With the news that Falken Motorsports is set to return to NLS and Nürburging 24 Hours competition in 2023 with a pair of brand new Porsche 911 GT3 R 992s, DSC caught up with team stalwart Klaus Bachler.
Not only was Bachler part of the Falken team’s taster weekend with the car at the end of last season, he was also involved in the development of the car itself, and gave some insight into the gains Porsche has made with the new model and its test programme ahead of the car’s first full season in customer team hands.
Let’s start by talking about Falken’s experience in the NLS last year with the new car, what was the first weekend with the new Porsche like for the team?
“It’s always good to get some time in with a new car before the new season. We got some good data and learned more about how the car functions and should be set up. It is clear though that we will need some more time with the car before the NLS season starts next year. But it was a good experience, and it’s always encouraging to see Porsche allow customer teams like Falken Motorsport run a car before it becomes available globally. It means Falken, and Porsche isn’t starting from zero in 2023.
How much mileage did you get during the weekend and was that your first time in the car?
“I was part of the development of the car so I have had plenty of time in the car at this point. During the NLS weekend with Falken though we managed to get some good laps in during Friday and in Qualifying. Crucially, we also got some miles in both wet and dry conditions.”
So when was the first time you drove the new car?
“A long time ago now, towards the end of 2021!”
What were your first impressions and how much has the car developed since you first drove it?
“The good thing is when you drive this car, it is clear that it is a 911, it feels like one behind the wheel. But, Porsche has made improvements in every area. The downforce levels and aero balance are better, the ABS has also been improved significantly. Overall you get a lot more mechanical grip.
I’m sure from Falken’s perspective the improvements that Porsche has made in terms of aero balance will be really positive on the Nordschleife, because there are so many medium and high speed corners?
“Yeah. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of time to try it out, but it was clear that Falken found the car to be a clear improvement on the outgoing model. At the Nordschleife you can always find places to improve, we need to work on the specifics at the circuit next season but we expect the new car to run faster through corners.”
One thing that has been improving very rapidly in recent years is the experience for the driver behind the cockpit of a GT car, which is so important for gentleman drivers as well. What can you tell me about the experience from inside the cockpit, are there improvements there?
“This, from car to car, is a huge improvement. There is always an improvement in the cockpit between cars, I remember the step from the 997 to the 991 for instance. The steering wheel set-up is different, as is the pedal box, we have so many options we can change. The display is also bigger and easier to read now. It all just feels better, and safer too, which is impressive because the previous car was strong too.”
You mentioned braking performance. That’s obviously a huge part of racing on the Nordschleife. How big of a step has been made in that area?
“Yes, but it’s all a combination, you know, because we have better balance and downforce, which is why the braking is more efficient. It’s all in the details, the small things, this car won’t be 10 seconds quicker per lap, but gains have been made everywhere, which is what you need in the GT3 formula.”
How does the car feel on Falken tyres compared to other brands you have tested with?
“Actually, very good. Not perfect, but it is early and we have time to improve it. For a team like Falken, it’s so important to sample the car early, because you can learn so much before the season starts.”
Porsche has specifically said they have made gains with the tyre wear on the rear. Is this something that you’ve experienced over a stint?
“In general, you can say that Porsche’s GT3 cars have always been quite good to the tyres. I mean, yes, we never have the best weight distribution, but still, our tyre wear isn’t bad. One area that concerns tyres that Porsche has improved a lot is traction. It’s really impressive and this helps the rear axle.”
What can you tell me about the time you have spent testing the new Porsche over the past year?
“Ah, I mean, Porsche has tested at many different tracks around Europe with the new car and completed plenty of mileage. It’s always the same with Porsche, they always do plenty of testing, and so much work behind the scenes, and the procedure is always the same.
“This new car has been through endurance tests that are longer than 24 hours, so it will be ready, they needed it to be ready for Daytona last month which was its first full endurance race.”
Has it proven to be reliable and serviceable during testing?
“Yes, we had no major issues during testing. It’s very encouraging.”
The 2023 NLS season is set to get underway with NLS1 68. ADAC Westfalenfahrt on March 17-18.
Images courtesy of Falken
