Tales from the Spa-Francorchamps paddock

• Indy Dontje hosts children with cancer at Spa
• Local favourite Alessio Picariello sets new record
• Schiller Motorsport welcome distinguished visitor

Spa-Francorchamps: On the weekend of 10th - 12th May, Formel ADAC made its first foreign excursion of the 2013 season to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Fans attending the ADAC GT Masters event saw three exciting races contested by the undergraduates of the ADAC high-speed academy around this legendary Formula 1 circuit.

One for the history books: Alessio Picariello was the star turn of the Spa-Francorchamps weekend. The young Belgian delighted his home crowd by winning the first two of three races. Having now notched up four wins in six races, the Mücke Motorsport driver not only reigns supreme at the top of the standings but has also written his name into the Formel ADAC annals: up to now, no other contestant has won four out of the first six races in a season. He has broken the record of three victories on the first two weekends held by Daniel Abt (2009), Richie Stanaway (2010) and Marvin Kirchhöfer (2012) – all three of whom went on to win the title in their respective year.

Media in hot pursuit: Alessio Picariello was contesting his home race in the 2013 Formel ADAC, which gave the press a valid reason for tracking down the championship leader. “This weekend, there have been quite a few articles published in Belgian newspapers and on motor racing websites,” said the Mücke Motorsport driver, visibly flattered by the media interest. “I’m still at a very early stage of my career, but by raising my profile, maybe I can inspire other young Belgian drivers to get involved in the sport. It would be great if I can play my part in this.”

Dontje elicits a smile: The Spa-Francorchamps weekend was a special occasion for Indy Dontje. The Lotus driver is a keen supporter of Against Cancer, a charity founded by his father, Arthur Dontje. Five children suffering from the disease and their parents were invited to attend the event: “It’s so nice to bring a smile to the faces of these children. They had a lot of fun watching the races, and I hope it took their mind off their illness for a while.”

Kox times two: Spa-Francorchamps got a double dose of Kox this weekend as the paddock witnessed an unusual sort of family get-together: while Stéphane Kox was aiming to score Formel ADAC championship points, her father Peter was preparing for a comeback in the ADAC GT Masters. “It’s quite a special occasion, and one that you don’t often experience,” said Stéphane, relishing the double family involvement. The Kox duo have a long-term aspiration to share the cockpit of a racing car one day. “Should this opportunity ever arise, we will certainly seize it,” says Stéphane, “but it could be some time in coming.”

Dignitary in the garage: Schiller Motorsport were pleased to welcome a distinguished visitor at Spa-Francorchamps: Martin Rosorius, the deputy mayor of nearby Siegburg, was paying tribute to the achievements of Schiller squad members Jason Kremer and Fabian Schiller. Rosorius joined the team in congratulating Kremer on his victory in Race 3: “I’ve known team principal Hardy Schiller for a few years now, and I’m delighted that this Siegburg-based outfit have started picking up trophies in junior single-seater racing.” In parallel with his civic duties, Rosorius has for a number of years acted as chief steward in the ADAC Zurich 24-hours race. This endurance event is due to be held for the 41st time next weekend at the Nürburgring.

Calling all autograph hunters: Collecting autographs is as much a part of the motor racing scene as the cars themselves. The youngsters contesting the Formel ADAC championship may only be on the first rung of their motor racing careers, but they are acutely conscious of their professional responsibilities off the track. Most of the Formel ADAC drivers have had highly informative and beautifully designed autograph cards printed to sign for fans. Spectators are very appreciative and collect as many of these cards as they can get their hands on during the course of a race weekend.