15.09.2026
Rock am Ring and Rock im Park are continuing their success story. After both festivals were completely sold out over the past two years, advance ticket sales for 2027 are also reaching record levels: more than 100,000 weekend tickets have already been sold, of which over 60,000 are for Rock am Ring and more than 40,000 for Rock im Park. Demand for Germany’s biggest festivals has never been this high. For decades, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park have been synonymous with unforgettable festival moments. Generations of music fans have forged friendships here, experienced legendary concerts and created memories that will last a lifetime. Today, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park are jointly enjoying the most successful advance ticket sales in their history. The next milestone comes today with the first major wave of band announcements. Alongside the previously confirmed headliner, blink-182, Die Toten Hosen and Bring Me The Horizon are now joining the top of the line-up. They are joined by Faith No More, Parkway Drive, Billy Talent, Evanescence, Turnstile, Falling In Reverse, The Prodigy and numerous other top acts. At the same time, limited-edition day tickets for Rock im Park are now on sale. Rock am Ring, on the other hand, will continue to offer weekend tickets exclusively in 2027. Weekend tickets, as well as upgrade, premium camping and VIP packages, remain available. Three headliners. Three generations. One festival weekend. With Die Toten Hosen, blink-182 and Bring Me The Horizon, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park are presenting three bands that have shaped the sound of their respective generations – and continue to do so to this day. A reunion that has made festival history – and continues to do so When Die Toten Hosen take to the stage at Rock am Ring for the tenth time and at Rock im Park for the ninth time in 2027, it will be far more than just another festival performance. Since the early 1990s, the band and the two festivals have shared a unique history, marked by legendary concerts, unforgettable nights and generations of fans. Die Toten Hosen are bringing with them ‘Trink aus, wir müssen gehen’, the final studio album of their career. Instead of grand farewell gestures, the band is staying true to itself: full of energy, full of enthusiasm for playing, and with the attitude of performing every evening as if there were no tomorrow. Campino says: “Rock am Ring and Rock im Park have been an integral part of Die Toten Hosen’s history ever since we were first invited to play there in the 90s. Here we’ve fought legendary battles, partied wildly, torn ligaments, made friends and woken up in strangers’ beds and tents more than once. These twin festivals hold a place of honour in our hearts and we’re delighted that we can pop by to see them one last time as we head into the home stretch.” Matt Schwarz, organiser of Rock am Ring and Rock im Park: “The fact that, following two completely sold-out festival years, more than 100,000 people have already placed their trust in us for 2027 fills us with immense gratitude. Rock am Ring and Rock im Park thrive on their unique community. Together with our fans and these extraordinary artists, we want to write the next chapter in Rock am Ring and Rock im Park history in 2027.” Rock history meets the present Rock am Ring and Rock im Park have always been synonymous with the bands that define their era. In 2027, icons, returning acts and the most important acts of a new generation will come together – a line-up that combines four decades of rock history with the most exciting developments of the present day. One of the most spectacular moments of the festival weekend is likely to be the return of Faith No More. Twelve years after their last performance in Germany to date, one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history is returning exclusively to Rock am Ring and Rock im Park. With Mike Patton’s unmistakable voice, their style-defining blend of rock, metal, funk and alternative, and countless classics, the band has influenced generations of musicians and long since cemented its place as one of the most influential groups in rock music. Mike Patton says: “What can I say – the last time we saw our friends from Die Toten Hosen was over 13 years ago, in Argentina. We’d be delighted just to see them again… but if that means performing together at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, then there’s hardly a better opportunity to celebrate the good times.” At the same time, Bring Me The Horizon – a band that has defined the sound of a new generation – will headline the festival. Hardly any other act has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music in recent years quite like the British band led by Oli Sykes. With every release and every tour, they push the boundaries of what modern rock music can be today. Blending metal, alternative, electronic and pop, they have created their very own style and, with sold-out arena and stadium tours and spectacular festival shows, have established themselves worldwide as one of the greatest rock acts of our time. The line-up offers a cross-section of the international rock and metal scene. Parkway Drive have emerged from the Australian metal scene to become one of the world’s biggest metal bands and are returning with new music and their globally acclaimed live show. They have long been at the very forefront of modern metal. The Prodigy also add a special highlight. For more than three decades, they have been blurring the boundaries between electronic music and rock, and their uncompromising live energy makes them one of the most extraordinary festival bands of all time. Billy Talent have been among the most popular bands with Rock am Ring and Rock im Park audiences for years and are currently working in the studio on their next album. With their return, they are opening the next chapter in their long-standing festival history. Following their sold-out arena tour, Evanescence, fronted by Amy Lee, are celebrating their return to the big festival stages. With Turnstile, the festival is presenting one of the world’s most exciting guitar bands of the moment. The Americans epitomise the creative breakthrough of a new generation and blend hardcore, punk, alternative and indie with an ease that has earned them worldwide acclaim. Falling In Reverse are among the most successful modern rock acts of recent years and, alongside Motionless In White, Bullet For My Valentine, Lorna Shore, I Prevail, Nothing But Thieves, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Imminence, Orbit Culture, Beartooth, Bad Religion, Simple Plan, Donots, Poppy, Trailerpark and Ski Aggu, epitomise the stylistic diversity of the line-up. Together, they form a line-up that once again positions Rock am Ring and Rock im Park as the meeting place for the biggest names and most exciting developments in international rock music. The story continues With the first major wave of bands announced, the line-up for 2027 is far from complete. Further artists will be announced in the coming months.
