Marlon Alexander Stockinger placed the Philippines on the map of racing when he won in the Formula Renault UK competition in 2010. While there are other Filipino racers (and other awards he has previously won), Marlon’s name stands out also because of his youth. The 25-year-old Filipino-Swiss has been racing since the tender age of 10.
“It was my dad who introduced me to it, but he never forced me to do anything,†begins Marlon when asked about his influence. “He had a go-as-you-please attitude.†And with that, Marlon discovered that he could not love and be passionate about anything else but racing. It may have its ups and downs, but nothing could ever pry him away from his beloved steering wheel.
“I feel very privileged to be racing at such a top level. I get to travel the world and sit in really fast cars; not many people can say that and I feel very blessed to have such an opportunity,†he posits. “The only downside is that, sometimes, I wonder what it would have been like to just be a normal kid — only sometimes though!â€
The young racer glowed on the podium as the Philippine national anthem blared — for the first time — from the loudspeakers of a European race circuit, after he cinched first place at this year’s GP3. “This is something that has only previously happened in my dreams! To stand on the podium steps in Monaco, where people like Ayrton Senna once stood is mind-blowing. And for it to be after my first win in GP3 is incredible,†said Stockinger through his team, Status GP, in one of his recent interviews.
The race was a pretty close one, with Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa finishing the race 0.687 seconds later. More than finishing first though, Marlon’s win was also a record-breaker, marking that race’s fastest lap at 1:28.747.
Fashion Forward
This writer met and worked with Marlon for the first time when he modeled on several occasions. Suffice it to say, the racer seems to have the inborn skill of modeling; switching personas, connecting to the camera and following directions are not a problem at all for this guy who has such a strong will.
“I enjoy the modeling world. Having the opportunity to work in fashion is really a unique experience,†Marlon muses. “Although it’s a completely different world from racing, I feel like they’re both similar in a sense that it’s a team effort. People have to work together to get that one photo you’re looking for.â€
Family Ties
Marlon softens when asked to talk about his family. He proudly says that they are vital to his racing career. Family is his support system, his team. Without them, he would never have made it as far as he has. “I grew up in the Philippines so I definitely have a Pinoy attitude towards family values,†says Marlon.
As much as he’d like to, though, Marlon doesn’t get to spend as much time with his family. Being on the road all the time puts a hefty price tag on the family’s quality time. When they can though, the Stockingers usually bunk in Switzerland to spend some time together — as they bask in the country’s cultural heritage. “Personally, I think the difference between the two cultures is that the Swiss are very conservative and they are brought up to be independent much earlier in life.â€
Another thing that has taken a backseat — to the delight (and disdain) of many girls — is Marlon’s love life. As of the moment, he is not in a relationship. “Geography is the culprit,†says Marlon. “I’m never in the same place for more than a month.†However, Marlon says the space and distance could occasionally work for him when he is in a relationship. “I think the answer to that is space. It’s nice to miss someone; it helps avoid taking one another for granted,†he says.
Young, handsome and extremely talented, Marlon certainly has his priorities in order. And just like the many races he has participated in — win or lose — he’s definitely on the right track.
(By KAI MAGSANOC |Â Photography by KAI HUANG)
Editor’s note: The article containing these excerpts was first published in PeopleAsia’s August – September 2012 issue.Â
