REPORT Born in 1959,
REPORT Born in 1959, Tobias Moretti is well known as one of the stars of the “Inspector Rex” police drama. The gifted actor is noted for his versatility, something he carries over into his off-stage life. The world of cinema constantly elevates certain items to cult status. For example, distinctive cars frequently play a major role in films or TV series. MOTOREX Magazine spoke to actor Tobias Moretti about the subject and asked him to give us his top-ten favorite automotive film stars. Mr. Moretti, you’re well known for your acting skills, but in fact you’re involved in lots of other things besides. Last year, for example, you took part in the Dakar Rally on a KTM bike. Can you tell us how that came about? I’ve been friends with Heinz Kinigadner from KTM for many years. Partly as a result of training with his brother Klaus, who leads extreme adventure tours, we started to wonder whether ordinary people like us could survive the original Paris – Dakar route through Africa. To begin with we just toyed with the idea, but then we began to think we could really do it. So we spoke to Red Bull. Eventually we shook hands with them on it and then there was no turning back. Is it fair to say that engines hold a particular fascination for you? Definitely. Engines, races, challenges, anything that has 10
Gasoline in his veins: Tobias Moretti competed in the Dakar Rally in January 2014, finishing the race in an impressive 10 th place. For four and a half years, Detective Inspector Richard “Richie” Moser and police dog Rex had a loyal following across Europe. Tobias Moretti’s all-time favorite: Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917 K from “Le Mans”. two, three or four wheels – I want to move faster than anyone else. It’s like a virus, a fascination, an urge with me. That’s not to say that I do it for the thrill of going head-to-head with someone, it’s more the challenge of going into a bend as fast as possible and coming out the other side. You’re your own opponent, if you like. Are there films where cars make a bigger impression than the actors? Yes, “Cars”, a fantastic tribute to the world of motoring. We give a list of your top automotive film stars below, but what’s your personal favorite and why? That’d have to be the Porsche 917 K that Steve McQueen drove in “Le Mans”. It was the definitive race film and unparalleled until “Rush”. Apart from that, I think Herbie and the Aston Martin in “Goldfinger” are fascinating. I’m less fond of American-style film pile-ups though. MOTOREX MAGAZINE 103 I DECEMBER 2014 11
