It features field counts upwards of 40 drivers…it showcases a grueling 12 race schedule culminating in a rush down the mountains of Bathurst… it embodies white knuckle driving where one slip up while live on MultiBC could mean your last name transforming into a mark of shame for generations to come (Eggbeer anyone?). Exactly what is ‘it’? Well, there is only one series that fits the bill.
World Touring Masters.
To win such an epic title you need speed, consistency, racecraft; you know, the standards of any champion. But with a monster schedule that takes place over 9 different venues, the most important thing any driver needs is commitment for this championship.
Well, Peter Duivelaar has all the skills listed above and much more, and that’s why he’s this year’s WTM champion. Fresh off such a well earned title, we at RD thought it was a good idea to invite the Dutchman on for our latest edition of RaceDepartment Driver Spotlight.
RaceDepartment: Hello Peter, thanks for joining us. You’ve been around RD for a while now, gaining recognition by consistently challenging for wins and titles. How did it all start for you as a simracer?
Peter: I started at a very young age with simracing--I think I was about 6 or 7 years old. The first simracing game I played was Grand Prix 2 and later Grand Prix 3 and 4. The first time I raced online was with DTM Race Driver 3.
A while later I bought Race 07 and I was looking if there were some nice online championships. I saw RDTCC, and I decided to join the league. It was great to drive at such a high level with drivers like Greger Huttu and Dom Duhan. From that moment I became very active here at Racedepartment, both in leagues and in club races.
RaceDepartment: How does it feel to win WTM?
Peter: Of course it feels great to win WTM, this was my aim before the championship started so I am very happy. Especially because the fight for the championship became very exciting near the end of the season.
RaceDepartment: As you just alluded to, the WTM championship became very intense as it neared its end. Toby Davis and Ben Crooks mounted assaults on your championship lead. How were you able to fend them off?
Peter: First of all a big compliment to Toby and Ben for their strong performances at the end of the season. I had created quite a comfortable lead at the beginning of the season, as these were the tracks that suited the Volvo. The tracks mid-season were not suited for the volvo at all, especially Salzburgring and Brands Hatch, but I think because I scored valuable points at these events I was able to win the championship. Consistency over the whole season was the key to winning the championship.
RaceDepartment: You won the title while winning 2 of 12 rounds. Last year's champion, Gregory Degreef, won 4 of 9 rounds on his way to the trophy. How would you explain the lack of wins? Was your car choice to blame?
Peter: The volvo wasn't the fastest car at any track I think, but at the same time that’s what makes the car so good. It is, in my opinion, the best car overall, but it isn't superior at any specific area. So that might explain why I only won 2 events, but at the same time there were also a lot of good opponents.
RaceDepartment: About your car choice. Some fans joked it looked like you were in the old station wagon taking a spin to the grocery store. Why did you pick such a pedestrian looking car?
Peter: I watched the broadcast after each race and I must admit it doesn't look like a race car. The reason why I chose this car though was because it felt like the fastest car overall. I didn't spend a lot of time trying out all cars. I just drove 5 laps at Valerbanen with each car, and the volvo was the fastest by far. So that's why I chose it. Its a pity Valerbanen was replaced by Pukekohe due to technical issues, so I maybe should have tested at other tracks as well. But after this season I don't regret choosing the Volvo at all, so there is a good chance I’ll choose the Volvo again next season. Hopefully now I'm not the only Volvo on the grid like most races this season. I was quite surprised that the car was so unpopular this season.
RaceDepartment: Looking onward in your simracing career, what's next for you?
Peter: I am currently driving in a couple of championships: RDHGP and Simracing Team Challenge with my team RPM. I'm also driving in FSR at the moment and that is one of the greatest simracing experiences for me so far, especially because the level of the drivers is so high. It really helps me improve as a simracer. And of course when the new season of WTM starts, there is a big chance I will join again to defend my title.
RaceDepartment would like to thank Peter Duivelaar for taking the time to site down with the RD staff for this interview. Peter is not only the champion of WTM, but also of RDGTC S1, RDSTL, and he is also champion of the recently finished RDCCC S4. We wish him the best of luck in his future siming endeavors.
