20.09.2024
The Nürburgring operating company is intensively committed to environmental protection and sustainability. This has now been confirmed once again with the two-star environmental accreditation from the FIA, the world motorsport organisation. The certification, which is valid until 2026, recognises the operating company's commitment and initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and innovative measures. The Nürburgring's environmental management has been certified by the FIA since 2022. As part of this year's audit by the FIA auditor, the Nürburgring was able to impress with new and ongoing measures. For example, the race track obtains 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources and is specifically focussing on solar energy. The Nürburgring is emphasising its sustainable energy policy with the expansion of the photovoltaic system installed in 2022, which now covers a total of 11,000 m² following an extension this year. A comprehensive energy management system also enables optimal control and monitoring of energy consumption and contributes to more sustainable operation in the long term. The digital infrastructure of the Nordschleife draws part of its power requirements from renewable energies: Self-sufficient solar containers supply camera technology and LED panels. The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is also being continuously expanded. Just this year, new fast-charging points expanded the capacity and availability of the charging stations at the Nürburgring. As part of its sustainable strategy, the Nürburgring operating company has also implemented climate-adapted forest management and manages 154 hectares of its own woodland in accordance with the certified PEFC standard. In addition, a 10,000 m² noise protection forest has been planted, which not only contributes to noise reduction but also promotes ecological diversity. The race track operators also continue to rely on comprehensive noise monitoring to ensure that noise emissions remain below the authorised limits.As a further measure, the Nürburgring was able to further expand its range of sustainable fan merchandise. Already 50% of the collection consists of OEKO-TEX®-certified or other sustainable materials. ‘The renewed certification shows once again that we can combine ecological responsibility with a successful event location,’ explains Christian Stephani, Managing Director of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. ‘Measures such as the expansion of the photovoltaic systems, the improvement of the charging infrastructure and our energy management system show that we are consistently pursuing our path. In doing so, we are creating a sustainable basis for future generations.’ The Nürburgring's sustainability declaration and an extract of the measures:www.nuerburgring.de/info/company/sustainability-statement
04.09.2024
With the current season still in full swing at the Nürburgring, the race track and event location is already giving a preview of the coming year. From international highlights to event exotics and from motorsport to entertainment, the 2025 calendar once again promises the unique Nürburgring mix. A current overview: Exciting motorsport highlights in the Green HellNaturally, the world's longest permanent race track is also characterised by an attractive motorsport calendar in 2025. Particularly popular with fans: endurance motorsport on the Nordschleife. The highlight is the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, which will once again put man and machine to the ultimate test from 19 to 22 June 2025 and promise a gigantic motorsport party together with tens of thousands of fans. As usual, the ADAC Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) will kick off the motorsport year. After the first race on 22 March, eight more race days will follow until October, each of which usually falls on a Saturday. Only on 13 and 14 September are two race days scheduled on one weekend for the NLS and therefore also the only race Sunday in the series. The dates of the Nürburgring Rundstrecken Challenge (RCN) are another Nordschleife format on the calendar. Regularity and performance tests offer popular sport from road-legal to race-ready vehicles. From GT3 to XXL: thrilling motorsport from racing cars to race trucksFans of thrilling motorsport will once again get their money's worth on the Grand Prix circuit. The giants of motorsport will compete against each other on the sprint version of the International ADAC Truck Grand Prix from 10 - 13 July. Every year, the event delights visitors with a family-friendly concept of motorsport, festival, colourful paddock and trade fair. Included in the supporting programme: the ADAC GT Masters. The Fanatec GT World Challenge (29 - 31 August) and the Porsche Sports Cup (30 May - 1 June) will feature high-quality racing cars from the world's best-known automotive brands. The Nürburgring Drift