15.09.2026
The ring°werk at the Nürburgring is being reoriented and will in future be operated as a multifunctional building. Alongside the existing ring°kino, a newly designed museum area is to be created. At the same time, the majority of the building’s floor space will be transformed into a modern technology and development area for the automotive industry. Xiaomi has now been confirmed as the first company to adopt this new concept. The international technology and automotive group is the Nürburgring’s official automotive partner and will now establish its own premises within the ring°werk. A second space is earmarked for another company from the automotive sector. The Nürburgring is thus pursuing a hybrid usage concept for the ring°werk: around two-thirds of the building’s floor space will be used for industrial purposes in future, whilst the ring°werk will remain open to the public with its range of experiences. Depending on the tenant’s usage concept, visitors will be able to access exhibition spaces and showrooms and gain a glimpse into development areas through glass fronts.“We are deliberately transforming the ring°werk into a multifunctional building and creating a platform that combines industry, innovation and the visitor experience,” explains Nürburgring Managing Director Christian Stephani. “Situated directly on the start-and-finish straight and in the immediate vicinity of the ring°boulevard, it remains a venue for visitors and motorsport fans – whilst at the same time taking on a new role as a forward-looking location for companies in the automotive industry. With Xiaomi as our first tenant, we are consistently building on a relationship that has grown over recent months through intensive test and development runs, record-breaking laps on the Nordschleife and a promotional presence at the circuit. At the same time, this ensures that the ring°werk concept is sustainably underpinned by several pillars, in line with our overall strategy.” “The Nürburgring is an important development and communications hub for us. The intensive testing and development work over recent months has led to successful record-breaking laps on the Nordschleife, thereby helping to attract international attention to our products,” says Rudolf Dittrich, General Manager of the Xiaomi Europe R&D and Design Centre at Xiaomi Auto. “With our location right next to the Grand Prix circuit, we are bringing together development, technology and brand presence in a venue steeped in tradition. The Nürburgring is therefore a valuable location for us and strengthens our presence in the heart of Europe.” Direct access to the circuit and customisable spacesWith Xiaomi’s move-in, the first of the two planned industrial areas at ring°werk has been allocated. This leaves the opportunity for another company from the automotive sector to move into the second area at the Nürburgring. The spaces earmarked for this purpose can – as with Xiaomi – be designed to meet the individual requirements of the future tenant, ranging from workshop and development areas to offices, presentation rooms or functional spaces. Direct access to the Grand Prix circuit is already in place. This was created by the Nürburgring operators as part of the reorganisation of ring°werk through extensive external works along the building. Consequently, the second rental area also offers short distances and a direct connection to the circuit – particularly for companies wishing to use the Nürburgring for testing, development and presentation purposes. Construction work on Xiaomi’s premises has already begun and is being completed in stages. At the same time, the Nürburgring is holding talks with other prospective tenants for the second let-out area within the technology and development section of the ring°werk.
13.09.2026
After the razor-thin photo finish the day before, Falken Motorsports struck back at the 66th ADAC ACAS Cup (NLS9) on Sunday. In sometimes difficult weather conditions, Tim Heinemann and Morris Schuring celebrated overall victory in the Porsche 911 GT3 R after starting from pole position. Directly behind them, Nico Menzel and Flynt Schuring secured a dominant one-two finish for Sven Schnabel’s team in the sister car. An all-Porsche podium was completed by Patrick Assenheimer, Tobias Müller and Dylan Pereira in the Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO of 48 LOSCH Motorsport by BLACK FALCON (#48), who secured victory in the SP9 Pro-Am category despite a turbulent race. Qualifying decided by the smallest of margins and drama at the startThe drivers already left nothing to chance in qualifying. Pole-sitter Heinemann described his lap after qualifying as a “perfect lap”, the kind rarely experienced in motorsport. However, the competition was close behind: Tobias Müller in the BLACK FALCON Porsche was just 0.020 seconds slower. The top four cars were covered by only 0.460 seconds. Drama erupted immediately at the flying start in the AMG Arena. The previous day’s winner Ugo de Wilde (Schubert BMW) tried to squeeze past Nico Menzel on the inside. Following slight contact, Menzel was forced wide before