Max Verstappen delivered praise from Nurburgring rival: 'We must thank him'

Former F1 driver and Nurburgring 24 Hours entrant Timo Glock has praised Max Verstappen for the impact he is having on the event.

The Dutchman will take part in the historic race for the first time this weekend, which gets underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday.

There has been a boost in attention surrounding the event this year due to the four-time champion's participation, as entries into non-F1 events have become increasingly rare in recent years due to the expansion of the race calendar.

Glock, a three-time podium finisher, is grateful for the light Verstappen is shining on German motorsport.

"It's also about telling the story, about being able to show that German motorsport is alive and kicking,” Glock told media including RacingNews365.

“It's a theme I've wanted to draw more and more attention to in recent years. Why is there no longer a Formula One race in Germany? 

“Everyone pretends that motorsport is dead here, but it is very much alive. This really is a crazy event and we see that again now. 

“We also see it through Max Verstappen, for whom I think we really have to fall to our knees. 

“We do have to thank him 100 times over, because the Nordschleife would not have been named so often in recent weeks and months if he were not here.”

For the first time in the event's history, weekend tickets have sold out, largely thought to be due to Verstappen's presence.

"I think it's incredible what he's doing all this time, that he's doing it to himself,” Glock added. The role of Max... He is a figurehead for this sport."