Cup, which will host its first round on 26 and 27 April, and GRIP - the motor event that will attract the tuning community to the Eifel on 6 July, are also high on horsepower and, above all, action-packed drifting. The date for the DTM at the Nürburgring has already been finalised. However, fans will have to wait a little longer before the announcement. The racing series will present its annual calendar in the coming days. Experiences with music and muscle powerAway from the roaring sounds of engines, powerful guitar riffs await at the beginning of June. Rock am Ring will get visitors' hearts racing from 6 to 8 June. According to the recently published first wave of bands, ‘Slipknot’ and ‘Bring me the Horizon’ have already been confirmed as headliners for the festival's 40th anniversary alongside other well-known bands. A similar-sounding event name, but with a completely different intention, can be found in the 2025 calendar with Rad am Ring. In mid-July, thousands of tireless participants will once again take to the start line to conquer the Green Hell with their own muscle power. Incidentally, this is also required for the Hotfoot Run - but not on two wheels, but on foot. The obstacle course takes place on 10 May. Fast-paced PS classics in racing actionThe heroes and automotive jewels of days gone by have also once again secured several permanent places on the Ring calendar. Old and youngtimers and memories of many decades of motorsport will be brought to life on the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife. The Nürburgring Classic will kick off 2025 from 13 to 15 June. This will be followed in August by the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix (1st - 3rd) and the legendary ADAC 1000km race from 20th to 21st September. The ADAC RGB season finale, the ADAC Westfalen Trophy and, last but not least, the Kölner Kurs as a historic motorbike event round off the historic programme. Motorbike service and racing on two wheelsSpeaking of motorbikes: after returning to the Nürburgring this year, the International Motorcycle Championship (IDM) is also on the calendar for the coming season. From 5 to 7 September, the series will kick off with thrilling two-wheel racing. There will be impressive pictures of thousands of motorbikes off the racing line at the ‘Anlassen’ motorbike service on 27 April. One of the highlights of the programme: the joint parade around the legendary Nordschleife. Diverse indoor events: entertainment away from the racetrackThe Nürburgring also continues to see a steady increase in events away from the tarmac. And so the 2025 season in the Green Hell starts and ends with indoor events throughout the year. The International Rhine Shiai Karate Tournament will kick off the season on the second weekend in January, while the German Carnival Garda Dance Championship will be the event finale in December. Both events will take place in the ring°arena, as will two cheerleading competitions on 15 and 16 February and the ‘Darts am Ring’ gala in March. The latter is set to become the undisputed fan magnet in the indoor calendar with over 3,000 fans expected. The exact date for the flying darts event will be announced shortly. Further music and entertainment formats at the Nürburgring venues are also scheduled for next year. Comedy at NightWash live, the Nürburgring Family Day and a colourful afternoon at the Disney Channel cinema have been decided for 2025 and will soon be added to the calendar.
30.08.2024
Nürburgring and VLN agree on contract for 2025:Preliminary dates set for Nürburgring Endurance Series Nine race dates for Nürburgring Endurance Series over eight weekends in 2025 Early agreement with VLN provides planning security for organizers and teams Presentation of the Nürburgring calendar with all dates in the coming week This early agreement provides planning security for teams and fans. The Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG as the operator of the legendary race track and the VLN as the organizer of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) have reached an early agreement for the 2025 season. This comprises a total of nine race days spread over eight weekends. “With the early agreement, the VLN as the organizer of the Nürburgring Endurance Series and the participating teams can now prepare for the challenges of the coming season in the best possible way,” explains Ingo Böder, Managing Director of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. In the interests of endurance motorsport and the teams, the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NES) has decided not to make use of the option to hold races in 2025. Calendar presentation in the coming weekThe Nürburgring will present the nine provisional NLS dates next week together with the entire calendar of events for 2025. Fans can then look forward to all the dates relating to the mix of motorsport, music and sport in the Green Hell.