the BMW was struck shortly afterwards by Daan Arrow and dropped far down the order. On lap eight, the Schubert BMW’s race eventually came to an early end following an accident at Brünnchen. Tyre gamble, scary moments and wild spins As rain arrived in the Eifel, the race developed into a nerve-racking strategic roulette between slicks and wet tyres. For the BLACK FALCON trio, the race became a complete rollercoaster. First, Tobias Müller overlooked a Code 60 board and drove into Thomas Schönfeld’s VW Golf GTI, resulting in a bent wheel and a later drive-through penalty. Shortly afterwards came the scare of the day when Müller spun in the ultra-fast “Mut-Kurve” on the wet track and somehow managed to catch the car without touching the barriers. “The spin, the drive-through penalty and so on – I think we can be super proud to be standing on the overall podium here,” Müller said with relief at the finish. Patrick Assenheimer added on the team’s strategy: “We managed it quite well by stopping earlier when the conditions simply became too bad for slick tyres.” Charge through the rain and a family celebration for the SchuringsMeanwhile, a brotherly battle developed at the front: Morris Schuring temporarily led the field ahead of his younger brother Flynt. For GT3 debutant Flynt, it was a true baptism of fire: “My first GT3 weekend, on the Nordschleife, and then in a race like this with slicks in the rain. It was super difficult, but I’m really happy.” From the pit lane, father Gerwin Schuring, himself a former Nürburgring overall winner, proudly watched his sons secure the one-two finish. Race winner Morris Schuring beamed after taking the chequered flag: “I was already happy just watching from the pit lane, but I always had confidence in Tim. Everything feels so normal right now, but maybe in two or three weeks we’ll look back and think: that was actually pretty cool.” “Driving a motorboat” in the Eifel and the heroes of the dayIn the final laps, the circuit turned into a series of lakes. Breidscheid, Fuchsröhre and Schwedenkreuz became extremely slippery. “Exciting is a huge understatement,” reported winner Heinemann. “I’ve never experienced conditions this bad before. Aquaplaning in every corner, on every straight. I’m really happy we got through it without damage.” Runner-up Menzel also breathed a sigh of relief: “At the end it was almost like driving a motorboat. So much aquaplaning, a few heart attacks along the way, but we managed it quite well.” The “Driver of the Day” trophy went to Moritz Oberheim (#962 AVIA W&S Motorsport). After being forced to sit out Saturday following a qualifying accident, he celebrated a triumphant return on Sunday with pole position, a lights-to-flag victory in CUP3 and the award from the ILN, race control and the TV commentators: “It means a great deal to me. I know there are a lot of great drivers out there. Today was actually a very good day and it’s an honour to receive this trophy.” Title fight postponed: first scoreless result for the championship leadersThe race also developed dramatically in terms of the overall NLS standings. The previously dominant Adrenalin trio of Edoardo Bugane, Yannick Fübrich and Sven Markert was forced to retire its BMW M240i due to a technical issue and the car had to be recovered. It was the championship leaders’ very first scoreless result of the season. Their rivals took full advantage of the opportunity: Although Alexander Fielenbach and Oskar Sandberg in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS missed out on victory in CUP3 to Moritz Oberheim and Lorenz Stegmann, second place still earned valuable points. As a result, Fielenbach and Sandberg have reduced the gap at the top of the standings to just four points. The picture has also changed in the 2026 Production Car Trophy following the intense double-header. Piet-Jan Ooms and Ionuc Catalin Timis in the Toyota Supra (SRS Team Sorg Rennsport) and the trio of Philipp Leisen, Philipp Stahlschmidt and Daniel Zils in the BMW 330i (Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhattan Wheels) arrived in the Eifel tied on points in the VT2-RWD class. After hard-fought battles on both race days, Ooms and Timis crowned their weekend on Sunday with a class victory ahead of their Adrenalin rivals, who had to settle for second place. Thanks to this success, the Sorg duo now holds sole possession of the championship lead in the Production Car Trophy and will head to the season finale in October with a four-point advantage. The fight for the NLS crown will therefore be decided at the season finale on 10 October 2026. At the 2nd NLS Sportwarte Trophy (4h), the final victory of the season will be contested and the new champion crowned. Fans should not miss the season finale: Tickets for the decisive race day are available from €25 (children up to and including the age of 14 are admitted free of charge) via VLN.de/tickets and at the circuit ticket offices. As usual, admission includes access to the grandstands, paddock, pit lane, grid walk as well as the popular spectator areas at Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten.
