For the 2018 season, Benjamin Mazatis is relying on both consistency and change. The 20-year-old has extended his contract with Reiter Engineering by another year and will once again compete in the GT4 class. However, the series is new: from the end of April, he will be competing for victories in his KTM X-Bow GT4 in the newly founded GT4 Central European Cup. In the battle for the targeted championship, the Bruckmühl native can draw on and build upon all his experience from his debut season.
The calendar for the newly launched racing series includes five events at numerous current and former Formula 1 race tracks such as the Red Bull Ring, Nürburgring, or Zandvoort. The season opener will take place at the end of April as part of the ADAC GT Masters at the Czech Autodrom Most. The grand season finale will be held on the first weekend of October on the legendary dune coaster in Zandvoort.
Throughout his career, the Bruckmühl-born athlete has always relied on a sophisticated training programme. To continue shining in races with his extremely high fitness level, a special training camp is planned again before the season opener. Furthermore, the 20-year-old used the semester break for simulator training in Silverstone, England, and directly applied the insights gained in his own simulator.
To underscore its ambitious goals for the new season, Mazatis also presented its new logo. The sophisticated design reflects the dynamism and perfection required by motorsport, without losing the fundamental elements of the already familiar logo.
Three questions for Benjamin Mazatis
You've decided on another season in the GT4 Series with Reiter Engineering. What was the deciding factor?
I felt at home in the GT4 Series from the very first lap and celebrated successes in my debut season. Nevertheless, it was important for me to recharge my batteries after this challenging year and make a well-informed decision about the future. I had various lucrative offers to consider – including a cockpit in the GT3 class. In in-depth discussions with Reiter Engineering, we ultimately found that we share the same goals and would like to continue working together. When the rumours about the re-establishment of the GT4 Series Central European Cup were confirmed, the plans to start there together became more concrete.
What goals have you set yourself together with Reiter Engineering for 2018?
I feel very comfortable in the team and have really gotten used to the KTM X-Bow GT4. Accordingly, I wanted to continue with this car, even though numerous prestigious brands will now be entering. The same tracks as in the past season will be raced, with the exception of Most, on which we have already gathered a lot of data compared to the new competition. With this experience advantage and an updated car, we are going into the season stronger. Furthermore, I learned a lot driver-wise in 2017 and celebrated my first successes. My motivation is higher than ever and I see the championship as a realistic goal.
Beyond the GT4 Series, you also competed in various VLN events in 2017. Are similar endurance race entries planned for this season?
I believe every GT driver dreams of competing in some endurance classics. In 2017, I always tried to find the right balance between speed and safety. Endurance races are marathons where it's no use being far ahead of the rest on one lap and ending up in the gravel on the next. I always kept that in mind and handed the cars over to my teammates without any damage every time. Of course, I hope these performances have made an impression. If a good offer comes along, I will naturally consider it and see if it fits with my existing racing plans. However, the current focus is on the title in the GT4 Series.