27.08.2024
Admire legendary racing cars from Maranello at the Ferrari Racing Days (September 6 - 8), experience a fun family afternoon with Mickey Mouse & Co. at the Disney Channel hands-on cinema (September 7 & 8), or marvel at thrilling classic car motorsport in the Green Hell at the 1000 km race (September 21 & 22). And those who prefer to get behind the wheel themselves can experience the Nordschleife from morning to night on three of the four weekends during the tourist drives. The Nürburgring Drift Cup (September 14 & 15) rounds off the fast-paced September in the Eifel. Information and tickets are available online at nuerburgring.de. The events at a glance: Ferrari Racing Days (September 6 - 8)Bella Italia in the Eifel: Lovers of Italian sports cars come to the Nürburgring from all over the continent at the beginning of September. Their destination: the Ferrari Racing Days (September 6 - 8). The entire weekend is dedicated to the dream cars from Maranello. Several races of the Ferrari Challenge Europe are scheduled, a one-make cup in identical racing versions of the 488 model series. The real highlights, however, are the sessions of the spectacular XX program, in which absolute rarities from Ferrari lap the 5.1 kilometers of the Grand Prix circuit. The weekend is crowned by the F1 and Le Mans prototypes from Ferrari. Private owners then take to the track in genuine Formula 1 cars from the last 20 to 30 years. Recently, they have been sharing the asphalt with cars of the 499P Modificata type - a vehicle that originated from the car brand's current Le Mans hypercar. Grandstand tickets are available online from as little as 10 euros, with free admission for youngsters under 12.The Nürburgring is once again offering attractive VIP packages for the Ferrari Racing Days. From 269 euros, fans can experience the event from an exclusive lounge with the best view of the start-finish line, delicious catering and exclusive access to the paddock, which is otherwise only granted to teams, drivers and invited guests. ADAC 1000 km race (September 21 - 22)The ADAC 1000 km race at the Nürburgring is a cult event: seven decades of motorsport history in which big names such as Senna, Bellof, Ascari and many more competed. Today, the race is the ultimate challenge for historic racing cars. 1000 kilometers over the Nordschleife and sprint track of the Nürburgring: that means seven hours of racing in the Green Hell. A mammoth task for the Porsche 911s, BMW E30s and all the other touring cars from the 80s and 90s. The concept is popular and the event is growing: last year, the organizers reported a new record number of participants - more than 100 racing cars took part in the chase through the Green Hell. There are likely to be just as many this year when the starting lights turn green on Saturday afternoon (September 21). Visitors to the ADAC 1000 km race will experience a journey back in time to a time-honored era of endurance racing. The 24 kilometers of race track alone offer countless perspectives. And in the paddock, spectators can get very close to the drivers and their machines. The walk through the starting grid, as well as access to the grandstands and the pit roof, is included in the ticket. On Saturday, adults pay 26 euros for an online ticket. Young people under the age of 18 pay 5 euros and children under the age of 14 do not pay admission. Lovers of historic motorsport will also get their money's worth on Sunday (September 22): various regularity and experience races are scheduled - some on the Nordschleife, most on the Grand Prix circuit. If you want to visit both days, you can take advantage of the attractive combined ticket. Disney Channel Join-in Cinema (September 7 & 8) Puzzling, clapping, singing and cheering in the comfort of the Nürburgring cinema: on Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8, little fans of Mickey Mouse & Co. will get their money's worth at the ring°kino. The Disney Channel is once again inviting children all over Germany to join in the fun. The family-friendly screening lasts around an hour. As the animated host, Mickey Mouse will guide cinema-goers through the colorful program and the Nürburgring mascot Legend will also be on hand for souvenir photos. The program is aimed at the youngest viewers of pre-school age (2 - 7 years). Previously unknown episodes of Spidey and