F-Register took the chance to talk to Ben in advance of the 2015 OGP taking place next weekend.
F-Register:
Ben, thank you for giving us the opportunity to exchange thoughts ahead of OGP. FCD took over presence at OGP from Ferrari when they quit. What does this mean for FCD from monetary and organisational requirements?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
OGP is a matter of the heart for FCD. We are attending the event for nearly 40 years now, nearly as long as FCD exists. Because of the high fixed cost, it always has been a loss-making deal for FCD. I myself lost my heart for Ferrari at the 1999 OGP and an edition of OGP without Ferrari for me is just unimaginable.
F-Register:
Do you receive any support by either Wiesbaden or Maranello?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
No, nothing at all…
F-Register:
The number of Ferraris present with you is changeless between 80 to 120 cars, a number that represents a quarter or one-fifth of your club members. Compared to the past, the number of cars present is reduced by two-thirds. What do you see as the reasons for that?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
It is a fact that the number decreased compared to the time when the Factory was engaged. For me this is related to the stronger networks that official dealers can use - more than FCD could do. Changing this is one of my aims.
F-Register:
The “good old days” with more than 300 Ferraris at OGP and more than 1,000 cars present at the Racing Days have surely been related to then existing “Schumi-Mania“. Do you think that we can expect something similar in Germany with Sebastian Vettel and that the Factory acts like during the „Alonso-era“ with favouring Spanish events?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
I strongly believe that Germany still is a place and has to be the place for spectacular major events by Ferrari. Sebastian may play an important role, but it is more important for us where the Racing Days will be held. Hungary is just too far away for all of us.
F-Register:
With many events, beside the concours, the missing of historic Ferraris is obvious. Is this related to the current rise in value of the cars or do you see any other reason?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
There are two reasons. The upward price spiral sure plays a dominant role. One sure is struggling with himself, driving on open roads with a million Dollar car compared to a car of a few hundred thousand in value. On the other hand, the Oldtimer-society is an extremely active one. Many of the oldtimer are joining Oldtimer-Rallyes that are offered on every level and for cars of every production year.
F-Register:
Periodical “Ferrari World” (German edition, #94) published an interview with the new country head for Central/Ear Europe, Jean-Phillipe Leloup, where he confirmed that Germany is still the second biggest market for Ferrari and a highly relevant market for the Factory. What keeps Ferrari away from events, such as Schloß Dyck Classic Days?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
I think it is a pity that Ferrari is not as active as it has been in the past – however, the Classic Days are well attended already and finding a lot for the brand might be difficult. Anyhow, I would prefer Ferrari’s activity more during OGP than at Schloß Dyck Classic Days, it is more fitting from my point of view.
F-Register:
Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be a perfect place for the promotion of the Classiche department?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
I cannot judge that.
F-Register:
How do you rate the work of the competitors in Jüchen?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
Bentley together with VW and Mercedes are the main players. My opinion of this is divided as this gives too much room for modern cars at the Classic Days. It is relevant to keep the balance.
F-Register:
Back to OGP. What is the motivation of the Board of FCD to invest such a dedication year by year? Other events of FCD show different characteristics, would you agree?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
Sure. OGP is a single event in our FCD-schedule and this is one reason that we like this event. Other reasons I have already mentioned. In addition, it sure is a fact that the club opens its doors to guests who like to learn more about FCD before joining the club. Every year we are happy to acquire a number of new members.
F-Register:
We know that you are active with FCD for quite a while now. A precondition of joining FCD is the ownership of a Ferrari and our Users sure know from our reports of German national events that the F430 in Safety-Car-livery belongs to you. Can you tell us, what car joined you by entering FCD?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
I am happy to answer that. I am a real fan of the F430 today and my yellow F430 that is known all over town is joined by a 430 Challenge. A true crazy car! My „Ferrari-Career“ started with a Mondial t Cabrio that I traded in for a testarossa after four years. Today I still pine for it. I never should have parted with it.
F-Register:
You took over the role as organizer within FCD, if we are correct. What made you go for President?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
My first position within FCD has been the web-Admin in 2000, and then I became a member of the advisory board and then, vice president until I decided to stand as a president. If I am adequate to the task I really do not know yet, but I enjoy it as much as I enjoy my excellent team and I am sure that I am bound to shape the future with to set some actions and ideas. I do enjoy FCD for 15 years now and that is where my motivation comes from.
F-Register:
What kind of changes may the members of FCD expect from your presidency and how will FCD develop?
Walter Ben Dörrenberg:
I believe that FCD is a club with a bright tradition. Furthermore, we fortunately can look on members of any age, income and different interest groups. One has to keep this wide variety in mind if one wants to create a proper club life – this is what I believe in. I sure will –as a young man- move on with younger subjects. Our club magazine „via Abetone“ will see marked changes starting with the next edition. I am looking forward to introduce an app in 2016 to provide information to members much easier and much faster and we will set up a small club race series, called rossoPilota Challenge within FCD – Ferrari still is the trademark for racing like no other brand, it is time to live these genes within our club.
F-Register:
Thank you very much, Ben, for your time and see you soon at OGP!