Interwiev to our friend Jean Marc Fortin, Toyota Hilux Overdrive Team Manager
How did You decide to follow motor sport?
“When i was young, father took me in motocross race and rally, so get me the virus when i get 12. After in school, i get focus on race more than lesson thanks god, for leaving from my passion...”.
You race a lot in Rally with Gregoire De Mevius and Francoise Duval, wich are your favorite moments of that time?
“To discover world championship with de mevius was great in early 90', and to lead and be part of official team with duval was the good feeling, team mate with Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae, it is one very good remember. Beating legend was part of dream on a carrier”.
In 1999 You were co-pilot with Krzysztof Holowczyc, is that the moment in wich You decide to come in Cross Country Rallyes?
“We started together in 2005 Dakar, first experience for both of us. We did a lot of mistakes and the car was very bad... It is maybe why we started Overdrive in 2006”.
In 2010 You won Italian Baja with Holowczyc, what is Your opinion about this race?
“The race is very good, specially because the Italian country is my favorite in Europe. We get also a bit of wrc style, witch I like also. The quality of service place and organization is one of the best in the FIA events”.
When was born Ovedrive, and how do You feel to be now Team Maneger of this Grat Team?
“We started in 2006 for first Dakar 2007 with Nissan project. From that time, I must admit that was a lot of effort and time to arrive of the Hilux victory. I must tell you a fact, i never imagine to quite the race seat so early, but the success decided... We are now delivery the 31 cars in the world and it is a big management challenge for me now”.
Do You like the FIA Cross Country Rally formula with marathon and baja all togheter?
“Yes, it is no place for two different championship, in my opinion”
With Varela that in 2013 wons for 12 seconds, do You thing You can beat Nasser Al Attiyah at Italian Baja?
“Of course, we know that the Toyota Hilux is very good on the baja, we won russia this year, and now I hope to have a good winning series next few month”.
The traditional market of 4x4 is full of SUV and off road cars, but competitions are not really important for medias, ecexpt Dakar; what do You thing about that? Which suggestion could you give us?
“This discipline is like Le Mans, 1 media race a year! My opinion is first Aso and Fia must walk together in a global championship and regulation!!. With this the manufacturer can be more interested”.
Carlo Ragogna Italian Baja Press Office