his Super Friends, Disney Junior Arielle, Waustelle - alle Pfoten packen an and Bluey provide entertaining movie entertainment. Between the episodes, music videos invite you to dance and sing along. Little quizzes about the Disney Channel pre-school series are also planned. Tickets for the performances on Saturday and Sunday (both at 2 pm) are available online for 5 euros. Nürburgring Drift Cup (September 14 & 15)Smoking tires through the Schumacher-S: Spectators can once again look forward to spectacular high-speed drifts at the next round of the Nürburgring Drift Cup (September 14 & 15) at the Müllenbachschleife. The organizers have announced 89 participants from 19 countries for this year's penultimate meeting. This means that visitors to the Ring will experience a full field of participants. Saturday at the Nürburgring Drift Cup is reserved for the training and qualifying sessions before the decisive battles begin on Sunday. The mode is simple and thrilling at the same time: in the battles, two drivers compete directly against each otherTickets for the Nürburgring Drift Cup are available online for 20 euros, young people pay half price. Entry for the entire weekend costs 35 euros. Events in September 2024: September 6 - 8: Ferrari Racing DaysSeptember 7 & 8: Disney Channel hands-on cinemaSeptember 14 & 15: Nürburgring Drift CupSeptember 21 & 22: ADAC 1000 km raceSeptember 22: RCN & GLP
18.08.2024
Everything you need to know about the DTM from August 16 - 18, 2024. TICKETS Here you will find an overview of the ticket categories. Info: Advance sales continue until August 15, 23:59, after which the box office prices apply. Open box offices: Box office 1 (Historic paddock) Box offices 11 and 11a (Stefan-Bellof-Straße) Box office 12 (Bilstein grandstand T4) Box office 13 (T4) Ticket office 14 (T4a) Ticket office 51 (T12) info°center PARKING Grand Prix circuit A2, A5, A8, A10 B2, B2a, B3, B5 D10, D11 SCHEDULE Click here for the complete race schedule. PROGRAM ON SITE You can find the site plan here. All information for visitors can be found here. DTM Fan Zone The center of the paddock: the DTM Fan Zone. Chill out and enjoy the DTM on a big screen or get an autograph at Meet the Drivers. A visit to the Fan Zone is always worthwhile. Pitwalk Saturday, August 17 from 12:00 - 12:40 p.m. Sunday, August 18 from 12:00 - 12:40 p.m. Award ceremony Saturday, August 17 from 14:30 - 14:45 Sunday, August 18 from 14:30 - 14:45 Meet the Drivers (DTM Fanzone) Saturday, August 17 from 16:15 - 16:45 Autograph session Saturday, August 17 from 14:55 - 15:15 (PSCCD Paddock) Sunday, August 18 from 12:50 - 13:10 (DTM fan zone) DTM Trucks Go & Stop (on the GP track) Saturday, August 17 from 18:30 - 19:30 Sunshine Live After Race Party (in the DTM Fan Zone) Saturday, August 17 from 18:30 - 20:30 German Championship in inclusive e-kart slalom (in the historic paddock) Sunday, August 18 from 09:00 - 16:30 DRIVERS You can find an overview of the DTM startershere here and download the spotter guide here. TIP An additional incentive for motorsport fans to come to the Nürburgring this weekend is the comeback of former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher at the race track. He will be competing together with his son David in the Prototype Cup Germany support series. MEET LEGEND Legend will be on the Nürburgring circuit on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18. Saturday, August 17, 2024 | DTM DTM Fan Zone (Pitwalk) | approx. 11:30 am to approx. 12:00 pm DTM fan zone (autograph session) | approx. 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm ring°boulevard | approx. 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm ring°boulevard | 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. DTM fan zone (autograph session) | 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm Sunday, August 18, 2024 | DTM ring°boulveard | approx. 09:45 am to approx. 10:15 am ring°boulveard | approx. 10:30 am to approx. 11:00 am DTM Fan Zone (Pitwalk) | approx. 11:30 am to 12:00 pm DTM fan zone (autograph session) | approx. 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ring°boulevard | approx. 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm *Subject to change due to weather conditions LIVE Click here to go directly to the livestreams. FAQ If you have any questions, please take a look at our FAQ.
