Dakar Rally News: Christian Krognes’ Nürburgring 24H Challenge
Dakar Rally enthusiasts, Christian Krognes has been making waves in the GT3 class since 2016, racing the Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M6 GT3 on the challenging Nordschleife. This year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours marked his first full-pro attack in the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic, as he teamed up with former ‘N24’ winner Augusto Farfus, Spa 24 Hours champ Markus Palttala, and rising star Fabian Schiller in the Shell-branded, BMW-endorsed M6 GT3.
In his daily blog, Krognes takes us on a thrilling journey through the highs and lows of the 2018 Nürburgring 24 Hours. The Norwegian driver arrived at the race with high hopes, confident in the M6’s capabilities and the experience of his co-drivers. However, the Nürburgring’s infamous unpredictability would soon test their resolve.
Krognes recounts an early incident where he made contact with a Toyota GT86, which damaged the car’s bodywork and cost them valuable time in the pits. But the team regrouped and managed to maintain a strong pace, with Krognes himself setting the car’s quickest lap time during his night shift. As the weather deteriorated with heavy rain in the early hours of the morning, the team faced new challenges in the treacherous conditions of the Nordschleife.
“Despite the setbacks, the Walkenhorst Motorsport crew displayed their resilience, and Krognes and his teammates ultimately crossed the finish line in 13th place, the best-placed BMW in the field.”
Krognes reflects on the immense effort put in by the entire team, especially the mechanics and engineers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend.
As the Dakar Rally season approaches, Krognes’ experience at the Nürburgring 24 Hours will undoubtedly prove invaluable. The Nordschleife’s unforgiving nature and the sheer endurance required in a 24-hour race are akin to the demands of the Dakar Rally, and Krognes’ ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity will serve him well in the upcoming Dakar challenges.
Readers eager to follow Krognes’ Dakar exploits can look forward to more thrilling updates from the Norwegian driver as he continues his journey in the world of cross-country rallying.
🔗 Source