The preparations for the 46th edition of the Nordschleife classic are virtually completed. Teams, cars – and the drivers too – are ready to charge through the ‘Green Hell’ in the 46th edition of the 24h classic from Saturday, 15:30hrs. But before the starting lights will go green, the competitors will have to go for it in the qualifying sessions. In the run-up to the race, four popular drivers talk about their preparations and describe what turns the race at the Nürburgring into a special motor-racing highlight.
The weather as unpredictable component
“The Nordschleife is tricky in the wet,” explains Christopher Mies who will race for the reigning champions who will contest the race with the car #1. “The weather adds to the excitement for teams, drivers and tyre manufacturers,” adds Mies who prefers to race on a dry track at about 25° C. As the conditions in the 24h Race usually tend to be wet, the proper tyre choice for the respective point in time is vital, underlines Mercedes-AMG Team Black Falcon’s Maro Engel. ”The Eifel weather turns the 24h race into an exciting and unique event. A true acid test for man and machine,” says Engel who will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The smallest mistake can cost you dearly
“We try to prepare the car perfectly,” reveals Martin Tomczyk who will represent the Team Rowe Racing colours GT3 in the race held at the 25.378-kilometre combination of Nordschleife und GP circuit with a BMW M6 GT3. ”Coming back to the Nürburgring is a big pleasure and we hope to be able to demonstrate what can be achieved. We expect spectacular race action and the GT3 field to be well balanced.” Rowe Racing have been cooperating with BMW for several years and equipped the M6 with a new aero package, in the off-season. “We can be really happy and hope to be able to prepare the car perfectly.”
The goal: to secure a good grid position in the qualifying sessions
Falken Motorsports is one of five teams that will contest the race with Porsche-GT3 vehicles. Dirk Werner drives the Falken Porsche #33 and is confident: “We achieved good results, so far. The preparations for this year’s 24h Race also went well and our performance is really good.” It’s crucial, adds Werner, to secure the best possible result in the qualifying sessions. “It will be difficult if you don’t make it to the top 15 positions on the grid.”
This Thursday at 20:30hrs things will get serious with the night-qualifying session for the 24h Race. On Friday, the second qualifying session will begin at 14:55hrs and on 19:30hrs, the fight for the grid positions will climax in the Top-30 Qualifying.