12.09.2026
The 65th ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen delivered four hours of top-class endurance racing for fans at the Nürburgring Nordschleife and culminated in a dramatic finish. After completing 27 laps, Schubert Motorsport claimed overall victory in round eight of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Jens Klingmann, Jordan Pepper and Ugo de Wilde crossed the finish line in their BMW M4 GT3 EVO with a razor-thin advantage of just 0.308 seconds. Tim Heinemann and Morris Schuring secured second place in the Falken Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R, while Dominik and Marcel Fugel, together with Benjamin Leuchter, completed the overall podium for Max Kruse Racing in the Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II. Their third-place finish was a historic achievement. In addition to a commanding victory in the AT 1 class, the trio became the first team ever to claim an overall podium finish with a GT3 car powered by E20 fuel. Qualifying once again highlighted the exceptional competitiveness of the series. The top twelve cars were separated by just ten seconds. Pole position went to Antal Zsigo, Moritz Kranz and David Jahn in the Gamota Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO with a lap time of 7:53.343 minutes. Dunlop Motorsport faced a setback after Nico Menzel and Flynt Schuring were demoted from eighth to eleventh on the grid following a collision early in qualifying. Nevertheless, they produced an impressive recovery drive to finish fifth overall, behind the fourth-placed Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL. Strategic Pit Stops and Changing Race LeadersThe fight for victory remained wide open throughout all 27 laps. Immediately after the start, Jordan Pepper took the lead for Schubert Motorsport in the AMG Arena, overtaking the pole-sitting Gamota BMW. During the opening stages of the race, the two BMWs exchanged positions in a series of thrilling battles, including a bold overtaking manoeuvre at Schwedenkreuz. Different pit stop strategies ensured that the overall lead changed hands several times throughout the race. Max Kruse Racing's Audi R8, which eventually finished third, temporarily led the field thanks to extended first and third stints. Reflecting on the historic result, Benjamin Leuchter said: “This is huge for us. We are the first AT GT3 car to stand on the overall podium in a field featuring 27 GT3 cars. That makes us incredibly proud, and I’m simply happy that things finally came together for us without any bad luck.” His teammates Marcel and Dominik Fugel were equally delighted: “The three of us really delivered today. Considering that this is not our full-time profession, it wasn't too bad at all.” Following the first round of pit stops, Falken Motorsports moved into the lead and later returned to the front once again. Morris Schuring reflected on the close battle: “That was great racing. I lost a little time while lapping an Aston Martin, which may have made the difference, but it was a lot of fun.” Tim Heinemann added:“That was exactly the kind of racing the fans want to see: close and hard-fought. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough for us in the end, but we're still very satisfied.” Early drama struck in the AMG Arena when the Haupt Racing Team Ford Mustang GT3 of Vincent Kolb and Frank Stippler collided with the BLACK FALCON Team EAE Porsche 911 GT3 R driven by Daan Arrow, Mustafa Mehmet Kaya and Mike Stursberg. Despite a spin, the BLACK FALCON Team EAE car fought back to secure a commanding SP9 Am class victory and finish eleventh overall. The Mustang was forced to retire. Meanwhile, 48 LOSCH Motorsport by BLACK FALCON celebrated victory in the SP9 Pro-Am class with Patrick Assenheimer, Tobias Müller and Dylan Pereira in their Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO, finishing sixth overall. The battle for overall victory was ultimately decided after the final pit stop cycle, when Schubert Motorsport regained the lead on lap 24. During the closing laps, Heinemann and Schuring put relentless pressure on the leading BMW and remained within striking distance until the chequered flag. Schubert Motorsport held firm, however, crossing the finish line 0.308 seconds ahead after four hours of racing. Race winner Jens Klingmann summed it up perfectly: “That was motorsport at its very best, exactly what we as drivers want and what the fans want to see. At NLS6 we lost by two tenths of a second, and today we won. On the Döttinger Höhe I felt fairly confident, but traffic made it incredibly close again. That makes this victory all the more rewarding.” The Oschersleben-based team had even more reason to celebrate on Saturday, as Marco Wittmann claimed victory in the first DTM race at the Sachsenring in a BMW M4 GT3. Photo Finish in the BMW M2 Class and Success in the Cup CategoriesThe excitement was not limited to the battle for overall victory. The BMW M2 class also produced a dramatic photo finish. After four hours of racing, Ranko Mijatovic secured victory for Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport in the BMW M2 Racing, edging out Marc David Müller and Henrik Seibel by just 0.352 seconds. In the highly competitive CUP2 class for Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, BLACK FALCON Team ZIMMERMANN dominated proceedings. Alexander Hardt, Benjamin Hites and Benjamin Koslowski claimed class victory and finished an impressive 13th overall. Championship Fight Remains Wide OpenThe leading title contenders continued to match each other blow for blow. Edoardo Bugane, Yannick Fübrich and Sven Markert extended their perfect season record by securing another class victory for Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhattan Wheels in the BMW M240i Racing Cup. However, their closest rivals, Alexander Fielenbach and Oskar Sandberg, also delivered a flawless performance by winning the CUP3 class for Smyrlis Racing in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS. With both title contenders scoring maximum points, the championship standings remain unchanged at the top. Straight Back Into ActionTeams and drivers will not have much time to recover, as the 66th ADAC ACAS Cup takes place tomorrow. Fans attending the event can once again look forward to a full day of Nordschleife action. Tickets are available for €25 per day, with free admission for children up to and including the age of 14. Tickets grant access to the grandstands, paddock, pit lane, starting grid, and the popular spectator areas at Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten. Sunday's schedule mirrors Saturday's programme. Qualifying begins at 08:30, followed by the Pit Walk at 10:20 and the Grid Walk at 11:10, before the four-hour race gets underway at 12:00. Fans watching from home can follow all the action from 08:15 via the livestream on VLN.de or tune in to “Radio Nürburgring” on rpr1.de and via the RPR1 app.
