The makers of the Nordschleife record explain the feat

Porsche wrote a new page in the history of motorsport by setting a completely crazy lap record on the northern loop of the Nürburgring (Germany), the Nordschleife. It only took Timo Bernard 5'19''546 to complete a 20,8 km lap of the circuit.

The 37-year-old German actually beat the previous record by 52 seconds, owned by the late Stefan Bellof in a Porsche 956 in 1982. “For me, Stefan Bellof is and remains a giant. Today, my respect for its performance, with the technology of the time, has become even more important.", recognizes, modestly, the double winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Sarthe).

Having experienced the lap today I have an even higher respect for Stefan Bellof and what he achieved on the @nuerburgring Nordschleife 35 years ago. pic.twitter.com/tGyG77TgPP

— Timo Bernhard (@Timo_Bernhard) 29th June 2018

However, Timo Bernhard performed a lap this Friday that will certainly be remembered. On several occasions, this expert in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring (five successes) has exceeded 300 km/h, with a peak at 369,4 km/h in the straight line shortly at the end of the course (Döttinger Höhe passage).

Even more dazzling, the acceleration of the LM P1 prototype (helped by the restitution of energy at the exit of the corner) made it possible to swallow winding sections at high speed. “I am a regular at the Nordschleife. But today, I discovered this circuit with a new perspective. The Evo was perfectly tuned. Thanks to the aerodynamic downforce, sections of bends were passed at full throttle when I never would have thought it possible."

The aerodynamics of the 919 Hybrid have notably been reworked with an enlarged front diffuser and a more imposing rear wing with integrated DRS. The floor has also been redesigned. The Evo version of the Porsche 919 Hybrid thus saw his support increases by 53%. The power is crazy: almost 1 horsepower for only 200 kg.

Team Principal of the LM P1 program until 2017, Andreas Seidl is proud of this performance. “We have been preparing our assault since last winter, in cooperation with Michelin, while maintaining great respect for this circuit. We have managed to demonstrate the full potential of the 919 Evo. Choosing Timo was a logical decision. Congratulations on this exceptional piloting; finding the balance between attack and caution was crucial. »

Thanks to everyone @Porsche_Team for the phenomenal performance today @nuerburgring. Truly special experience. pic.twitter.com/tfE6evqfji

— Timo Bernhard (@Timo_Bernhard) 29th June 2018

Finally, Fritz Enzinger, vice-president of the Porsche entry in LM P1, is happy to see the brand from Weissach (Germany) in the firmament of the Nordschleife times. “ Our team's record will not be easily replicated, with three titles at Le Mans, three World Drivers' and Manufacturers' crowns in the World Championship.Endurance (WEC).

The farewell tour is a tribute to those years. We did not want to see the most innovative car of its time disappear quietly for the museum. Thanks to the support of our partners, we have been able to develop the Evo. »

However, the Nordschleife record will no longer call for others. Porsche has confirmed that there will be no further attempts this year. In any case, spectators will be able to admire it in demonstration on several occasions:
-Fun Cup at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium, July 6-7)
-Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​(Great Britain, July 12-15)
-Porsche Festival at Brands Hatch (Great Britain, September 2)