Devon Modell’s impressive GT form continues to build after scoring a podium finish on his Blancpain Endurance Series debut at Germany’s Nürburgring (20-21 September).
Completing an 11th-hour deal to contest the Blancpain Endurance Series finale with the Black Falcon team at Germany’s iconic Nürburgring, Modell quickly acquainted himself with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 during Friday’s (19 September) Bronze test, before setting the 22nd fastest time (1m59.099s) in Saturday’s (20 September) opening qualifying session.
The heavens opened shortly before the start of the six-hour endurance race on Sunday (21 September), as Anders Fjordbach was first to pilot the Black Falcon-prepared SLS AMG GT3, and, with the German track resembling a river rather than a race circuit, the race was started behind the Safety Car.
Several laps behind the Safety Car allowed drivers to get a feel for track conditions, although even the most experienced drivers were caught up in collisions or spins as the green flags flew.
Fjordbach did everything required of him and brought the car into the pits at the close of his stint to hand the reins to Modell, who excelled in the rain and lapped the 3.20mile Grand Prix circuit several tenths faster than many of the more practiced drivers on the grid.
Modell continued to show great skill in disposing of four of his rivals to climb to 15th overall and eighth in class, as drivers struggled to cope with the treacherously wet weather.
With stricken cars littering the racetrack in ever-deteriorating conditions, the Safety Car was forced to intervene and sparked a hive of activity in the pit lane, as much of the grid opted to stop for fresh wet rubber.
Modell, on the other hand, stayed out and climbed several places to break into the top ten and be within touching distance of a podium finish.
At the restart, the Maidstone-based racer, who demonstrated his natural ability in torrential conditions during the Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup outing at Oulton Park earlier in the year, catapulted himself up a further three places to eighth overall and third in class.
As a dry line began to form, Modell’s stint and weekend came to a close. He dived into the pits from eighth position and handed the V8-engined SLS to teammate, Vladimir Lunkin, who pushed on to cross the line sixth overall and runner-up in the Pro-Am category.
Concluding a highly successful outing for Black Falcon as the highest-placed Briton, Modell said: “The Black Falcon team was brilliant and incredibly professional. I was a little nervous about being there, but as soon as I was out in the car, I felt very relaxed and, if I needed anything, the team was on hand to make sure I got the very best out of the car and myself.
“The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 was fantastic in both wet and dry conditions. It took me a little while to get used to it, as it has more aero, bigger brakes and is a larger car than what I’m used to, but we got there slowly but surely. We fettled the setup throughout the weekend in the dry, but when the rain came, it felt even better to drive. I was told over the radio that I was one of the quickest, if not the quickest, on track at several points, which was a nice shock. The great thing about a two-hour stint is that you have plenty of time to explore the limits of both car and track and hone your skills.”
Modell continued: “The Blancpain Endurance Series is certainly a step up from British GT in terms of professionalism. It was a great experience and certainly gave me a taste of one of the highest pinnacles of motorsport. To finish sixth overall and second in class against some of the best drivers and teams in Europe is very positive!”
Modell returns to action for the final round of the Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup at Kent’s Brands Hatch circuit (11-12 October).
For more information on Devon Modell and his racing activities, please follow @Devon_Modell on Twitter.