Here’s what the drivers had to say after the first two practice sessions of round five of the German GT Championship.

Christopher Mies (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS): “The day was relatively modest. It is clear that we are lacking pace. We must work on that before tomorrow. Our goal was actually to leave here as championship leaders again, but that is looking rather difficult at the moment. I like the circuit, it is cool: it is fast and cool. It is an old-school track with gravel beds, so there are no discussions about track limits. As such, I am looking forward to the races.”

Maximilian Buhk (Mann-Filter Team Landgraf - HTP/WWR, Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo): “After the first practice day, we feel really good. However, it will not be so easy this weekend, when you see how fast the others are. I believe we have a good package and can definitely start from the first three rows.”

Marvin Kirchhöfer (Callaway Competition, Corvette C7 GT3-R): “After the first free practice session, we were very confident and felt good. After the second, we are not so happy with the results. We will work hard this evening and try to hang on in there, in order to get the best result. This is not really our track, but we are confident going into tomorrow and hope to start in the top eight.”

Maximilian Paul (T3 Motorsport, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo): “We have gained some valuable experience in today’s practices. However, we definitely still have some work to do. Our goal for tomorrow will be to qualify in the top ten. Marco Mapelli has found his feet nicely in the team and is really helping us with his experience and feel for the Lamborghini.”

Dennis Marschall (Rutronik Racing by TECE, Audi R8 LMS): “We definitely feel more comfortable here than at the Lausitzring. The weekend there was really tough. We are still not quite where we want to be tomorrow. We still have some work to do if we want to finish in the top five. We start from scratch again in qualifying tomorrow and will hope for a good result.”

Michael Ammermüller (SSR Performance, Porsche 911 GT3 R): “The results look really good after the first day of practices. We will now analyse the data and try to get a bit more out of the car for qualifying. We will then try to do as well as possible in qualifying, in order to start from as far up the grid as possible. However, it is always very close and difficult to predict here. Anything is possible with a good lap.”

Jesse Krohn (Schubert Motorsport, BMW M6 GT3): “We would obviously like to be a bit further towards the front, but we know what we need to do in order to be there tomorrow. It will definitely not be easy tomorrow. We are struggling a bit, but the top ten should be possible.”

Albert Costa Balboa (GRT Grasser Racing Team, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo): “I did not drive at all this afternoon, as Mirko had to park the car up with a technical issue after three laps. Fortunately, I know the circuit. However, to be honest, that was perhaps the worst Friday of my career. I am battling for the title, but am not on a par with the opposition due to the lack of laps. I will do my best, but I have to get even more out of myself and the car to compete at the same level as the others.”

Christian Engelhart (Küs Team Bernhard, Porsche 911 GT3 R): “A good day and a good start to the weekend. We are really happy. Our basic set-up was very good, and we have now fine-tuned that a little. We have had a tough season so far and are working very hard to recover. It’s all about tomorrow. Hopefully it will go as well as it did today in the second practice.”