It is thanks to an invitation from Jaguar that I had one of the best evenings in my entire life. Christian Danner was sitting at my side at the table in the pistenklause. The driving safety instructor for the German motorist nation. The motorsport expert for a whole Formula 1 generation and by the way, a motorsport idol from the heyday of German motorsport. Also and especially for me, Christian Danner was always a racing driver with his heart in the right place.
It was a terrific evening, with terrific stories from the old DTM, the current Formula 1 and a wonderful conversation between motorsport crazy people who both have nothing to do with football and absolutely nothing and between some differences - but one or the other Have found common ground.
Christian Danner drove over 40 Formula 1 races. A racing driver that I would not have guessed spontaneously to be born in 58 that evening. I wonder how long it has been since I had real DTM fun - with this very Christian Danner at the wheel of flame-spitting Alfa Romeos, then it becomes clear - we have all gotten older. In contrast to me, Christian Danner looked like someone who can still start lap attacks without any problems - I felt like an “old bone” next to this motorsport legend. What a strange world and a clear sign for me: Sport is necessary 😉
I only asked him a few questions - whenever I brought up a topic, he could tell entertaining anecdotes. Usually a cue was enough and it gushed out of him with enthusiasm. A motorsport enthusiast with his heart in the right place. Still! And above all someone who doesn't mince his words. Also still. It was refreshingly different, this conversation. At other times you only get these “PR-compatible” snacks served. Nice words, many words - zero content, The evening with Christian Danner was a little different.
One question I asked him was:
“If he could invite 4 racing drivers to his next birthday, which 4 racing drivers would it be?” - He didn't think twice about the first name: Jochen Rindt. The second he was hardly slower: Ayrton Senna. The third name surprised me a lot - especially in view of the fact that such international top-class players were mentioned before. Racing driver number 3 at the planned birthday party was: Altfried Heger. He spoke of him in the highest tones. Driver number 4 took a long time - because he couldn't make up his mind. In the end, however, decided on Martin Brundle.
I also asked him who he was going to slam the door to - I won't give the name - but funnily enough, we were very similar in the way the person was assessed and I was amazed at how clear he became afterwards! But - whatever happens in the Pistenklause, stays in the Pistenklause.
Unless it's something entertaining - and that was the evening with Christian Danner! Thanks to Jaguar - that was great!
(Edit: Second version. The first one I typed the same evening, with too much wine in my head!)
(Edit II: The new photo is from Teymur)