Franziska Funke

In today's model feature, we're leaving our regular 'Street'-fashion' behind and venture onto new terrain - or tracks, to put it better. Race tracks to be exact! Franziska Funke is a model and Grid Girl for the ADAC GT Masters. We've talked to her about her beginnings in the model industry, her job as a Grid Girl, her favourite race tracks and much more! Read the interview to find out everything about Franzi!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
My name is Franziska, I'm 26 years old and I'm am from Hamburg, Germany. I currently live in Schleswig-Holstein. I am a model and Grid Girl. I work in a large dental practice as a Dental prophylaxis specialist assistant (I do the professional teeth cleaning). I love to travel. I've been to Africa (Mozambique), Sweden, Naples and would like to see more. Next year I want to go to south-east Asia(Laos, Vietnam, Bangkok). Then to Indonesian (Jakarta) then to Singapore and to East Africa (Zanzibar). I hope that traveling will be possible again by then.

How long have you been a model and why do you want to work as a model?
I've been a hostess since 2017. I love that you can slip into other roles and always try new things in front of the camera. I get to know a lot of amazing people.

How did you get your start in the industry and did you educate yourself in the field by e.g. a course?
Everything started on the racetrack. I had a shooting there and that's how I discovered my passion for photography. I had my first shooting and at that time I still had to pay for it. Now I'm taking money for shootings or just do shootings on TFP Basis.

Cover + Photo: Sebastian Bartl / Car: mpa-Oltimers

Photo: Sebastian Bartl

You are also working as a grit girl for ADAC GT Masters in Germany. How did you get started with that and what exactly does a grit girl do?
I was in an agency that was responsible for the Grid Girls at the ADAC GT Masters. About one year later I became a personal Grid Girl for a racing driver. And so it took its course. More contacts, more inquiries, Fair jobs and other things.
As a grid girl, you stand next to the driver's car and show the number of their car, or wear a dress with their main sponsor on it. You stand there, smile into the crowd, maybe distribute some advertising from the organizers or stands and are available for photos.

Do you have a favourite track?
I love all race tracks, but my favourites are Zandvoort (The Netherlands) ,the Hockenheimring (Germany) and
the Nürburgring (Germany).

Did you ever get to drive one of the cars yourself?
Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to drive a racing car myself drive. For this you need a special racing license.
However, I was allowed to drive in a racing car that took part in a race at Nürburging. That was great!

What do you love most about being a grit girl?
I love to stand on the grid and feel when the cars drive past you. You feel the vibration in the asphalt and I get goosebumps all over my body. It is wonderful. I get to know many amazing people, make new friendships and I've become much more confident. You get impressions that a "normal" viewer won't. On the racetrack we are like a big family and I love that. I am very grateful to be part of this great family. I love cars and the motorsport and as a grid girl you are always in the middle of it.

Photos: Sebastian Bartl

Tell us about one of your recent shoots.
This year everything is a little different, no jobs as a grid girl, no race tracks. Corona changed a lot, but even more I hope everything will get better again in 2021. I had a couple of shootings, a home shooting, an autumn shooting or street shooting. It is fun testing new things. Even the racetracks or car shooting is awesome! I just love it.

During shoots, what is often the most fun part, and what is the most challenging part?
I like to slip into other roles. You don't always have to look "lovely" into the camera, sometimes you are full of Holi powder or relaxed in a sweater on an armchair. There are so many great things that can be implemented and that is fascinating me. It is often difficult to pack the right clothes, I generally have too much with me. Otherwise I haven't had any problems so far.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I've had a lot of great experiences so far! I got a feature in the print version of this magazine last year which was great!
This year, I have been the face for a motor oil manufacturer, advertising their products and working for them was great. It is always a highlight to be able to be at the racetrack. Everything that is made possible for me is a highlight for me!

Photo: Axel Weichert

What is your go-to outfit for daytime?
At work I wear white pants and a shirt. In my free time i wear sneakers, jeans, sweaters, shirts or dresses. Boots or heels are also welcome. I am quite relaxed. Blouses or skirts work as well.

What do you do to stay in shape?
I ride a racing bike or go swimming but otherwise I'm quite lazy to be honest.

What is your beauty routine?
I don't have a direct "beauty routine", I eat pretty healthy. I don't wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis and wear the clothes that i feel comfortable in.