18.08.2024
Veteran driver Maro Engel kept his cool in the second DTM qualifying session at the Nürburgringon Sunday morning and secured his first pole position of the season. In difficult mixed conditions, the Mercedes-AMG driver opted for wet tires and set the fastest lap of 1:33.750 minutes on the 3.629-kilometer Eifel circuit. “We had to wait a long time for this moment as Mercedes-AMG Team Winward. From my point of view, the tire choice was crucial. I said on the radio that I wanted to continue on wet weather tires. That was the right decision. I'm looking forward to the race and hope for dry conditions,” said a delighted Engel, who is in first place on the grid for the third time in his DTM career. Only 0.007 seconds slower was Ricardo Feller from Abt Sportsline, who was also on wet tires in his Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2. Marco Wittmann from Schubert Motorsport, on the other hand, set the third-best time with the Pirelli slicks in his BMW M4 GT3. Luca Stolz drove his HRT Mercedes-AMG GT3 to fourth place, while Mirko Bortolotti, second in the standings, finished the qualifying session in fifth place in the SSR Performance Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2. Abt Sportsline's front-runner Kelvin van der Linde will start Sunday's race at the Nürburgring from seventh place behind Frenchman Franck Perera. On Sunday morning, it did not initially look as if the 20 DTM stars would be able to tackle qualifying at 9:20 am. Typical Eifel fog hung over the traditional circuit, but cleared just in time for the start. Then the tire poker began. On the partly damp track, some drivers opted for slicks, others for the rain tires from Pirelli. The decision was only made shortly before the end: all of the top five drivers set their respective best times in the final seconds of qualifying and were within 0.4 seconds of each other. Due to the different tire strategies, the gaps in the field were much larger than usual in DTM qualifying. Qualifying result, 10th race of the season, Nürburgring Maro Engel (D/Mercedes-AMG Team Winward), 1:33.750 minutesRicardo Feller (CH/Abt Sportsline), +0.007 secondsMarco Wittmann (D/Schubert Motorsport), +0.160 secondsLuca Stolz (D/Mercedes-AMG Team HRT), +0.242 secondsMirko Bortolotti (I/SSR Performance), +0.398 seconds The complete result is available here.
18.08.2024
The Nürburgring experienced a top-class motorsport festival last weekend, which turned into a real family affair. The two van der Linde brothers, Kelvin and Sheldon, each won one of the two DTM races at the weekend. At the same time, father-son duo Ralf and David Schumacher dominated both Prototype Cup Germany races, while 62,500 motorsport fans young and old witnessed the spectacle up close. The focus of the spectators on both race days: the main races of the DTM, which once again impressively demonstrated what makes this series so special. A starting field with 21 drivers and GT3 cars from seven manufacturers, all of whom can fight for points and surprises. This was also confirmed in the races. While Kelvin van der Linde took both pole position and race victory in his ABT Audi on Saturday, Mercedes-AMG driver Maro Engel came out on top in an extremely exciting qualifying session on Sunday. A little later, in the no less thrilling race, the name van der Linde was once again at the top of the podium. This time, however, with the first name Sheldon. Away from the DTM championship, the supporting program offered Nürburgring visitors a special highlight: the racing comeback of Ralf Schumacher. Together with his son David, the former Formula 1 driver competed in the Prototype Cup Germany for his first race in 12 years and celebrated an impressive one-two victory at the guest appearance in the Eifel. The father-son pairing secured pole position on both Saturday and Sunday and went on to win both races in commanding style. For Ralf Schumacher, it was a return to a familiar venue: the now 49-year-old celebrated his victory in the 2003 European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. Last year, he also thrilled the fans at the Red Bull Formula Nürburgring event at the same venue, where he drove demo laps for the spectators in his former Formula 1 car. Meanwhile, the most unusual sight of the weekend was provided by a special fan highlight: the DTM Track Safari. Three coaches took to the track as part of the special DTM session, offering passengers a unique view of the cars. The DTM is the only racing series ever to offer this special, up-close experience. “The DTM celebrated its premiere on the newly opened Grand Prix circuit 40 years ago, and everything came together perfectly again this year,” summarized Nürburgring Managing Director Ingo Böder. “The fact that 62,500 spectators attended this year, around 13,000 more than last year, shows that the DTM is on the right track with its concept and is successfully developing the motorsport format. I think that the Nürburgring once again played its part in an exciting weekend this year and I look forward to welcoming the DTM here again next year.” The ADAC will announce when exactly the DTM will return to the Nürburgring in 2025 when it presents the DTM calendar for next year.
