Wickens “Learning Every Minute” in N24 Debut

Robert Wickens is “learning every minute” as he comes to grips with the Nürburgring Nordschleife ahead of his debut Nürburgring 24 with Hyundai.

The Canadian racer has been entered into the No. 831 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, which is run as part of a joint venture between Target Competition and Bryan Herta Autosport.

Wickens has three BHA regulars as co-drivers for the event, teaming up with Mason Filippi, Michael Lewis and Bryson Morris.

“I’m learning every minute,” said Wickens.

“Even if I’m not in the car and just seeing data or seeing like a lap time that a teammate’s done, you’re like, ‘Oh, so that that’s possible, so now I need to figure out how to do that.’

“We’re very fortunate with Hyundai that our sister car has so much experience here. They’re basically setting the pace and then we’re just constantly trying to match it.

“The team atmosphere is great, both cars are just working hand in hand. There’s no secrets kept.

“I feel like I’m asking the drivers on the other side a million questions on lines or curbs or what to do, what not to do.

“For me like I feel like I’m not even halfway there yet. We’re getting closer and closer.

“I’m still seconds away from where I want to be but also the reality is at some point you’re going to have to figure out what your comfort level is once the race starts and just make sure you have a reliable stint where you keep the car in one piece and hand it off to the next guy.

“So we’re going to keep plugging away in final practice and hopefully I can continue to chip away like I have. And once we get to race time, we’ll be ready.”

Wickens went on to say he’s been trying to absorb as much of the event’s atmosphere as possible, explaining he turned his first night laps at the end of Thursday’s second qualifying session.

“The only request gave to the team yesterday was I just want to drive at like the darkest time in practice,” he said.

“I knew [tha] around like 11 o’clock is when I wanted really experience it because I feel like in a 24-hour race you win or lose the race through the night.

“All my teammates, they’ve all done the N24 in the past years and I haven’t, so I wanted to make sure that I was at least up to speed so I can be part of the team.

“I want to be able to experience every aspect of this race and driving at night is a critical part.

“So it was a lot of fun. I actually did my best lap time so far, ironically. I got three laps in a row with no Code 60s or double yellows, which was a miracle.

“Honestly, I learned more in those three laps that I have through all of NLS and the Qualifiers and everything.”