Austrian Klaus Bachler is a stalwart of the Falken team, run by Schnabl Engineering, in their campaigns on the formidable Nordschleife both in the NLS Series, and in the Blue Riband event of the Nürburgring, the 24 Hour race, with 100+ cars on the most challenging race circuit on the planet, 170+ corners, notoriously unpredictable weather, and dozens of other professionally crewed outfits ready, willing and able to keep Falken out of the headlines!
As in 2020, Bachler has been entrusted not only with racing for the team (he’s raced with Falken at the N24 since 2018), but racing in both of their current-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Rs alongside a line-up that also includes new team signings Alessio Picariello and Lance David Arnold as well as the returning Martin Ragginger, Sven Mueller, Dirk Werner and Thomas Preining.
Klaus, you’ve already competed in the Dubai 24h and Daytona 24 Hours in 2021, with Spa and the Nürburgring still to come on a busy calendar. What makes the Nürburgring stand out for you?
KB: The Nürburgring is the most challenging and difficult track. You just can’t compare it with Dubai or Daytona, they are all so different. But if you were to ask me to pick my favourite circuit, I just love the challenge of the Nordschleife. The constantly changing conditions make it very appealing.
When did you first go to the Nürburgring?
KB: It was 2008 and I was 16 and competing in ADAC Formula Masters, a bit like F4. We were a support race for the 24-hour race and I was just blown away by the whole place. I loved it. I had to wait a few years to race the Nordschleife though. That was in 2012 for the Carrera Cup Germany race.
I knew that I needed to get some practice laps in, so I booked myself in for three tourist laps in my own road car, no hire car loan! It was a Mk5 Golf diesel, all 110bhp of it!
A 24-hour race is hard as it is but this year, and last, you’ve made it even more challenging by driving both Falken Porsches?
KB: That’s right! Although it’s tougher both mentally and physically, I’m doing what I love so no complaints! When the team asked me, I didn’t really have to think about it, I said ‘yes’ straightaway.
It might surprise your readers, but I think that we have found some advantages by having seven, not eight drivers across the two cars.
As it is, you don’t get a lot of seat time preparing for the N24. We had one NLS round cancelled affecting drivers’ seat time. So, with seven drivers, we can focus more of our track time on setup and tyres, rather than just looking at what all eight drivers want setup wise.
Do you approach the race differently?
KB: It’s important to be fully prepared and completely recharged before the event. That’s the main thing. I tailor my training regime to ensure that when I arrive, I’m ready both mentally and physically. You don’t get a lot of time to rest with 140 cars on track so it’s best to arrive as fresh as possible. I come prepared with a flexible mindset, ready to make changes if necessary. We might have a strategy, but this is the Nordschleife. It can all change quickly.
What’s it like switching between the two cars?
KB: They are actually almost identical in feel, a testament to Schnabl’s preparation of the two Falken Porsche. They run the same tyres too, so the feeling is similar. I don’t have to do anything different. We’ve also got a very good seat concept from Soft Trim so I’m just as comfortable in both
Porsche.
What’s new at the 2021 N24?
KB: The main change involves the Top 30 Qualifying. We have to start on full tanks, so no low fuel quali laps. We just get one lap and start the race with what’s left in the tank. I prefer this actually as, we can focus on the car’s balance with this fuel load and fresh tyres. It will change the race strategy too; the first stint will be a bit shorter for those in the Top 30.
Porsche has been strong this year in the NLS rounds to date. That must give you some confidence?
KB: Yes, I do feel confident. From both a car and tyre perspective, we’ve made progress from last season and we are still improving all the time. Porsche has enjoyed some success this year but if you look closely at all the data, you can see how close the others really are.
The tools for BoP (Balance of Performance) are very good and there is nowhere to hide, so I think it will be a closer fight when everyone is racing. The NLS is hugely competitive, look at the quality of the field and you can see why this is such a respected event that everyone wants to win. Me included and now I have two chances!
