Mercedes GT3 star maps out path to uncertain success: 'It makes the challenge complete'

In the world of long-distance racing, there is one place that stands out above all others: the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. 

For Maro Engel, who won the 24-hour race in 2016, the "Green Hell" remains a magical place that cannot be compared to anything else. 

In conversation with RacingNews365, he explains why the 14.7-mile circuit is so unique.

"It is simply an incredible circuit. It is something I would say these days is impossible to recreate, or at least very difficult," the Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver says. 

"It is integrated into nature in a wonderful way. It is so fast, so flowing, with great rhythm and extremely challenging. There are so many different types of turns and different types of asphalt, each with its own character.

"Some corners slope inward, others outward, with undulations, bumps, everything.

"I sometimes say to teammates who are a little less experienced when they get the chance to drive around the Nordschleife alone: 'Look, isn't it just beautiful when you push full speed through the Green Hell?' 

"I also always catch myself thinking: this is incredible. It's a magical track, which at the same time poses one of the greatest challenges in motorsport because of everything the circuit throws at you."

As to the question of whether the 'perfect lap' actually exists, the German is therefore clear: "Probably not. You strive for perfection, but in the end, you always find a place where you think just a little bit more was possible, here or there."

The article continues below. 

24 Hours of Nurburgring an almost impossible puzzle

Winning the 24 Hours of Nurburgring is a virtually impossible puzzle where everything has to fall together at the right time, according to Engel. It is a battle of attrition run with the intensity of a short race.

"The event itself is extremely difficult. In terms of pace and commitment, it is a sprint race, but at the same time, it is incredibly difficult to get through the race without problems," he explains. 

"The traffic situation is something we don't encounter anywhere else in the world, with so many cars and different classes. The speed differences on a track that is very narrow in some places and where you approach blind hills - not to mention the infamous Eifel weather - complete the challenge."

In addition to a fast car and a good team, Engel says you also need a factor that you can't find in the data. 

"First of all, you need a strong car, which we undoubtedly have with the Mercedes-AMG GT3; you need a strong team and strong teammates." 

"But in addition to that, you need that element where the 'racing gods' are somewhat on your side. 

"There are simply elements on the Nordschleife that you cannot control. You have to kind of trust it will fall your way."