Audi factory driver Alexandre Prémat in profile
- Debut in the DTM and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Karate, golf and Parisian life set the rhythm
- Family environment as important pillar
Alexandre Prémat had long since revealed his talents in formula racing before making his DTM début in April – even if the touring car world had taken little notice of the 25-year old Frenchman’s career to that point in time. In 2007, Audi also helped the ambitious “star of tomorrow” to make the much expected breakthrough in factory supported motorsport: Alexandre Prémat competes in his premiere DTM season in the Audi A4 DTM. Furthermore, he also started in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.
Prémat had long since demonstrated his abilities within the DTM environment – he was a front-runner in the Formula 3 Euroseries and proved his talent by taking dominant wins around the difficult street circuits in Macao and at the Norisring. As championship runner-up in this series, he made the step-up to the GP2 Series, where he competed against and frequently beat team mates like Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. He convinced Audi of his qualities at a test in Almería in January 2007. The contract he was offered for both the DTM and the Le Mans Sportscar programme is of great significance for Prémat: “It was a double-helping of luck,” exclaims the Audi factory driver delightedly. “To be able to compete in two programmes for such an internationally renowned manufacturer as Audi is a huge vote of confidence.”
Away from the track, the sincere and jovial mid-twenty-year old loves the Paris life. Alongside all the pleasures comes a tough fitness schedule of unusual sports that produces excellent results. “Paris is simply the best place to live,” he enthuses “The city is surprising and beautiful: Many historical buildings and, at the same time every, conceivable modern shop. And not forgetting plenty of excellent restaurants such as his favourite bistro “Alfred” just around the corner from his apartment. Prémat, who was born in Juvisy sur Orge to the south-west of Paris, lives today in the French capital’s 16th Arrondissement – close to the Trocadéro and a stroll from the Eifel Tower.
His father smoothed his way into motorsport. Philippe Prémat contested the 1984 Dakar Rally. He owns a transport company that also serves motorsport customers all the way to Formula 1. He sponsored the French driver Emmanuel Collard for a long time, who in-turn introduced Prémat junior to karting and gave him valuable tips for his career.
While the fitness studio is seen as priority for many racing drivers, Prémat practices, in addition to tennis and squash, two contrasting sports, which have little to do with motorsport at first glance: Karate and Golf. “With golf you’re all alone which improves concentration,” he explains. “Karate requires good coordination and reactions. It helps to reduce aggression in a balanced and effective way.” His training partner: Cousin Florian Malguy, who was Karate World Champion with the French national team. The details reveal just how efficiently Prémat trains: While many drivers suffer from dehydration after a rave, the Frenchman insists that his Audi A4 DTM is not equipped with the usual isotonic drink bottle.
In addition to the physical preparations, the young talent attaches great value to spiritual harmony. Girlfriend Cléo is just as important as his family. He reenergises between races in the calm environment of his parents, many other relatives and also friends ensure harmonious social surroundings. He has also found a comfortable environment in the Audi family: He felt comfortable in Audi Sport Team Phoenix from day one. Even his nationality is a help: Prémat forms a harmonious Francophone trio with the French Swiss race engineer Pascal Zurlinden and data engineer Laurent Fédacou.