Tales from the paddock in Oschersleben

• Mick Schumacher wins his first single-seater race
• Marvin Dienst enters record books as first winner in history of the ADAC Formula 4
• Great crowd: More than 20,000 spectators over the opening weekend in Oschersleben

Oschersleben – A new chapter in the successful promotion of talented young racing drivers by the ADAC has begun. The season opener of the ADAC Formula 4 in the etropolis Motorsport Arena Oschersleben from 24th to 26th April marked the beginning of a new era. More than 20,000 spectators at the ADAC GT Masters over the weekend watched the three races of the ADAC High Speed Academy. SPORT1 and SPORT1+ broadcast all the races live on TV.

Impressive debut by Mick Schumacher: The son of record F1 championship winner Michael Schumacher made his single-seater racing debut in Oschersleben, and with great success. The 16-year-old finished on the podium and was best-placed rookie in his very first race in the ADAC High Speed Academy. The third race was the highlight of his weekend. Starting from second place on the grid, Schumacher went straight into P1 and kept the lead to the finish line. As a result of his success, the Van Amersfoort Racing youngster is placed fifth in the driver standings and leads the rookie championship. “I’m ecstatic, of course! My first race weekend could not have gone better,” said Schumacher.

One for the history books: Two wins and the lead in the championship – a great start by Marvin Dienst. “I’m the first winner in history of the ADAC Formula 4. That’s amazing, I’ve not yet really taken in what this success means,” said the HTP Junior Team driver. Dienst rounded off his excellent weekend with a start-to-finish victory and another Top Ten finish on Sunday.

Huge interest in the ADAC Formula 4: The debut of the new ADAC junior series was a resounding success. Some 20,000 fans travelled to Oschersleben to watch the races this weekend. More than 200 accredited media representatives filed reports on the first races of the ADAC Formula 4 and the ADAC GT Masters. “We have seen great racing from the ADAC GT Masters and our new ADAC Formula 4 in front of a fabulous crowd,” said ADAC Director Motorsport and Classic Lars Soutschka. “The ADAC GT Masters has thrilled fans with exciting racing and the start of the ADAC Formula 4 has exceeded expectations.”

Special fan: While tens of thousands of fans in Oschersleben watched Mick Schumacher’s first ADAC Formula 4 race, a special guest was also following events from the ADAC hospitality. Rolf Schumacher, father of Michael Schumacher, had come to watch his grandson make his debut in formula motor racing.

Retiring after 33 years: ADAC Formula 4 series manager Frank Jürgens has retired after 33 years. Bringing on juniors in particular was part of his role in the ADAC. Jürgens assisted the successful careers of many drivers as they made their way up through various junior formula series, including that of four-time Formula 1 world champion and ADAC Formula 4 patron, Sebastian Vettel, Formula 1 grand prix winners Nico Rosberg and Ralf Schumacher, plus a great number of other German Formula 1 and DTM drivers. Jürgens was given a fond farewell by journalists and ADAC officials at a barbecue in Oschersleben.

New generation: The young talents of the ADAC Formula 4 seamlessly continued a long-standing tradition from the previous series, the Formel ADAC, with a group photo of all the drivers, standing in front of the ADAC Hospitality in the paddock. On Sunday morning, the young drivers joined ADAC Sports President Hermann Tomczyk, ADAC advisor for cars, Jürgen Fabry and ADAC Director Motorsport and Classic Lars Soutschka for the group photo.

Family tradition continued: Apart from Mick Schumacher, another son of a world champion lines up in the ADAC Formula 4. Jonathan Cecotto, whose father Johnny used to drive in Formula 1 and DTM and also won a world motorcycling championship, is taking his first steps in formula motor racing. The 15-year-old races for team Motopark, who were contesting a home race at Oschersleben. Always at Jonathan’s side: Papa Johnny and brother Johnny Junior, who used to compete in GP2. “My family give me great support,” said Jonathan. “My father is always by my side. My brother Johnny Junior helps me too, of course.”