Rain, tyre damage, red flags and a race stoppage: the Sachsenring presented Benjamin Mazatis with many challenges during the sixth race weekend of the ADAC Formula 4. Without a single test kilometre on the track with his current car, the kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport rookie mastered the most difficult circuit on the racing calendar.
Between the last race weekend and the Sachsenring, things were hectic for you. What was on the agenda?
After the Nürburgring, I went to the McLaren Performance Academy, where I've been part of the development squad for two years. I reported on my races and was able to share a lot of positive news this time around. In the workshops, we talked a lot about mental training. A very important topic, as the difference starts in your head. Fitness was also a major component. I learned new exercises and, at the same time, how to make some of the ones I already knew more challenging to target smaller muscle groups. A highlight was the Formula 1 simulator, which we got to see. It simulates G-forces, and everything is in 3D – a different world compared to the simulators we're usually familiar with.
You were able to apply your newly acquired knowledge straight away in the Sachsenring qualifying. How difficult was it to achieve two good laps through the numerous interruptions?
Incredibly difficult! At first, I only did three flying laps to warm up my tyres, build a gap and improve visibility in the heavy spray. The third was the quickest and on the following lap I was already almost a second up on the previous one – and then red flags. I didn't let it get to me, there was still enough time on the clock. However, shortly before the end of my next quick lap, there was another interruption – so nothing again. When the pit lights finally turned green after another red phase, only two minutes remained. I was held up a bit and had to push hard to get across the line in time. The tyres were cold, but it was full attack. Unfortunately, I went into the gravel trap briefly. I was able to continue, but the lap was ruined. This left me with 30th on the grid for both races.
In contrast, the first race started off very promisingly. Why didn't it work out for a good result?
I had a rocket start! After just one corner I was past seven cars and 21st on the second lap. There could have even been a bit more in it, but I didn't want to take any unnecessary risks. After all, I'd never driven on the track in the dry with a Formula 4 car before. A short time later, it was all over again because a competitor damaged my tyre. I just managed to catch the car and had to pit for a tyre change. Back out again a lap down, it was just about getting to know the track better. My times weren't bad – I was around eight tenths behind the podium drivers.
During the second race, you had to wait for a long time on the starting grid. How important are physical fitness and concentration in such moments?
When the race was red-flagged and we were sitting in our cars at an outside temperature of 27 degrees, time seemed to drag on forever. Physical fitness naturally plays an important role in these moments. But the right tactics are much more important. I relaxed, chatted with my mechanic over the radio, and then switched back to full concentration at precisely the right moment. As soon as the restart happened, I had some close battles and found a few good opportunities to overtake. 20th place in the race was certainly not my goal, but after the long wait and the difficult starting position, it was a good result.
What's your overall verdict on the weekend?
After another tyre failure in the third race, it can be said: that was probably nothing. I didn't get off to a good start, but I worked my way back a good way forward. When I noticed the flat tyre two laps before the end, it was too late to turn into the pits again to change it. I had to give back the positions I had previously gained and just tried to get the car to the finish.
In just two weeks, a special highlight awaits. The ADAC Formula 4 will start as part of the DTM in Oschersleben. A circuit you already know from the season opener.
I'm really looking forward to the weekend. I've always done well in Oschersleben and I'm thrilled that we'll be racing there twice this season. As a rookie, everything was new to me on the first race weekend. Now I'm returning with more experience and highly motivated, and I think a lot is possible. The fact that the DTM is also racing in Oschersleben makes it particularly exciting. There will certainly be a lot of fans there who will cheer us on. I can hardly wait to race there.