17.08.2024
It was a rain gala from Kelvin van der Linde (ZA). The Audi driver from Abt Sportsline was in a different league to the rest of the field at the ninth round of the DTM season at the Nürburgring on Saturday. The South African crossed the finish line in first place with a lead of over 15 seconds and regained the top spot in the standings with his second win of the season. “Winning the race and taking the overall lead is just great. Sometimes it rained more, sometimes less. It was a big challenge to always hit the right braking points in these changing conditions. But despite the rain, I felt really comfortable in the car from the very first lap,” said the 28-year-old van der Linde. Second place went to Mirko Bortolotti (I), who had been the overall leader up to that point, in the SSR Performance Lamborghini, who is second in the championship, just one point behind. Maro Engel (Monaco) from Mercedes-AMG Team Winward secured third place on the podium. Key facts, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Race 9 of 16 Track length: 3,629 meters Weather: 19 degrees, rain Pole position: Kelvin van der Linde (Abt Sportsline, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2 #3), 1:25.350 minutes Winner: Kelvin van der Linde (Abt Sportsline, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2 #3) Fastest race lap: Kelvin van der Linde (Abt Sportsline, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2 #3), 1:38.011 minutes The ninth DTM race of the season was started behind the safety car in the rain. Pole-setter Kelvin van der Linde immediately pulled away from the field in the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2 and continuously increased his lead. Behind him, Lamborghini works driver Bortolotti was able to defend his second place against Engel in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, who was coming on strongly. His brand colleague Lucas Auer (A) followed in fourth place ahead of Nicki Thiim (DK) from SSR Performance. After the mandatory pit stops, during which all the drivers had Pirelli rain tires fitted again due to the persistent rain, the first four cars held their positions. At the front, van der Linde drove a commanding lead, set the fastest lap shortly before the end and was waved off first after 37 laps ahead of Bortolotti, Engel and Auer. Jack Aitken (GB) in the Ferrari 296 GT3 of the Emil Frey Racing team finished the wet race on the Eifel circuit in fifth place. In the field behind them, the DTM drivers thrilled spectators and fans with fierce wheel-to-wheel duels and many battles for position. Marco Wittmann (GER) from Schubert Motorsport once again showed great fighting spirit and in sixth place in the BMW M4 GT3 made up five places compared to the start. The same applied to Porsche works driver Thomas Preining (A) from Manthey EMA. The defending champion improved by eight positions at his team's home race, impressing with spectacular overtaking maneuvers, especially in the second half of the race, to finish seventh. Thiim was unlucky to lose a lot of ground after contact with Ayhancan Güven (TR) and crossed the finish line in eighth place. Ricardo Feller (CH) in the second Abt Sportsline Audi was unable to finish higher than ninth after a strong start, while Arjun Maini (IND) from Mercedes-AMG Team HRT completed the top ten. Mirko Bortolotti: “Difficult race, great result. That sums up Saturday from my point of view. Kelvin van der Linde was on a completely different level and I couldn't keep up with his pace. Before the start, I would have taken second place immediately in these difficult weather conditions, so I'm very satisfied.” Maro Engel: “It always feels great to be on the podium in the DTM. I tried everything to put pressure on Mirko Bortolotti. Hopefully we can take another step forward on Sunday. You can see from Kelvin van der Linde's times that we still have potential.” Result, 9th championship race, Nürburgring1st Kelvin van der Linde (ZA/Abt Sportsline)2nd Mirko Bortolotti (I/SSR Performance), +15.232 seconds3rd Maro Engel (D/Mercedes-AMG Team Winward), +16.377 seconds4th Lucas Auer (A/Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter), +28.491 seconds5th Jack Aitken (GB/Emil Frey Racing), +30.474 seconds
17.08.2024