10.09.2026
The ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie is entering the final stretch of the season and has a very special highlight in store for motorsport fans: an action-packed double-header on the legendary Nordschleife next weekend (12 and 13 September). As late summer settles over the forests of the Eifel, races eight and nine of the championship will raise the stakes significantly. With the 65th ADAC Reinoldus Endurance Race on Saturday and the 66th ADAC ACAS Cup on Sunday, drivers will face two four-hour races that could have a major impact on the title fight. Tickets for the motorsport festival are available from €25 per day at VLN.de/tickets, while children up to and including the age of 14 enjoy free admission. Fans unable to attend in person can follow all the action free of charge via the livestream on VLN.de from 08:15 on both days, with race starts scheduled for 12:00. One of the most emotional stories in the paddock belongs to Dutch driver Loek Hartog. Just a few days ago, the 23-year-old became an internationally celebrated hero during a China GT race in Shanghai. When rival Ollie Millroy’s car caught fire following an accident, Hartog did not hesitate. He stopped at the scene, grabbed a fire extinguisher and helped rescue the injured Briton from the burning vehicle. Following this courageous act, Hartog now returns his focus to competition. This weekend in the Eifel, he will drive for Dinamic GT, sharing the No. 54 Porsche 911 GT3 R with Danish driver Michael Klitgaard Christensen. Star Power and Maximum Performance in the Fight for Overall VictoryThe entry list for the championship finale is both strong and diverse, featuring 136 cars from 14 different manufacturers. The top categories in particular promise exceptionally close competition. Alongside the 22 GT3 cars entered in the SP9 class, four high-profile cars from the AT 1 class for alternative fuels will also compete. As both categories operate at a similar technical and performance level, the number of contenders for overall victory rises to 26 cars. The premier class boasts impressive manufacturer diversity, with seven brands competing for victory in the Eifel: Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Aston Martin, Ford and Lamborghini. As a result, the field is packed with top-level teams. Schubert Motorsport enters with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, while Haupt Racing Team fields the Ford Mustang GT3. KCMG brings a Mercedes-AMG GT3 driven by Le Mans winner Kamui Kobayashi. Additional front-running entries include Falken Motorsports and Dinamic GT with Porsche machinery, Walkenhorst and PROsport with Aston Martin, and Renazzo Motorsport with Lamborghini. Adding further excitement, Max Kruse Racing will compete not only with a VW Golf GTI driven by the former German international footballer himself, but also with three Audi R8 LMS GT3 entries in the AT 1 category. Double Points Opportunity Intensifies Title BattleWith two races taking place on consecutive days, the championship contenders face a crucial weekend. As all rounds count toward the final standings this season and there are no dropped scores, every point is valuable. Leading the overall standings are Edoardo Bugane, Yannick Fübrich and Sven Markert with 79 points. Driving for Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhattan Wheels in the BMW M240i Racing Cup, the trio has enjoyed a flawless season so far, winning every race in their class. Their closest challengers are Alexander Fielenbach and Oskar Sandberg, who occupy second place on 64 points in the Smyrlis Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS. A costly retirement earlier this season has left them trailing, but they remain within striking distance. In third place are PROsport racing drivers Anton Abée, Yannik Himmels and Jörg Viebahn in the Mercedes-AMG GT4, with 56 points. In the prestigious NLS Speed Trophy, Schubert Motorsport sets the benchmark, leading with an impressive 121 points in the BMW M4 GT3 Evo. Team 48 LOSCH Motorsport by BLACK FALCON follows with 75 points in the Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo, while Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol currently occupies third place with 60 points. The battle for the Junior Trophy is equally intense. Raphael Rennhofer (Team LIQUI MOLY by BLACK FALCON, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup) leads with 55 points, holding a ten-point advantage over Tim Lukas Müller, who has already concluded his season early. Behind them, Ryan Harrison, Leon Wassertheurer and Santiago Baztarrica are tied on 40 points each. However, Harrison and Wassertheurer share Rennhofer’s Porsche cockpit and are therefore unable to gain points directly against him. This leaves Santiago Baztarrica (Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhattan Wheels, BMW M2 Racing) with the strongest opportunity to close the gap during the double-header, as he is the only active challenger competing independently this weekend. Tickets cost €25 per day, with free admission for children up to and including the age of 14. They are available via VLN.de/tickets and at the circuit's ticket offices. Admission includes unrestricted access to all open grandstands on the Grand Prix circuit, the popular spectator areas at Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten, as well as the paddock, pit lane and starting grid. The timetable offers a full day of Nordschleife action on both Saturday and Sunday. Qualifying sessions take place from 08:30 to 10:00 each morning. Fans can then enjoy the Pit Walk from 10:20 in the pit lane, followed by the Grid Walk from 11:10, providing an excellent opportunity to get up close to the cars and drivers. Both four-hour races will start punctually at 12:00. Those unable to attend can tune into the official livestream on VLN.de from 08:15 or follow the action via “Radio Nürburgring” on rpr1.de and in the RPR1 app.
