Back in the race car after successfully completing his Abitur exams: Benjamin Mazatis has made an impressive return to motorsport after a break for his studies. And he did it on the world's most famous race track!
The 18-year-old made his debut on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife last weekend. His premiere in the RCN Endurance Challenge could not have gone better. Mazatis won his first race straight away in the 320 bhp BMW M235i.
The Bruckmühl driver, together with teammate Uwe Ebertz, achieved victory in the BMW M235i Cup class as well as overall victory in the group classification of all represented cup classes. More than 160 racing cars of different categories started at the 7th round of the RCN Rundstrecken-Challenge. For Mazatis, his debut on the Nordschleife was only his third race in a BMW touring car. Previously, he raced in the ADAC Formula 4 on his path to becoming a professional racing driver.
„It's a great and unforgettable feeling to win on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – and especially in my first race here,“ said Mazatis, who competed for the PIXUM Team Adrenalin Motorsport. „I don't think many drivers have managed that. It means a lot to me. The lads did a fantastic job. Together we got through the tricky moments in the race, laying the foundation for success. I'd also like to thank my teammate Uwe; he did a mega job in the car.“
Following a convincing start, Mazatis will now fully concentrate on GT and touring car racing. With the successfully obtained Nordschleife Permit in hand, further races on the more than 20-kilometre track in the Eifel are now on the agenda. Deployments in the well-known VLN Endurance Championship, which has attracted motorsport elite for years, are planned.
Mazatis on switching from Formula racing to touring cars: „They are completely different racing cars and also conditions. On the Nordschleife, I was at the wheel for over an hour, whereas previously it was always races of 30 minutes. But that wasn't a problem because I'm in top physical condition. Thanks to my entire coaching team, who always fully support me. It was a great start in touring cars. The VLN will be a completely different challenge – but one I'm very happy to take on!“