At the end of 1982, Stefan’s sponsor Gerhard Weber, the Dunlop racing team, Eberhard Hess and Günther Besier, who provided the financial support, arrange a test drive in the Kremer Porsche. The test drive takes place in Hockenheim, still in the 936 Turbo and as usual, Stefan immediately becomes serious competition for his more experienced colleagues. With the skill of a long-time professional, he steers the unknown, difficult-to-handle car across the track in style.
“With his youthful, light-hearted nature, Stefan immediately intrigued the mechanics and engineers. His daring Silverstone debut landed him recognition and respect right from the first race“.
Peter Falk, Porsche Race Director
In 1983 Bellof then gets into the World Sports Car Championship with the 956 Turbo and immediately drives like a pro. At one stage, the race director Peter Falk even has to warn him to slow down due to the heavy rain. Stefan follows his instruction and still ends up a lot faster than the other drivers. Next comes his legendary drive at the Nürnburgring. Here, Stefan drives an impressive 202 km / h on average and sets a record for eternity: 6.11,13 minutes.
“Slightly better than Niki Lauda in his day with the Ferrari Formula 1.“
Peter Wyss
Three laps later, a spectacular accident occurs. His car gets hit by low pressure and crashes on the asphalt like a ski jumper. The rear is completely destroyed; Stefan is uninjured and immediately starts giving out autographs to the fans cheering him beside the track.
“You can’t drive a 1000 km race like that, someone from the team should have pulled him back“.
Derek Bell, Team colleague
His team colleague Jacky Ickx becomes the new rival, he is not going to let some rookie steal the show. With Jochen Mass, on the other hand, Stefan forms a good relationship and Derek Bell later becomes a mentor and role model for the young talent.
“Based on the talent and on what he has shown to date, no doubt about it, one of the all-time best“.
Hans-Joachim Stuck, former racing driver
The season runs quite well for Stefan, although technical problems constantly diminish his chances of the title. And yet, he leaves everyone standing at the Norisring and even in Kyalami, a challenging and high-altitude circuit in Africa, he lands victory despite a particularly fuel-efficient driving style with a two-lap lead. Despite winning a few races, Bellof only comes fifth in the end. But 1984 is his year! He signs a contract for Formula One with Tyrell and lands one victory after another in the sports car. He is disqualified for a short period for alleged underweight, but this is withdrawn shortly thereafter. This year Stefan is not only German racing champion but also sports car world champion. His victories also earn him the Major ONS Cup as the most successful German motor sportsman.
“Stefan laughed a lot, gladly and often so intensively that he had to gasp for breath. But in the racing car, he was courageous, tough and totally focused on winning. The young Rosemeyer must probably have been like this“.
Manfred Jantke
In 1985 Stefan and Porsche part company and he drives in a private C group for Walter Brun and thus against his old works team. There is, however, a new rule that reduces fuel consumption, which is anything but fun for Stefan. In his very first race, he uses too much, of course, with his high-speed driving, landing him in 3rd place instead of 1st place. Frustrating! And it does not get any better: he has to cancel a race for a Formula 1 test drive that then does not actually take place. Once he is disqualified due to breaking a rule while refuelling. He can only breathe a sigh of relief again at the Norisring, where he races outside the World Championship and its rules. Finally, he is allowed to rip across the track again, although technical problems cost him the leadership for a short while. Then another setback in July: his car suddenly stops in the burning heat, nothing works. Stefan is devastated.
“He did not want to either. He also said, "You know, if I had my way, I wouldn’t drive at all."“
Horst Langner, Angelika’s brother
All hope is then placed on the next race in September. The race in Spa in September, however, is overshadowed by the death of the racing driver Manfred Winkelhock; one of many drivers fatally injured at this time in accidents. Stefan does not really want to drive, but then does bring himself to do it.
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