Interview with championship leader Mikkel Jensen to mark the season mid-point

• Mikkel Jensen on 183 points leads the championship after twelve races this season
• The Danish driver has secured four wins, three pole positions and four fastest laps
• Jensen: “I love motor racing and don’t want to do anything else.”

How does it feel to head the standings at the season mid-point?
Mikkel Jensen: I’m very pleased to lead the championship after four race weekends. However, I must remain realistic about things, because the season is long and a lot can still change. It’s only the title that counts ultimately.

You were not considered to be among the favourites in the Formel ADAC at the start of the season. Why did so few people fancy your chances?
Mikkel Jensen: In 2013, I did not have it in me to regularly fight for victories or even the championship. That’s probably why I was relatively unfancied, but I’m still the same person that I was a year ago, only now, I have a real chance this season and definitely intend to use it. When I got into my car on the first day of testing, I knew then that this could be a very successful season.

You drive for Neuhauser Racing. What’s the atmosphere in the team like?
Mikkel Jensen: I feel incredibly at ease with Neuhauser Racing. I see the team as my second family and it’s like coming home every race weekend. Off track, I talk at length with my mechanic and my team manager Hannes Neuhauser, and am good friends with my team-mate Tim Zimmermann, We stay in touch when it’s not a race weekend, and I’m very glad that we get on so well together and are not at each other’s throats. I can’t rule out the possibility, though, that one day, we might just end up having a tussle or two out on track, but for the moment, we’re happy to celebrate each other’s successes.

Where do you think that you’ve made the biggest improvements compared to 2013?
Mikkel Jensen: With the benefit of hindsight, I have to own up to making one or two mistakes last year. It was my first season in open-wheel racing, plus, I did not always have the wherewithal to fight for the lead. As an aspiring racing driver you try everything and pile on the pressure, which then leads to errors. Now, I’m much more confident and know that I can compete up front when everything goes well. Of course, I’ve also got much more experience, which is a great help.

You have won four races and have achieved eight podiums to date this season. What has been your best moment so far in 2014?
Mikkel Jensen: Well obviously, my opening win at Oschersleben. That was my maiden victory in the Formel ADAC and at the same time my first ever success in single-seater racing. It was a terrific moment for me and the entire team. My team-mate’s third place put the icing on the cake.

You and Maximilian Günther have been fighting it out in the championship ever since the first race of the season. Does going head to head like this motivate you even more?
Mikkel Jensen: I like this direct competition and am enjoying the tussle with Maximilian. Of course, I would prefer to have a bigger lead but feel no additional pressure despite the small margin. No one expected me to be in this position before the start of the season, and it could hardly be better from that standpoint.

Many of the other drivers in the Formel ADAC have little rituals relating to each particular win, displaying special car stickers, for example. Why did you choose not to bother?
Mikkel Jensen: I’ve seen all the stickers on the other drivers’ cars, but that’s not my style, I just want to race and secure victories. Sticking stickers on cars is copied endlessly every year, but I don’t want to copy anyone. I just want to go out and win in my own way.

It’s the summer break now before the next race weekend gets under way at the Slovakia Ring. Have you got anything special planned?
Mikkel Jensen: The break coincides with my summer holidays and I might go on holiday, but it would also be nice just to spend time at home with friends. There are no tests planned, so we’ll have quite a long rest from motor racing.

Do you have any idea at present where you might be at this time next year?
Mikkel Jensen: It’s only the here and now that matters to me at the moment. I want to achieve good results in the Formel ADAC and win the championship. Then we’ll see where things lead. Of course, the budget also plays a big role, but if I get the chance, I would really love to contest the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2015.

Where do you see your future in motor racing taking you in the long term?
Mikkel Jensen: Many other drivers talk about moving up into Formula 1, and of course, that’s my goal too. But I know that it’s not an easy road. The circumstances have to be right, the financial resources must be available, you must use what talent you have to good effect and the moment has to be right. My main aim is to stay in single-seater racing as long as possible. Should that not work out in the future for whatever reason, then I’ve got my eye on touring car racing. I love motor racing and don’t want to do anything else. Therefore, my goal must be to make a living from the sport at some point in the future.