A s a friendly driving instructor from the Mercedes-Benz Dynamic Driving school strapped me into the performance version of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, he asked if he could tighten the belts strapped across me at every angle. I thought he was being funny because I could barely breathe, but he was very serious and took my silence to mean he could tighten the belts, which he duly did.
I looked over at Bernd Maylander (36), the Formula 1 safety car driver, sitting in the left-hand drive modified C63 equipped with a roll cage and all I could see were his friendly blue eyes.
‘You ready?” he asked. I was surprised I could hear him through my helmet, but as soon as I nodded, the C63 growled to life and we took off, much the way the road-runner would just before an Acme anvil fell on the coyote’s head.
As we exited the pit lane of the Phakisa Raceway in Bloemfontein, Maylander planted his right foot on the accelerator and then, a few seconds later, jumped on the brakes just before the first corner. It was raining and quite chilly and I noticed as we drifted around the corner that he was adjusting the aircon so that warm air flowed in my direction as I was wearing only a T-shirt and was obviously a bit wet and cold.
The tyres squealed and he counter-steered with one hand, adjusting the aircon with the other. The G-force had turned me into one of those bobbing-head dogs and as I grabbed on to anything I could lay my hands on (except him), I couldn’t help but notice how effortless the ‘hot lap” was for Maylander. We screeched around the track in what was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life, but it was just another day at the office for Maylander, who made it all look easy as pie.
Maylander, who was in South Africa as part of tuning house AMG’s 40th birthday, is about the friendliest guy you could come across. No airs or graces here, just a nice guy with a passion for motorsport. The last German racer I encountered was Ralf Schumacher, who was about as engaging as a bucket of paint, so I was quite surprised at Maylander’s easy disposition.
How did you get into motorsport?
My passion for motorsport comes from my Dad, who was a club sport racer. I loved the spirit of the sport. The guys who raced on the old Nurburgring and did the 24-hour race were my heroes. Soon after I started racing, I did the 24-hour race and won. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.
What’s it like being the Formula 1 safety car driver?
It’s a lot harder than people think it is. Most of the time it looks like I’m going around the track slowly, but people don’t realise that I’m driving flat-out. On some of the straights, I’m usually doing about 280kph and I’m pushing the car as far as it can be pushed. I have a big responsibility as the safety car driver — not only to keep the F1 cars up to speed but also to keep the other people, like those cleaning up an accident, safe. I enjoy it, but it’s not easy.
Any funny or strange moments during a grand prix?
When Michael Schumacher won the world title in 2001, I picked him up after he crossed the finish line. He was interested in the safety car I was driving. It was an SL55 AMG and he was asking me what it was like. So we started talking about the car. Then the photographers were all around us and the next day the pictures in all the papers of the Ferrari world champ were of him sitting in a Mercedes-Benz. I thought that was a bit funny.
Ever considered trying out for F1?
No. I was interested in DTM (German Touring Car Masters) racing so I focused my energy on that. I’ve won a few championships, but I’m semi-retired now. I married a beautiful woman recently, so my dreams are changing.
What is your dream car?
I love GT1 cars like the CLK GTR. The sound of those cars is classic. But for now, I’d say my dream car would be the limited edition CL 65 AMG.
What car are you currently driving?
I drive a CLS 55 AMG, but I’m getting the 63 AMG soon. I can’t wait for that.
What makes a good driver?
Training. You have to train with the right people and in the right places. Also, you must know your limits and your car’s limits.
What do you say to people who think BMWs are still faster than Mercs?
I think the competition between them is good because it makes them want to build good cars. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz make great cars, but if people still say BMWs are faster, they should try driving a few AMG cars. They might just change their minds after that.