06.06.2021
This year the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race has been sold out – measured against Corona conditions. At the start of the long-distance classic, the 10,000 approved seats were all occupied on Saturday. For the return of the visitors, the operators of the Nürburgring had successfully solved a number of questions in advance and were able to draw a positive conclusion in the end. Also thanks to the visitors who willingly followed the rules. “It was a great feeling to look at the stands at the start and experience the great atmosphere”, explains Nürburgring Managing Director Mirco Markfort. “Happy visitors are the real reward for our work. The fact that all of this worked out is a team success in which everyone contributed.” The first event with spectators in 2021 meant intensive preparation for the Nürburgring, because for the first time only vaccinated, recovered and negatively tested people were allowed to sit on the stands. The verification of valid tests and certificates had to be harmonized with the online booking system and with the access controls. This task was solved with programming work by the Nürburgring IT department and in collaboration with the ticketing partner. Visitors were able to upload their negative Corona tests in advance via a specially programmed website and were thus able to enter in time. On site, it was possible to upload the test using a QR code or to visit one of the fan counters in the stands. In the background, a motivated Nürburgring team worked to ensure that tickets were released around the clock. Vaccinated and recovered people had a contact point in the ring°carré with their certificates. Here, the German Red Cross maintained a counter to ensure the authenticity of the documents. “Our developed concept was put into practice for the first time on the 24h weekend”, says Ingo Böder, Head of Events & Operations at the Nürburgring. “Despite intensive preparations, it is quite normal that minor adjustments still have to be made during live operation and that there are sometimes short waiting times. All in all, everything worked out really well. ” According to Böder, this assessment also applies to the seating concept. Here the visitors sat in groups of two for the first time. In addition, masks were required throughout the entire Nürburgring area – including on the seat. A total of 350 stewards were used to comply with all rules. They controlled the proceeding on the stands, in the paddock and around the Nordschleife. “The big thanks go to all those who helped to make this happen. Especially the fans who willingly followed the rules. Only occasionally spectators had to be made aware of the obligation to wear masks”, says Böder. Scientific accompaniment to enable further conclusionsSince the Nürburgring in Rheinland-Pfalz is a model project for events with spectators outdoors, the whole process is also scientifically supported. From online booking, to the arrival and departure, to the actual stay in the grandstands. That is why the scientists of the Hygiene Institute of the University Hospital Bonn were on site at the weekend. They tested a possible spread of aerosols on the stands. “With the help of a particle emitting device, which was placed on a seat, we brought water particles into the air. We measured the distribution of the particles with a special counter in the environment. From the evaluations, we can draw conclusions about the spread of aerosols outdoors”, explains Dr. Jürgen Gebel, from the Hygiene Institute. His colleague Dr. Britt Hornei adds: “By carrying out PCR tests in the ventilation systems of the VIP lounges, we also want to investigate a possible viral load in indoor spaces. However, due to the protective measures taken, such as the mandatory use of masks, we expect that there will be no introduction of viruses into the ventilation systems.” 24h race as spectator prelude to further eventsThe experiences of the weekend are now to be incorporated into the planning for the upcoming event weekends and to enable spectators here as well, as Managing Director Markfort explains: “The 24h weekend was an important start for the Nürburgring. As an event location, we are affected by severe restrictions from the beginning of the pandemic. Our aim has always been to make events with spectators possible again with proven partners and good concepts. We succeeded in doing so at the right time this year, because there are many other big events to follow, for which we now have justified hopes to have spectators in the stands again. This is vital for the Nürburgring, for the organisers and for the region.” In June and July, the races of the Nürburgring Endurance Series, the ADAC Truck Grand Prix, Rad am Ring and the eagerly awaited premiere of the FIA World Rallycross Championship await. All information about the events can be found at www. nuerburgring. de/events.
06.06.2021
Two records in one fell swoop: record winner Manthey Racing has won the shortest ADAC TOTAL 24-hour race in history. A total of 14.5 hours of fog interruption had turned the 49th edition of the legendary "Eifel Marathon" into the "Eifel Sprint". In the end, Frenchman Kevin Estre in the Manthey Porsche #911 took the seventh victory overall for the team from Meuspath after a furious start phase and a flawless final stint - the perfect present for the 25th anniversary. Italian Matteo Cairoli and Dane Michael Christensen cheered their teammate as Estre rolled across the finish line with the "Grello" 8.8 seconds ahead of the #98 Rowe BMW with final driver Sheldon van der Linde, Martin Tomczyk, Marco Wittmann and Connor de Phillippi. It was the second closest finish in the history of the race. Third place was secured by the #7 GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG, which meant that three different brands finished on the podium. "Even though it was a shame for the spectators here at the track and at home in front of the TV: the cancellation of the race tonight was without alternative in terms of safety," said Manthey Managing Director Nicki Raeder. "This turned the 24-hour classic into two extremely exciting sprint races over the shortest distance in the history of this event. Nevertheless, we had to attack to the maximum and give everything from the first to the last lap under the most difficult conditions. But we are maximally pleased with this success, which we are particularly happy to celebrate in time for Manthey's 25th anniversary." For each of his three drivers, it is their first victory in the ADAC TOTAL 24h race. "It's incredible, I'm at a loss for words. It was such a tough race, very intense. I gave it everything, it was very hard to get through without making any mistakes. I'm crazy proud of this team," said Estre. Rowe Racing on the podium again "The race was a bit short, but very fierce and exciting," said team boss Hans-Peter Naundorf, whose squad finished on the podium again with the #98 Rowe BMW after winning last year. "Second place means a lot to me. Of course it's a shame when you miss out on victory by such a narrow margin. But standing on the podium at the 24h race is always something special. It's also an accolade for the team. Now it's time to celebrate," said Martin Tomczyk. For the Rowe-BMW #1, which had also been in the leading group for a long time, the mission to defend the title came to an early end after a technical defect. Anniversary edition in May 2022 With a track distance of just 59 laps and 1,497.302 kilometers, the 49th edition of the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race was the shortest ever. This was well below the mark of 76 laps set in 1992. In total, the wheels rolled for only 9.5 hours of the actual 24 hours. All participants, organizers and fans are now hoping that the 50th anniversary of the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race from May 26 to 29, 2022, will again go the full distance and take place in front of full grandstands.
