GT drivers are relishing the chance to race against "best in the world" Max Verstappen this weekend. The four-time Formula 1 champion has swapped his Red Bull for a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race, which begins on Saturday.
Verstappen's Impact on the Event
The extra attention his presence has brought is such that weekend tickets have sold out for the first time in the event's history. And it's not just motorsport fans in the Rhineland who are giddy about the chance to see Verstappen race on the fearsome Nordschleife circuit. Organisers are loving all the extra eyes on their event and racer Nico Menzel says the feeling is mutual for the other drivers too.
Nico Menzel's Perspective
Known as the 'Kid of the Ring', having first competed at the Nurburgring as a teenager and grown up near the German circuit, 28-year-old Menzel is relishing the opportunity to go up against Verstappen. He said: "Max is a racer – he simply loves racing, and that connects all of us.
"He's not shy: racing in different categories, in different cars, in a completely new environment. I love seeing him do this and it's great to have him here.
"I don't think anyone doubts that Max is probably the best driver in the world, maybe even the best we've ever seen. To be able to race against him, while he brings so much passion and attracts huge attention to the sport, is incredibly positive."
But Dunlop Motorsport driver Menzel insists he will not be over-awed when it comes to battling for victory on track. He added: "Sometimes you race against F1 drivers, but usually they are former Formula 1 drivers.
"Competing against an active Formula 1 world champion is something special. However, when it comes to racing, it doesn't matter what car is in front or behind me. If it's a blue-and-red Mercedes, I'll try to catch and overtake him. And if he gets big in my mirrors, I'll try to keep him behind me."
Verstappen's Preparation
Verstappen arrived in Germany earlier this week having not fully qualified for the race, because of a disqualification and a mechanical problem which scuppered his efforts in two recent races at the 'Green Hell'. But he made sure of his place in the 24-hour showdown by completing two timed laps in the afternoon session on Thursday and actually going third fastest overall.
Verstappen also got some valuable experience of driving on the Nordschleife in the dark a few hours later to help prepare him for any overnight stints he is planning for the race. And it turned out to be useful practice as heavy rain created some treacherous conditions on a circuit which is known to be difficult and dangerous at the best of times.
Weather Forecast and Race Outlook
More changeable conditions are currently forecast for the rest of the weekend with rain likely on Saturday evening, while temperatures could dip to as low as three degrees overnight which will make grip even more difficult to come by. And with more wet weather coming on Sunday, the rain could make for a grandstand finish to an event which will be watched with interest by F1 fans around the world.
