Armin Schwarz: A brief portrait

When Armin Schwarz officially ended his career as a WRC works driver at the 2005 Rally of Australia, journalists were not able to coax a word of melancholy out of him: “I'm grateful and happy to have experienced such a wonderful life over the past two decades. But now it's time for something new and I can't wait.“

Indeed, Armin Schwarz had already begun his future projects: With full throttle, he initiated the Red Bull Driver Search for German-speaking junior drivers, he worked as an RTL specialist and hatched many other plans. These plans are going exactly the way Armin himself is: goal-oriented, diligent, with endurance, competence, and an infectious enthusiasm – like his “Project Baja“ with which he has attracted high-end sponsors.

“Family, friends and sport“ is his answer when asked what gives the superfit 1.75-metre man power for his professional long-distance sprint. Climbing, hiking and biking through the mountains near where he lives in Austria keep Schwarz in top physical form. And: “Sport is not just a means to an end for me – I really enjoy it.“

An integral part of his fitness package is good nutrition. Armin states: “Luckily I find pasta and vegetable delicious so I don't have to force something down that I don't like. I can take or leave alcohol – although a glass of red wine or the occasional Ramazotti is great.“

The linchpin in his life is his family: “Earlier as a bachelor I would never have believed this. But my life with my wife Petra and my two children is pure joy for me. They give me the power for everything – and I hope I give them something in return.“