Earlier today Porsche broke a lap record that stood for 35 years. Timo Bernhard drove the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo to a time of 5 min 19,55 sec around the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife.

Long-standing

The long-standing record was set by Stefan Bellof on May 28 in 1983. Bellof lapped the world-renowned track in a Porsche 956 C setting a time of 6 min 11,13 sec, which stood until a few hours ago. With this achievement, Bernhard, a two-times Le Mans winner and reigning World Endurance Champion has beaten the lap record on the revered 20,8 kilometre long German race circuit by a full 52 seconds.

Click here to see and read about the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo setting a Spa record.

A no rules racer

The 919 Hybrid Evo is a no rules evolution of the Le Mans-winning 919. It produces 865 kW about twice the 485 kW that Bellof had at his disposal. The new car also has ground-effect downforce, which is similar to that employed by the 956.

Click here for a full explanation of the 919 Evo’s changes.

Of course, tyre and suspension technology has come a long way in 35 years, as has our understanding of aerodynamics, and the 919 makes use of all possible technology to achieve its time. The 956, on the other hand, set its time in race conditions with the rules in place for the class of racing on the day. Bellof was not out to set a record, it was just a function of his ability and desire to beat everyone else on the day, including several illustrious teammates.

Did it need breaking?

With the increasing speed of modern racecars, Porsche must have felt that they need to reset the bar. I, for one, feel a little sad that the Bellof time has been replaced. I feel that Bellof, as a testament to his ability, should have remained the holder of being the fastest man to lap the ’Ring.