Multiple involvement

A regular participant in CREVENTIC’s endurance racing events, German-based Croatian entrepreneur Franjo Kovac is driving not just one, but two cars in this year’s Dunlop 24H DUBAI. He is in the line-up of the Besaplast-Mini Cooper S (# 102) and of the team’s new Audi TT RS (# 89). In between two racing stints, he took some time to sit down and talk about his passion for the sport.

So, another year, and back in Dubai for you. Why do you like this race?
It is well organised, the atmosphere is good and there are many people you meet here every year. I have seen the Dunlop 24H DUBAI grow over the years and I think the development is very positive. It is always a pleasure to be here.

This year, your team is running both a Mini in the A2 class and an Audi TT RS in the SP2 category. Tell us something more about it.
Well, the Mini is a proven machine that we have a lot of experience with and have also scored good results over the years, including class wins in the Dubai and Barcelona 24-hour races last year. The Audi is a new challenge for us. The car has a lot of potential and it is a great car to drive.

How difficult is it to change from one car to another?
Actually, that isn’t too much of a problem. When you have done two laps in the car, you have usually found your rhythm and you are on the pace again.

Are the two cars very different in terms of handling?
Yes, they are. You have to drive the Mini in a rather aggressive way to be quick, it probably looks quite spectacular from the outside, whereas the Audi really sticks to the road. It has immense downforce and is really nice to drive.

This year, you are also involved as one of the official event partners of the Dunlop 24H DUBAI. Banners of your company, Besaplast, can be found at various places along the circuit. How did that come about?
Once we had completed out entries, CREVENTIC’s Gerrie Willems approached me and asked whether I would be interested to become a sponsor. As we have various customers in the Arab region and also here in Dubai, we decided to become involved in this way, too.

What line of business are you in?
The companies that form the Besagroup are producing special construction materials out of plastic and rubber, for instance waterstops, movement joints and bridge bearings. Brand names are Besaplast, Deflex and Gumba. Every member of the group has a particular expertise and offers high quality products ‘made in Germany’.

Will we see you in other races this year?
Yes, I suppose so. I am very much looking forward to the 12H HUNGARY and we will also be back to defend our class win in the 24H BARCELONA!

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