Bianca: 911 3.2 (1984)
Current Porsche Cars:
1984 911 3.2
Hi Bianca, I had the pleasure of meeting you on my trip to Stuttgart and learned about your successful career in the automotive industry. Tell me about yourself and your career in this exciting industry:
I have been working as a freelance journalist for 13 years, specializing in motorsport (auto motor und sport, sport auto, Christophorus, Porsche Klassik, etc.), lifestyle (Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc.) and health. It has always been important to me to be versatile, even though my passion is motorsport. When I'm at the racetrack, I'm happy.
That may be because I grew up at the racetrack. My great-uncle Freddy Kottulinsky won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1980 in a VW Iltis and my father Harald was often there as a mechanic when Freddy raced in Formula Super Vau and the like. My dad drove Formula Ford and other racing series all over Europe. We were always there as children. When I was 14, I started Karting professionally myself.
I quickly realized that I wanted to make this passion my profession. So I studied communication science, did a traineeship at auto motor und sport and have now been working as a freelance journalist for 13 years. My travels as a Formula 1 journalist for auto motor und sport have taken me to South Korea, Brazil and Japan, for example. For sport auto, I report regularly on the endurance series on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. And since the beginning of the year, I've been editor-in-chief (freelance) of Porsche Klassik. I also write articles for the Porsche customer magazine Christophorus from time to time.
Sounds like the saying "Do what you love and you never have to work a day in your life" applies to your career. Congratulations on all your professional successes!
As a reporter and editor in the automotive industry, what have been your observations about how women are represented in this industry?
At the beginning of my career as a journalist, I first had to earn respect. I was only in my early 20s and no one could have known that I already had a lot of motorsport experience through my family and kart racing. There were a lot of prejudices back then. Especially because I also explain a lot of technical knowledge for the media I work for. Sometimes I wanted to hang a sign around my neck saying: Yes, I know what I'm talking about. Most people know me now and I feel very comfortable and respected. Only sometimes do I still have reservations, for example when I wear red lipstick or a dress. For some people it doesn't fit together when I talk about technology. As if there were only two categories – the technology journalist or the woman interested in fashion. I'm both. But it took some time to live like that. In general, I have the impression that there are more and more women working in the auto industry, doing a great job and there are fewer and fewer prejudices.
How did you get introduced to the Porsche brand of cars?
When you work in motorsport, especially endurance racing, Porsche is of course important. In addition to the current topics and technology, I find Porsche's motorsport history particularly exciting.
Why did you purchase your current Porsche?
I just love the classic lines and design of the G model. When I looked at the car for the first time and noticed that the year it was built was the year I was born, I was blown away. The color did the rest. It was just like this car was waiting for me. I also think it’s a way to invest. Others buy real estate or put their money in the bank. I enjoy driving and at the same time it is an investment. My car still has its original paint and it was important to me that everything remained in its original condition.
How do you enjoy your Porsche?
I drive it between March and October. Preferably in the Black Forest, where I come from, or on country roads through the Alps. I also once drove it from the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen to the 24-hour race at Le Mans. It was a great culinary trip through France. But I also enjoy attending meetings. I have now been to the “Heizr" events around Stuttgart twice. It's just nice to meet other like-minded people.
Why do you think there are so few women driving Porsche cars, especially the 911 and 718 sports car models?
Of course I don't know for sure. But I could imagine that some women have reservations or think that they have to have special driving skills for a sports car. But it's learning by doing. There are also great track events for women if you feel more comfortable there. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that you might not be confident about it, but these doubts are completely unfounded. I see this again and again, for example when I write stories about women who are on the racetrack for the first time and having a lot of fun. They couldn't even imagine it before.
What do you think Porsche or the community can do to invite women to join in on the Porsche fun?
I think it's similar to what happened to me in motorsport journalism. When you feel respected and part of the whole, it's fun. If you have the feeling that you don't belong or that you are under special scrutiny, you are inhibited. I'm always happy when I'm just one of many - whether man or woman. And I think when you get that feeling, it becomes more natural.
Thank you, Bianca, for your insightful advice. I agree with your perspective. The fact that there are fewer women than men in this community should not deter us from participating in it. Your story and contributions to the automotive industry, serve as a beacon, illuminating the valuable role women play in motorsports. Thank you for sharing your story with me.
