An experience that leaves a lasting impression - that's how my colleagues praised the track day on the occasion of the licence course in autumn. Scepticism, curiosity and, above all, the urge to experience the motorsport feeling made the registration for March a reality. And then there was the persuasion of a friend - a touring car racing legend with almost 50 years of racing experience - which the newcomer could no longer resist. So we travelled there the evening before - together more than 140 years old, with almost 400 class and category victories, albeit mostly one-sided - to spend a more or less pleasant night in the van. The first impression was already positive: the entrance control - it was already almost midnight - was friendly and conveyed the feeling: "Nice to have you here. We like our job."

But it wasn't until daybreak that things got going - and then the peace and quiet came to an end. Vehicle after vehicle was brought in on trailers, semi-trailers and tractors - wrapped, stickered or left in their natural state, with start numbers or without, in all age categories: from brand new to over 50 years old. My Clio 2.0 didn't stand out in any particular way - it was practically the grey mouse. The tension rose - at least for me - at the driver briefing. Competent, as brief (or as detailed) as necessary, clear and always with a clear appeal to the purpose of the day: enjoyment through consideration and caution.

My friend's vehicle - the poison green Golf 2, also known as the ‘frog’ - undergoes intensive and meticulous preparation. Every move is perfect: from warming up the engine to checking the tyre pressure. My attempts to copy the procedures, on the other hand, seemed much clumsier. The line-up in the pit lane before the first session increased my concentration. Then it was time for the warm-up lap: Ecclestone corner, Parabolica, hairpin, Mercedes corner and so on - just like on the licence circuit, only this time without a ‘midwife’. Track clear - full throttle! My little car was damn loud and also fast - but all the other drivers felt even faster. Target bend, feel the braking point, step on it, aim for the apex - and full throttle again. Corner after corner. I caught the hairpin to some extent and was able to hold the rear of the M3 for a short time - but only until the start of the acceleration.

The home straight arrived - as did the joy of the successful first lap. And again, the experienced drivers in their faster cars shot past me. Step by step, I worked my way towards the racing line and the braking points - initially without curbs, later including the ‘bumpy strip’, until my temper had cooled down again after a near-spin at the start of the Motodrom. And I kept glancing in the mirror - just as my ‘driving instructor’ had told me to do.

Lunch break - after two sessions. Actually too early, but it was during this break that I really realised how much concentration (and effort) I was really putting in. Again, a positive impression: friendly, relaxed and helpful - the entire organisation crew.

My approach changed significantly in the afternoon - after the ‘driving school’ with my private instructor. The professional had shown me my potential. Now it really went much faster - also thanks to the semis. The laps were smooth, fluid and enjoyable - even though I was being overtaken left and right on the straights again. Thanks to the consistent use of mirrors, I was hardly ever caught off guard and was therefore rarely surprised. And if anything should be emphasised, then it is the predominantly understanding reactions of the car drivers towards the newcomer. It was a truly memorable experience for the rookie - and certainly not the last of its kind!