Sainz begins Nurburgring preparations

Sainz is looking forward to the event and recently contested a four-hour race around the Nordschleife in a VW Golf to prepare for the 24 Hours. He accepts it will be a big challenge but feels he has adapted well to circuit racing so far.

"For me, all of this is new, but I'm very much looking forward to the race," said the 46-year-old. "The Nordschleife is a difficult circuit and a real driving challenge. This is my first 24-hour race so I'm really eager to see what's in store for me.

"My test run in the Golf gave me a little taste of what it means to drive an endurance race on the Nurburgring. I adjusted to the circuit quickly, after all I used to do some circuit racing at the beginning of my career so I try to bring back these experiences into my mind."

Sainz says he is preparing in much the same way he would for cross country rallying, in which he has been competing in recent years, and that he will draw on Stuck's great experience.

"I've been following my normal training programme for a cross-country rally because I want to be in good physical shape. I reeled off numerous laps the memorise the circuit and I believe I'm well prepared.

"Hans is a legend, particularly on the Nordschleife, it's truly an honour for me to contest this race with him. His experience is practically unrivalled and I can probably learn quite a bit from him."