09.09.2026
Excitement, thrills and perfect weather conditions – the Nürburgring Drift Cup 2026 offered all of this. Under a brilliant blue sky, the drivers shrouded the famous Müllbachschleife in thick tyre smoke one last time this year. At the end of a thrilling weekend, Roene Zwanenburg (PRO) and Janis Spohner (OPEN) triumphed in the day’s class standings, whilst Zwanenburg and Cedric Luyckx claimed the coveted championship titles. In the PRO class in particular, the composition of the championship podium remained in the balance right up to the very last second. Dylan Mougenot and Niels Visser finished the season level on points, with Visser being awarded second place in the overall standings as he had won one race during the season. However, it was Roene Zwanenburg who stood at the very top of the podium, having undergone a remarkable development. “We had a few difficulties in the competition last year, but still managed to secure third place overall,” explained the newly crowned champion. “This year, we’ve been continuously improving the car. Yesterday, we were still tinkering with the gearbox until four in the morning to get it ready for the event. The team gave it their all during night shifts to find even more grip. Today, the car was set up absolutely perfectly.” The road to the PRO title: Zwanenburg dominates in the BMWZwanenburg capped off his championship with a magnificent victory at the season finale. In his striking, 650 PS BMW E46, he already demonstrated nerves of steel during qualifying. In the round of the top 32, he comfortably beat Steve Rinsoz before facing Janis Spohner in the round of 16, who had bravely competed in both classes that weekend. Spohner, who was leading the duel, made a mistake in the hairpin and knocked over a cone. In the following run, he made slight contact with Zwanenburg due to an unfavourable angle, which paved the way for the Dutchman to reach the top 8. There, Zwanenburg benefited from his opponent Gregoire Du Pasquier spinning out, before facing Kenneth Konz and his brutal 1,400 PS Mazda MX5 LSX Turbo in the semi-finals. Whilst Zwanenburg hit his line flawlessly, Konz ended up in the gravel trap on the approach to the roundabout. In the subsequent battle for third place, Konz was ultimately beaten by Hendrickx Kain. Awaiting him in the grand final was Jan-Eric Seeber, who lined up in his eye-catching ‘sabre-toothed tiger’ wrap. Seeber literally had a tough time against Zwanenburg. After Seeber briefly left the track at the Goodyear bend, clutch failure ultimately forced him to retire early. However, Zwanenburg was not about to send the fans at the Nürburgring into the winter break with a final race lacking in competition. He delivered a spectacular, smoke-filled solo lap with maximum drift angle, which left the crowd in awe. Seeber, who finished the race despite the technical failure, remained positive nonetheless: “For me, it was the first race this year with the new car,” he summed up contentedly. “It was a great first outing. The fact that we lost the clutch in the final just shows that we still need to do a bit of fine-tuning. However, being named the most exciting driver is a bit of a balm for my soul.” OPEN class: Spohner’s test run ends in victoryIn the OPEN class, Spohner caused a sensation. He hadn’t actually planned to compete in both categories again after the second race of the season, but he decided to take part in the Nürburgring Drift Cup. “It was the last race of the season and we’d made a lot of changes to the car,” the German explained his decision. “I simply wanted to test the car under competitive conditions one last time before the next season. All in all, it was absolutely the right decision and it was a massive amount of fun.” On his way to the final, Spohner benefited from his consistency. In the semi-final, Kevin Paefgen engaged in a fierce duel with him. Paefgen produced the best chase run of the weekend in the CLUB category. Nevertheless, Spohner progressed to the final, whilst Paefgen successfully prevailed against Jan Gerrit Toonen in the third-place play-off to secure a place on the podium. The final between Spohner and his opponent Randy Congedo really put the judges through their paces. Judge Jo Lammens could hardly stay in his seat. In the end, Spohner was declared the winner on the basis of his better lead run, as Tiziano Colpaert explained. Although the German won the final weekend, the applause for the entire season went to Luyckx in his spectacular BMW 130 “Diesellok”. Although he was forced to retire in the top 16 of the final due to massive technical problems, his points lead was enough to secure the championship title. “We had too much back pressure in the cylinder head and, to top it all, the gearbox failed as well,” said Luyckx, offering a level-headed analysis of his misfortune on the final day. However, his delight at the overall victory far outweighed this: “I’m over the moon. Ten years ago I dreamed of this; now I’ve been competing in the championship for two years and have clinched the title straight away. It’s a fantastic feeling.” A positive assessment from the organiserOrganiser Andy Jaenen also gave an extremely positive assessment of the 2026 season: “I’m incredibly satisfied with the standard of driving. We’ve seen some fantastic head-to-head battles. We slightly modified the track layout for the last two rounds, which worked wonderfully and made the show even better. I’m particularly pleased that more and more spectators are finding their way to our events. That shows us we’re on the right track.” The 2026 Nürburgring Drift Cup is now in the books, but the promoter, Skylimit Events, will not be taking a break. This autumn and winter, Jaenen and his team will be preparing for the 2027 season, in which the legendary Nürburgring will once again be transformed into one of Europe’s most spectacular drift arenas.