05.06.2021
The ADAC TOTAL 24h Race remains the motorsport highlight in the calendar of the Nürburgring until at least 2028. This was announced by the race track operators and the organising ADAC Nordrhein just before the 49th edition of the endurance classic (3 to 6 June). The contract, which runs until and including 2023, has been extended for a further five years ahead of schedule. “The extension of the contract is great news for all fans of the Nordschleife”, said Mirco Hansen, head of the 24h Race. “We have just seen in the two Corona years just how important this mega-event is for the entire region. That’s why we’re happy to be able to plan for at least 2028. This gives everyone involved – teams, drivers and partners of the world’s biggest race – long-term security. ” Mirco Markfort, Managing Director of the Nürburgring, adds: “The 24h Race conveys the demands and uniqueness of our race track to a global public. With the early renewal of the contract, it is now ensured that the world’s largest motorsport party will have its permanent place at the Nordschleife until at least 2028. ” The dates for the 50th and 51st editions of the 24h Race are already set. Fans can now write down the Ascension weekends 2022 (26 – 29 May) and 2023 (18 – 21 May) in the calendar.
04.06.2021
Nick Yelloly set a best time of 10:01.619 on Friday evening at the rainy Nürburgring to give the defending champions pole position for the 49th ADAC TOTAL 24h Race. Yelloly, driving last year's winner's #1 Rowe BMW, remained absolutely cool as a Briton in the pouring rain and thus also secured the coveted Glickenhaus Trophy for the fastest driver at the Ring, which will be handed over to him 45 minutes before the start on Saturday. "It was anything but easy, but rather completely crazy. There was aquaplaning everywhere. But the team did an incredible job. This is my first pole position here and I'm really proud of that. We are now starting exactly where we left off last year," said the BMW driver after showing the best nerves in the spectacular individual time trials of Top Qualifying 2 on Friday evening on the 25.378 kilometers of the combination of Grand Prix circuit and the legendary Nordschleife that were wet after a cloudburst. On his second lap, Yelloly, who had been part of the Rowe winning trio last September, had caught Axcil Jefferies in the #19 Konrad Lamborghini, who had been leading until then, by 2.308 seconds. Jefferies had only one attempt at individual time trials due to a tire change. "It was tough with only one lap. We had decided to change tires after the outlap. And this decision by Franz Konrad and the team proved to be spot on. It's mega to have brought the car back in one piece and then to still be on the front row," he said nonetheless, expressing his satisfaction. Third place went to Manuel Metzger in the #4 HRT-Mercedes-AMG, which had already been on grid position one last year. Best Audi was the #8 Phoenix-Audi with Nicky Thiim at the wheel in eighth, best Porsche the #3 Rutronik-Porsche with Julien Andlauer in ninth. Vanthoor qualifies for top qualifying 2 with fastest time Just seconds before a big cloudburst, Top Qualifying 1 had come to an end, in which the last four places for Top Qualifying 2 were awarded. In the race against the competitors and the downpour, Dries Vanthoor in the #15 Phoenix Audi with the best time of the weekend so far of 8:12;319 minutes, Maro Engel in the #6 HRT Mercedes-AMG, Augusto Farfus for the #77 BMW Junior Team and Marco Mapelli in the Hankook Lamborghini prevailed. This quartet called it a day after that because, in accordance with the regulations for Top Qualifying 2, the drivers had to be changed. Engel thus missed the chance of a pole hat trick after having finished first on the grid in 2019 and 2020. He had already secured the Glickenhaus Trophy in 2016, which was awarded for the first time at the time. Glickenhaus driver Jeff Westphal followed in 2017, and Laurens Vanthoor in 2018. 24-hour race with fans on site and broad media presence The 49th ADAC TOTAL 24h Race traditionally starts at 3:30 p.m. (CET) on Saturday. The race can be followed live here. Last remaining tickets for Saturday and tickets for Sunday are available at www.nuerburgring.de. Up to 10,000 negative-tested, vaccinated and recovered spectators are allowed to attend the race each day in selected grandstands at the Grand Prix circuit. FIA WTCR: Engstler on second row of grid on debut In the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCR), the second highlight of the weekend, Luca Engstler was the only German driver on the second row of the grid on Friday in his Hyundai Elantra N TCR, finishing fourth in qualifying. As last year, pole position went to Honda driver Nestor Girolami from the German All-Inkl.com team. Completing the front row of the grid was Jean-Karl Vernay (France) from the German Engstler Hyundai N Liqui Moly Racing Team ahead of Girolami's compatriot and teammate Esteban Guerrieri. Happy winners after turbulent race in the 24h Classic The 24h Classic race in the afternoon was already affected by weather capers and had to be interrupted at times due to heavy rain. In the end, the #578 911 RSR with Ingo Pütz and Christoph Breuer at the wheel was able to celebrate overall victory. "The fact that we switched to rain tires at the re-start directly after the formation lap was the perfect decision. In the end it was almost too dry for rain tires, but it was just enough," said Christoph Breuer. Only 3.7 seconds behind, the Opel Kadett #504 of Chris Esser and Nico Verdonck crossed the finish line in second place. Third overall was the #508 BMW 635 CSi of Jürgen and Peter Schumann and Olaf Manthey.
