Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Christian Josef Danner, born on 4 April 1958 in Munich, West Germany, embarked on his motor racing career immediately after finishing school in 1977. The son of car safety expert Max Danner, Christian’s passion for racing was evident from an early age. He began his journey in the Renault 5 cup before progressing to the European Formula Two Championship in 1981. During his time in Formula Two, Danner consistently demonstrated his potential, achieving several podium finishes and setting the F2 lap record at the old Nürburgring. His transition to the Formula 3000 championship in 1985 marked a significant milestone, as he clinched the inaugural Formula 3000 championship with four wins.
Major Successes and Highlights
Christian Danner’s Formula One debut came in 1985 with Zakspeed, although his initial foray was marred by mechanical failures. The following year, he joined the Italian team Osella but faced challenges with the car’s underpowered Alfa Romeo engine. A mid-season move to Arrows, equipped with powerful BMW turbo engines, led to his first point in Formula One at the Austrian Grand Prix. Danner’s return to Zakspeed in 1987 was challenging, with the car often proving uncompetitive and unreliable. His stint with Rial Racing in 1989 was highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix, a result of high attrition, but he was let go after the Portuguese Grand Prix.
Life and Legacy After Retiring from Racing
Post-Formula One, Christian Danner found success in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), making a victorious debut in 1988 with BMW M3 at the Hockenheimring. He continued to compete in DTM, achieving his best season in 1993 with six podium finishes. Danner also ventured into other racing formats, including the Japanese Formula 3000 and the Indy Car World Series, with a notable seventh-place finish at Homestead Miami in 1995. After retiring from active racing, Danner transitioned to a media career, becoming an F1 commentator for RTL in Germany, sharing his extensive experience and insights with a broader audience.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | West Zakspeed Racing | Zakspeed 841 | Zakspeed 1500/4 1.5 L4t | NC | 0 |
| 1986 | Osella Squadra Corse / Barclay Arrows BMW | Osella FA1G / Arrows A8 & A9 | Alfa Romeo 890T 1.5 V8t / BMW M12/13 1.5 L4t | 18th | 1 |
| 1987 | West Zakspeed Racing | Zakspeed 861 & 871 | Zakspeed 1500/4 1.5 L4t | NC | 0 |
| 1989 | Rial Racing | Rial ARC2 | Ford Cosworth DFR 3.5 V8 | 21st | 3 |