08.09.2026
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has once again recognised the environmental strategy of the Nürburgring’s operating company and extended its two-star environmental accreditation until July 2028. This means the Nürburgring remains part of an exclusive group of racetracks worldwide that have been recognised by the FIA for their verified environmental and energy management. Numerous concrete projects demonstrate the forward-thinking approach taken at the world’s longest permanent race track: from large-scale photovoltaic systems, sustainable merchandise and efficient water use to forestry and comprehensive noise protection measures around the circuit. As early as the mid-1990s, the Nürburgring took on a pioneering role worldwide in addressing environmental concerns within motorsport. At that time, an advanced environmental management system was established and certified in accordance with the EC Eco-Audit Regulation. This was followed in the late 1990s by the international ‘Environment Award’. This approach has been consistently pursued to this day: since 2022, the Nürburgring has been environmentally certified by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and regularly undergoes rigorous audits by independent auditors. The FIA Environmental Accreditation Framework is regarded globally as one of the strictest environmental standards in the sports and events sector. It covers, amongst other things, factors such as CO₂ emissions, noise protection, biodiversity, waste and water management, as well as contracts, procurement and logistics. “Receiving this award from the FIA once again is a testament to the path the Nürburgring has been consistently following for decades,” says Christian Stephani, Managing Director of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. “We regularly demonstrate that it is possible to operate a versatile race track and event venue in a future-proof manner whilst simultaneously championing environmental causes.” For visitors, local residents and the flora and fauna, the results of this environmental management are evident in numerous concrete projects, both large and small. Solar power and smart energy management:The Nürburgring is committed to clean energy and systematic energy management. This is certified by TÜV in accordance with ISO 50001:2018 – an internationally recognised standard for the continuous improvement of energy efficiency. The aim is to record energy consumption transparently, identify potential savings and thereby reduce CO₂ emissions in a sustainable manner. One key element is the increasing digitalisation of consumption monitoring. In various high-traffic buildings, meter readings for water, heating and cooling can already be digitally recorded and analysed. This allows for better analysis of consumption trends and peak loads, as well as comparisons between, for example, different events, seasons or the same periods in previous years. The data obtained thus forms an important basis for further optimising energy and resource consumption in a targeted manner. Meanwhile, the Nürburgring has also become a major producer of green electricity in its own right. Most recently, a total of 510 photovoltaic modules were installed across the entire T13 grandstand. With this new installation, the Nürburgring now has around 20,000 square metres of its own photovoltaic capacity. Large systems had already been successfully connected to the grid on the roofs around the start-finish straight – on the ring°werk and the BMW M POWER grandstand. In total, the Nürburgring thus generates around 1.4 million kWh of sustainable electricity per year. Depending on demand, the electricity generated is used entirely to power the Nürburgring’s operations. Any additional electricity required is sourced 100 per cent from renewable energy sources. Along the Nordschleife, self-sufficient solar containers also supply power to the camera equipment and LED panels used for the AI-supported track safety system. Together with the expansion of high-performance electric fast-charging points, these various measures are helping to further reduce the Nürburgring’s carbon footprint. In-house forestry and consistent noise monitoring:Since 2001, a comprehensive noise abatement plan with tailored measures has ensured that noise emissions at the Nürburgring are reduced. A key component of this is permanent digital noise monitoring. The noise levels of vehicles on the race track are continuously monitored in real time. All data from the noise monitoring and emissions measurements are also analysed by an independent expert consultancy. Clear guidelines apply to driving on the track: anyone exceeding the prescribed noise limits must leave the track immediately.The operating company also takes responsibility off the track: the Nürburgring manages 154 hectares of woodland in accordance with the strict PEFC standard. This involves climate-adapted, sustainable forest management without clear-cutting and with a clear focus on biodiversity. Circular economy, water efficiency and sustainable fan merchandise:The conservation of natural resources also plays an important role in event operations. An established cup deposit scheme ensures that drink cups can be reused time and again. This saves around two million single-use cups per season. In collaboration with the waste management company REMONDIS, waste generated is also returned to the economic cycle through recycling, reuse or energy recovery. The Nürburgring also relies on efficient solutions when it comes to water consumption. Water-saving sanitary facilities are used, amongst other places, in heavily frequented buildings and in the Grand Prix paddock. Some of the rainwater collected is used to flush toilets in the area around the Main Stand and the ring°boulevard.At major events, modern sanitary camps featuring vacuum technology are also deployed. This technology can reduce water consumption by up to 90 per cent. In addition, greywater from showers and washbasins can be reused to flush the vacuum toilets. Sustainability also plays an important role in fan merchandise: around half of the entire range of merchandise in the official Nürburgring shop – from T-shirts to hoodies – is already produced in accordance with recognised sustainability standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®. Graphic: FIA
