Mustang GTD Driver Dirk Müller Reveals Secrets Behind Record Nürburgring Lap Attempt

In an exciting development for racing enthusiasts, Ford has unveiled a new video featuring seasoned driver Dirk Müller, who recently achieved a staggering record lap time of 6 minutes and 57.685 seconds at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife in a Mustang GTD. The footage offers an exclusive look into Müller’s mindset as he navigates one of the most challenging circuits in motorsport, pushing the limits of performance and precision.

Dirk Müller, a familiar name in Ford's racing lineage, has a commendable history with the brand and has previously made his mark at major racing events. Having played an integral role in the Ganassi Racing Ford team, he contributed to the team’s triumph in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, followed by another victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2017. He also boasts overall wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, underscoring his expertise on this legendary track.

In an interview, Müller reflected on his history with Ford and the Mustang lineage, stating, 'With the Ford GT prior to this, I was the one responsible for taking it to the Nordschleife with Multimatic. We weren't looking for a lap record back then, but it was always something I was eager to test.' It’s evident that his deep understanding of the track has contributed to this latest achievement with the Mustang GTD.

Müller has recently returned to the racing scene full-time, participating in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where he pilots a Mustang GT3. While the experience provided him with familiarity with the car’s characteristics, he acknowledges some significant differences between the GTD and its racing counterpart. 'Fundamentally, it’s a Mustang. However, street car regulations greatly differ from those in GT3 racing. For example, the GTD has an amazing 800+ horsepower V8 engine which is significantly more powerful than the GT3 version, highlighting the performance potential of the GTD,' he explained.

The Mustang Dark Horse, a model Müller drives as a company car, shares many traits with the more race-focused iterations. He remarked on the similarities, saying, 'You can immediately recognize that you’re sitting in a Mustang whether it’s the GTD, GT3, or Dark Horse, which is pretty fantastic.' It showcases how Ford is maintaining performance DNA across different models while catering to both street and racing enthusiasts.

With the GTD on the Nürburgring, Müller demonstrated groundbreaking speed and control, characteristics that set the Mustang GTD apart from its predecessors. The onboard footage from the record lap highlights not only Müller’s skill but also the exhilarating sound of the supercharged V8 engine—a distinctive aspect that continues to define the Mustang experience.

Müller shared insights about adapting his driving style to the unique dynamics of the Mustang GTD, stating, 'My racing muscle memory instinctively directs my braking and acceleration points. But with the heightened speed of the GTD, everything from my braking points to my driving techniques had to evolve. It’s a completely different pedigree than any other Mustang.'

In conclusion, Dirk Müller’s strategic approach, coupled with the Mustang GTD’s raw power, has firmly established a new benchmark on the Nürburgring, igniting excitement around Ford’s performance vehicles. As racing fans await future developments, this achievement clearly showcases what the Mustang lineup is capable of on the world’s most famed racetrack. Don’t miss out—catch the exhilarating video footage of this record-setting lap and witness history being made!