Circuit layout
As usual, the circuit layout for the N24 is slightly different to the one used for VLN races. At the first corner, the cars won’t use the Mercedes Arena, rather they will use a much less tight chicane – the Yokohama S.
New driver ID system
There is a manual switch in the cars this year that the drivers will switch as they get in and out of the car. This has been introduced as a more foolproof plan for the 146 car entry to ensure that the fans are able to know who’s aboard.
Additionally there is an increased use of reflective boards for Code 60, yellow flags and blue flags – particularly at night – to ensure that drivers are aware of the track conditions. Each marshal stand will have lights and reflective boards.
Weather
The Eifel region has experienced a warm few days leading up to the ADAC Zuirch Nurburgring 24 Hours with temperatures of over 30 degrees being experienced. In fact, the Wednesday before the event was 30 degrees with the following day dipping to half that temperature.
As a consequence the plants have been heavily pollinating. Drivers have said the resulting rain then made the track slipperier than usual with Maro Engel describing it as a “soap-like film on top of the road”.
Should there only be light rain, this slipperiness could continue but if heavier rain comes (as expected on Saturday night and into Sunday) the track will return to a more normal grip situation.
No laps for the SCG003c
The Glckenhaus SCG003c did not set a time in the first free practice session today. Driver, Andreas Simonsen confirmed to DSC that there was not an issue with the car though. Rather, they were taking the time to install and bed in new components.
He explained that the car has already qualified for the top 30 shootout so they were keen to not risk the car.
BoP
There has been some talk of – that typical sportscar thing – the BoP this weekend. While the Glickenhaus team suggest they have been robbed of power as a result of running in low downforce configuration, others suggested that ‘they aren’t concerned about it and will just race’ (Chris Mies) or that the true affect won’t be seen until the race (Maro Engel).
The BoP for this race is set by a committee funded by the manufacturers.
Campsite surprise
The DSC Deputy Ed’s folks were lucky enough to have been touring the camping grounds at Pflanzgarten yesterday, while a selection of Audi Sport historics were on display, the Nürburgring a short stop for the collection while en route back to Igolstadt.
It proved a hit with the fans, who were able to get up close to some of the most iconic cars from the German brand:
Campsite images courtesy of Guy Kilbey, featured image by Camden Thrasher
