When you talk about motoring bucket lists, riding shotgun in a track-spec car driven by a professional racing driver is close to the top for many people. So when Mercedes-Benz South Africa gave us the opportunity to experience the revised Kyalami Grand Prix circuit from the passenger seat of the new AMG GT3 with none other than David Coulthard at the helm, we said “yes”, without any hesitation.
And after experiencing a couple of laps, it became clear why this is a bucket list experience for many. The mind of a racing driver is far more responsive and attentive than that of an amateur and this becomes obvious when you’re sitting right next to one, especially someone like Coulthard, who has decades of experience in various forms of racing.
You have absolutely no idea how he’s going to handle this naturally aspirated 6,3-litre V8 GT3 race car from the moment you climb into the seat and as a result of this, every single corner becomes a complete surprise, from the moment he slams on the brakes to when he decides to angle the car into the apex. Despite the vehicle picking up some impressive cornering speeds, you get the idea that he isn’t going flat out, which brings into question whether we would have come out in a conscious state if he did.
This experience can be painful, especially if you lack the muscular physique, as we do. The longitudinal g-force that you experience under braking places a notable strain on your neck which can be felt well into the late hours of the following day. Dressed in a full racing suit, the cabin also becomes extremely hot, despite modern racecars being equipped with air conditioning.
It is without a doubt a surreal experience and having said that, somewhat sad that so few will get to experience it…
Written by Nikesh Kooverjee
