The treacherous conditions did not fail at the infamous Spa circuit, surrounded by its beautiful forest. It all started with the Bronze test on Tuesday afternoon, under a blazing sun and 33C, which was to be the coolest day of the week. We had two new drivers that had to adjust to the car, so in 3 hours I only got to drive five laps.

We had Wednesday partially off, with driver parade, driver briefing and driver autograph session. Temperature: 35C.

Thursday: 37C. Free practice went to plan, but some red flags did not allow me to drive. It was followed by the qualifying. Unfortunately, our driver in Q1 (first qualifying) had an off at the exit of corner 13 and damaged the car. This meant no qualifying laps for the rest of us and starting the race last. This was followed by night practice. With the car repaired we were required to each complete 2 laps. Friday: day off – 38C.

The weather completely changed on Saturday just before the start. The race started under heavy rainfall and with the safety car. After three laps the safety car pitted and the race was on. Within the next 3 hours we had 3 full course yellows and 3 safety cars. Cars were spinning left and right with changing conditions – dry then rain, then rain again.

We had lost some positions due to a co-driver’s spin and hood repair. We lost some more time as the hood had to be repaired for a second time. Then, during the night another co-driver lost the car in Blanchimont and hit the rear. The car was damaged but drivable without repair.

The treacherous conditions took their toll at 5.42am on Sunday morning, when the race director simply stopped the race. It had been agreed by all team principles. A new meeting took place at 10:30am and the teams agreed that racing could resume as the track was dry again. At this point we were still in the race, but far behind.

The conditions kept on changing. Until the end cars spun and crashed. We did our best going around without taking any risk. Two full course yellows and a safety car were engaged 30 minutes before the end. At 4.30pm the checkered flag came out and we crossed it! Five BMWs started the race. Only 2 finished. This was my 6th time at the Spa 24 hours and I finally finished!

Karim Ojjeh