06.09.2026
Just over three weeks ago, Twan Smits hadn’t even managed a pole position. Now he has secured his fourth consecutive victory at the Öhlins EURO MOTO event at the Nürburgring. The 22-year-old Dutchman once again simply left seasoned World Championship veterans such as Marcel Schrötter, Lukas Tulovic and Markus Reiterberger in his wake in the second Superbike race. Twan Smits (Team Apreco-Yamaha) once again capitalised on his pole position in the day’s second race to take the lead after the first lap. Lukas Tulovic (Triple M Ducati Racing Frankfurt) and Marcel Schrötter (GERT56 by RS Speedbikes) remained hot on the heels of the ‘flying Dutchman’, within half a second of him. And just as in the first race, Markus Reiterberger (Masteroil Alpha Van Zon BMW) was back in the mix after overtaking Kevin Orgis (ORM Racing). Everyone had their own agenda: Smits wanted to win the race, Tulovic to defend his title, Schrötter to keep his title hopes alive until Hockenheim, and the rest to boost their points tally in the overall standings. Highs and lowsJan-Ole Jähnig (GERT56 by RS Speedbikes) was just as fast as the front-runners, but the gap from fifth to fourth place was simply too big to close. Smits had already pulled away. Former Superbike rider Marc Moser stood at the side of the track and marvelled right from the start of the weekend: “It’s mad, the pace at which they’re riding here.” In the EURO MOTO Superbike class, an elite group of riders are taking turns at the front. Florian Alt (Holzhauer Racing Promotion) made up one place with his overtaking manoeuvre on Kevin Orgis. His eighth place on the grid was a blow to the whole HRP team. “We’ve got next to no grip on the track and are struggling this weekend,” said Alt, accepting the reality – as he does every year at the Nürburgring – with dignity. The title is no longer on the cards for the only Honda rider in the field anyway. Now the 2023 champion simply had to get through the weekend decently in order to perhaps pull off a coup at the finale in Hockenheim. Tulovic doesn’t give anything awayIn the second half of the 18-lap race, Tulovic and Schrötter battled fiercely. For Schrötter, it was a massive achievement when he finally overcame the Ducati powerhouse. Given his lead in the championship, Tulovic didn’t need to take on Schrötter, but his racing spirit got the better of him and he wasn’t about to let anything slip by. “We saw it all today. The front wheel on the bike bucked and buckled. I overdid it a bit in a corner and had to go too far out. That’s when Marcel slipped past,” reported the 26-year-old Ducati Panigale V4R rider after the battle. Following the Eifel weekend, 34.5 points separate Tulovic and Schrötter in the overall standings. The decision as to who will be crowned 2026 champion will be made from 25 to 27 September at the Hockenheimring. Twan Smits trails Schrötter by 22 points. It’s set to be a nail-biter. EURO MOTO Superbike, Race 21. Twan SMITS (NLD/Yamaha)2. Marcel SCHRÖTTER (GER/BMW)3. Lukas TULOVIC (GER/Ducati)4. Markus REITERBERGER (GER/BMW)5. Jan-Ole JÄHNIG (GER/BMW)6. Florian ALT (GER/Honda)7. Kevin ORGIS (GER/BMW)8. Leon ORGIS (GER/BMW)9. Toni FINSTERBUSCH (GER/BMW)10. Jan MOHR (AUT/BMW)11. Martin VUGRINEC (CRO/BMW)12. Hannes SOOMER (EST/BMW)13. Milan MERCKELBAGH (NLD/BMW)14. Lorenzo ZANETTI (ITA/Ducati)15. Marco FETZ (GER/BMW)16. Christoph BEINLICH (GER/BMW)
03.09.2026
The Nürburgring and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport are continuing their long-standing partnership until at least 2028. The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach, which has been the Nürburgring’s Official Automotive Partner for ten years, will thus remain at the highest partnership level with the historic race track. A contract to this effect has been signed by both companies. Mercedes-AMG Motorsport will continue to feature prominently at key locations around the Nürburgring. Key elements of the partnership will include the advertising space at the famous Caracciola Carousel on the Nordschleife, as well as the naming rights to the AMG Arena and the AMG Grandstand on the Grand Prix circuit. In addition, the AMG VIP Lounge above the pit lane will remain in place. This commitment is complemented by advertising spots on the ring°wall as well as selected joint communication initiatives. “Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and the Nürburgring have enjoyed a close partnership for many years. Both brands stand for emotion, performance and the highest standards. We are therefore delighted to continue on this shared journey in the years to come,” explains Christian Stephani, Managing Director of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. “Whether in motorsport or as a benchmark for our road cars – the Nürburgring has always held special significance for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. It has been the setting for numerous milestones, most recently our victory in the legendary 24-hour race. Furthermore, we have been linked by an official partnership for ten years now, which underlines our emotional connection to this unique race track. We are delighted to continue this successful collaboration in the future,” says Simon Wilbers, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Since 2017, the Nürburgring and the performance and sports car brand have enjoyed a long-standing and successful partnership. The extension of the partnership underlines the close connection between the two brands and continues their collaboration at one of the world’s most famous motorsport venues.
