. He is also renowned for racing that is extremely fast yet always fair. Combined with his calm and level-headed personality, we believe he is the ideal former professional to actively support the drivers of the GT Summer Series.
Frank Biela, tell us about your role as “Driver’s Mentor” for Gedlich Racing and the GT Summer Series.
FB: I am delighted to contribute my experience and help make the racing in the GT Summer Series even smoother and more attractive. I want to pass on everything I learned during my professional career to support less experienced drivers. I see myself as a friend and coach to every driver, but also as a bridge between the drivers and race control. I can also imagine mediating between two competitors if a conflict arises on track. Situations in which one driver blames the other can often be resolved quickly with video footage and an open conversation, creating mutual understanding.
That sounds fascinating. Tell us more about the coaching and advice you will give the drivers.
FB: I will be on site for the entire weekend and available to all drivers and teams whenever they need me. We will also run dedicated coaching sessions covering topics such as overtaking, starting procedures and more. Imagine a rookie on pole position for the very first time in his career. I will help him decide exactly when to apply the throttle, how to approach the first corner and how to handle the pressure of leading the field alone. We will also discuss media appearances, PR and similar subjects. These will be concise, focused sessions for individual drivers or small groups. From the outset I will also stay in close contact with race control and gather as much information as possible about every competitor so I can get to know each one personally. In short: I am here for the drivers, and my goal is to help them develop to their full potential.
Frank, when you look back at the end of the GT Summer Series debut season – what would you like to be able to say about yourself as Driver’s Mentor?
FB: I would like to look back and say that I played a significant part in making the GT Summer Series drivers drive more professionally and more safely. If the drivers and teams tell me that my input helped them develop further in motorsport, then I will be happy.
Many thanks to Frank Biela, Robin Selbach and Stefan Lehner for this interview.
The GT Summer Series kicks off from April 17–19, 2026, at the Hockenheimring in Germany. Registration is already open. The championship features the following classes: GT4, GT3, GT2, Cup, Challenge, and Supertrofeo. The team remains available at all times for further inquiries.
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