On Wednesday, July 11, it was finally time for Simon Reicher to experience a dream-come-true. “I don’t know how long I’ve been looking forward to this moment. It has always felt so far away. Regardless of the thrills in karting, the Renault Clio or the last two years in the Audi RS3 LMS, a GT-3 car is my true definition of motorsports – it’s simply the biggest thing. For the first time, I now had the chance to drive the Honda GT-3 with Schubert Motorsport at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. And I’m still in disbelief,” said the emotionally moved 18-year-old.

Sole initiator of this opportunity was Simon’s father Peter Reicher. “For years, Simon has been raving about the GT-3. His development in recent years has shown me that it is time for him to take the next step towards GT racing. The time is ripe to explore which cars and teams come into question for next season. And quite honestly, I think Honda has championship potential in the coming years.

Our burning question for Simon, who currently races a 350 hp Audi RS3: How extreme is the difference to a 550 hp GT racecar? “It’s tough to describe if you haven’t driven it yourself. The corner speed is a substantial factor, due to the higher traction level. The acceleration is very impressive and the brakes are insanely powerful. But these characteristics are only breath-taking for the first three laps – thereafter, you quickly attune to the situation. The biggest difference lies in the much faster chain of events inside the cockpit. This requires high concentration and mental fitness. While I am still waiting for the next upshift down the straight in the RS3, I have already shifted up and down three times, driven through two corners, and slammed into the brakes five times in a GT car. A completely new and awesome feeling that will keep me captive for some time,” reports the 8th-grader of the Felbertal High School.

Upon asking the ADAC TCR Germany driver about his feelings for his Audi RS3 after the GT experience at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, he stated: “Surely this test had an exciting mental impact on me and I am already looking forward to the coming season. But regardless of next year’s plans, I am now focused on this season’s goals, my RS3, and my crew from YACO Racing.”