Benjamin Mazatis takes on the challenge of the „Green Hell“. The 26-year-old from Bruckmühl will compete in the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring from 30 May to 2 June 2024, where he will be driving the brand new, 665 hp Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo around the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife pilot. Mazatis is contesting the race together with the renowned Walkenhorst Motorsport Team. This has been proven by DTM victories and overall victory in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, has made a name for itself beyond the motorsport scene.
Last year, Mazatis successfully took part in the 24-hour race in Dubai part. After the warm desert weather, he is now heading to the Eifel with its unpredictable weather changes. The 24-hour race on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most prestigious races in motorsport. With its 20.832 kilometres (for the 24-hour race, combined with the GP circuit, even 25.378 kilometres), it is considered the most demanding race track in the world. The Nordschleife pushes the drivers to their limits and sometimes even beyond. As there are hardly any run-off areas, even the smallest mistake is penalised. However, Mazatis comes to this track with good experience. He completed his first Nordschleife race in 2016 and won straight away. This was followed by further successes and victories. But the 24-hour race is still missing from his list.
For drivers, teams and manufacturers, winning the 24-hour race is a career highlight. But the race is also one of the highlights of the motorsport season for fans. In 2023, 235,000 spectators attended the race on site. Those who couldn't make it to the track sat in front of the TV. This year, the race will once again be broadcast live for 24 hours on free-to-air TV on RTL Nitro transferred.
Track knowledge is one of the keys to success. Over the winter, work was carried out on many areas of the Nordschleife and the tarmac was changed. In order to be suitably prepared, Mazatis goes to the Qualifying race from 13 to 14 April and at the NES race from 03 to 04 May.
„I'm really looking forward to this challenge. Last year Dubai, now the 24h at the Nürburgring - to drive a GT3 in these races and be able to fight for overall victory is simply fantastic. My goal has always been to contest the big top 5 endurance races: Le Mans, Nürburgring, Spa, Daytona and Dubai. Of course, I would love to win them all one day. But that's still a long way off. For now, the Nürburgring chapter is on the agenda.“