The ninth race of the Prototype Cup Germany season, which was held at the Nürburgring, was a clear victory for Ralf (49/Salzburg) and David Schumacher (22/Salzburg, both US Racing). Six-time Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher took the lead at the start and steadily extended his lead on the track, which was still wet in places. “My father has always been strong in the rain,” said David. Ralf, who was already almost five seconds ahead of second place after two laps, also praised his team for this performance. “The car was great and the tires were quickly in the working window, so it wasn't that difficult to pull away from the front.” David completed the job with an equally good second stint and drove the US Racing Ligier to the finish line with a lead of almost 17 seconds over Keanu Al Azhari (16/UAE, Mühlner Motorsport). Julien Apothéloz (23/CHE) and Riccardo Leone Cirelli (16/ITA, both BWT Mücke Motorsport) took third place. Right from the first meter, Ralf Schumacher showed that he is highly motivated on his motorsport comeback after a twelve-year break. He took the lead at the start and pulled away from the field seemingly effortlessly. He saw a potential risk more at the pit stop. “A few mistakes can happen there, which can also hurt. But we also managed the pit stop very well.” For part two of the race, David Schumacher drove the LMP3 car with starting number 27. “The track was already drier for me than it was for my father, so it wasn't a problem. My father was able to give me a good lead, which I had to bring to the finish.” Second place remained for Al Azhari, for which the 16-year-old had to work hard. He was in fifth place after one lap, but then benefited from a penalty against Danny Soufi (21/USA, Konrad Motorsport). The American was identified by race control as the culprit in an accident with Antti Rammo (41/EST, MRS GT-Racing) and was handed a drive-through penalty. Valentino Catalano (18/Westheim, Gebhardt Motorsport) and Apothéloz overtook Al Azhari shortly afterwards to secure second position. While Al Azhari had a lot of work to do, especially in the first half of the race, Cirelli had to give his all in the second half. He got the Mücke-Duqueine from Apothéloz and found himself under constant pressure from Markus Pommer (33/Untereisesheim, Gebhardt Motorsport). But the 16-year-old Italian made no mistakes, so that the reigning champion Pommer could not find a way past and, together with team partner Catalano, ultimately had to settle for fourth place. Klaus Abbelen (63, Barweiler) and Felipe Laser (36, Leipzig, both Frikadelli Racing Team) finished fifth. Laser impressed with a great chase to catch up and thus helped to ensure that Abbelen was named best Trophy driver. Soufi and Torsten Kratz (53/Mönchengladbach, Konrad Motorsport) crossed the finish line in sixth place ahead of Stefan Aust (52/Münster, Rinaldi Racing), Maxim Dirickx (20/BEL) / Jacob Erlbacher (23/Böblingen, both Gebhardt Motorsport) and Luca Link (20/Günzberg) / Suellio Almeida (30/BRA, both DataLab Sports with Rinaldi). Soufi and Kratz thus remain leaders of the Prototype Cup Germany standings, with an 18-point lead over Apothéloz and Cirelli. In the Junior classification, Soufi now has a 118-point advantage over Catalano; this means that the Konrad Motorsport protégé can no longer be denied the title of best Junior. In the Trophy classification, leader Rammo was able to maintain a narrow lead over Kratz despite his retirement. Keanu Al Azhari (second): “My start was not good because the track was still very wet in places. I didn't find the best line, but I didn't want to take too many risks either. So I lost a few places. But I stayed calm because I knew that the race was still long and my car was really fast.”Julien Apothéloz (third): “The positive thing is that we were able to score important points and, above all, finish ahead of our main rivals for the title. On the other hand, I wasn't entirely satisfied with my own performance, I was simply too slow.” Riccardo Leone Cirelli (third): “I'm delighted with our third place, which wasn't easy to achieve. I had Markus Pommer in my rear-view mirror the whole time and had to make sure that he didn't overtake me - which fortunately I managed to do. This weekend is my first time at the Nürburgring and I think I've improved over the days. I also think it's cool to be on the podium together with a well-known racing driver like Ralf Schumacher.” Click here for the results list of the Prototype Cup Germany.
