At the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix – every officials' role serves a purpose that helps the event run smoothly.
 
From flaggies to medicals to scrutineers – the hundreds of officials dedicate hours of their time to volunteering at the Grand Prix and for most of them, they do it quietly behind the scenes.
 
However for the recovery team, they are often in the spotlight – especially when they need to do their jobs and help cars off the track after an incident.
 
It’s a job that requires team members to work efficiently in order to get the car off the track as quick as they can and for Trevor Franks, it’s a job he thrives at.
 
Having been an official for more than decade, the 2022 Australian Grand Prix will be 11th year as a recovery truck driver at Albert Park – one that he worked hard to get.
 
A regular member of the Phillip Island and Sandown recovery teams, the deputy tow chief volunteers at the two iconic circuits on many weekends throughout the year and has built quite the reputation over the years too.
 
Starting out as a paddock marshal, Franks impressed in his first years to earn a spot as a trackside marshal before getting the phone call to run one of the recovery trucks on the biggest motorsport stage in Australia.
 
And while he thoroughly enjoys his time as an official at many of those club, state and national events, nothing can compare to being at the Albert Park with the 850 other officials.
 
“I just love being here,” Franks said.
 
“Being part of a big team and working together to help put this event on which is great. Learning new skills is also great and something I have been able to do over the years.
 
“It’s sensational to be back to be honest. Two years has been a long time and I will never forget that Friday morning, but it’s so good to see all those familiar faces again and to see a lot of new people, which is nice.
 
“I really enjoy working in recovery - I love the teamsmanship between the recovery marshals and making friends with people from all around the country is nice.”
 
As for his own role, Franks has had plenty of memories at the Australian Grand Prix over the years.
 
This year will also add to those memories with the new track to provide some new challenges – although Franks is hopeful to have a quiet weekend.
 
“It’s very cool to drive on the track and do a hot and cold recovery. Things of all sorts,” Franks added.
 
“It’s also cool getting to touch some of the vehicles at the GP and making friends amongst all the people.
 
“One of my major highlights was a few years ago when Daniel Ricciardo sat next to me in the crane truck on the out lap a few years ago in one session, and then two hours later, we picked up again when his car stopped.
 
“It was pretty cool to have someone like him sitting next to me although hopefully I don’t have to pick him up this weekend – or anyone for that matter and people have a clean run
 
“I think the new track will create some new challenges but we look forward to it and it will create some new exit strategies because a few of them have disappeared so that will be fun."