04.06.2021
The spectator concept of the Nürburgring for this year's 24h race stipulates that admission to the event can only be granted if visitors can prove that they have been vaccinated, have recovered or have tested negative. Basically, the following applies to ticket holders: those who upload their negative corona test in advance via the online portal will simply be in the stand faster on the day of the event, as the ticket will then already have been activated. Otherwise, this only happens on site at the fan support. Although these are located at every stand, waiting times are to be expected. The test (PoC antigen rapid test or PCR test - no self-test) must meet the requirements of the Robert Koch Institute and confirm that the ticket holder is not infected with SARS-CoV2. The proof must be provided on paper or as an electronic document, in German or English. The details of the person tested (first and last name, date of birth) must match those of the ticket holder. The test result includes the date of testing and the type of test: PCR test or rapid antigen test. Children up to and including 5 years of age are exempt from the verification requirement. The ticket will be activated at the fan support counter in the respective stand on site. Appropriate proof of age must be provided. Children over 6 years of age require their own test result. The test result can also be uploaded in advance in the system in order to have the ticket released. In the ring°carré (formerly the Eifeldorf) there is also a DRK counter where visitors can show proof that he or she has been vaccinated or has recovered. This counter is open as follows: Friday: 07:30 - 22:00 hrs Saturday: 06:30 - 22:00 hrs Sunday: 06:30 - 18:00 hrs Link to the online portal
03.06.2021
The guesswork about the balance of power for the 49th ADAC TOTAL 24h Race continues: The first two qualifying sessions on Thursday at the Nürburgring took place in changing weather conditions, only towards the end of the post-practice session did the racing line dry out, allowing a few more time improvements. The fastest time of the day went to Italian Mirko Bortolotti in the #63 Hankook Lamborghini, who was the only driver to break the 8:20 mark on Thursday (8:18.575). In total, the first seven places were held by five different manufacturers. Less than six seconds separated the top 20 cars. "It's good to know we can be competitive. But we still have a lot of work to do. But it's nice to start race weekends with a result like this," said Bortolotti. In the first qualifying session in the afternoon, when the 25.378-kilometer combination of GP circuit and the legendary Nordschleife had been even wetter, Nico Bastian in the #6 HRT Mercedes AMG GT3 had set the first best time of the day with a lap time of 8m 30.764s. Behind him, a Porsche, an Audi and a BMW, and thus four manufacturers, had finished in the top four places. The weather conditions ensured that no absolute top times were possible. Based on the results of the season so far, the two Frikadelli Porsches are among the cars that will presumably be beatable. "We would be satisfied with the hat-trick after the two preparation races," said team boss Klaus Abbelen after the two wins so far in 2021, but then added: "But seriously: You don't know now whether you are the favorite. That will only become clear after top qualifying, when everyone has revealed their cards. We already have, and that's why we were ahead. When the others do the same, we'll see where we really stand." Said top qualifying is scheduled for Friday evening. After the 3rd qualifying session from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (CET), the last four tickets for Top Qualifying 2 will first be awarded in the individual time trials of Top Qualifying 1 starting at 6:30 p.m., for which 16 places have already been allocated based on the season's performances to date. In Top Qualifying 2, the pole position for the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race will be determined directly afterwards. The race itself traditionally starts at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. All track sessions will also be broadcast in livestream on YouTube. Remaining tickets are still available at www.nuerburgring.de. Up to 10,000 negatively tested, vaccinated and recovered spectators will be allowed to attend the race weekend in selected grandstands at the Grand Prix circuit. In the FIA Touring Car World Cup (WTCR), the second highlight of the weekend, Luca Engstler was the only German driver to cause a stir on Thursday. The Hyundai driver finished third and second in the two free practice sessions in the afternoon - and was then also in action in a TCR Hyundai in night qualifying for the ADAC TOTAL 24h race.
02.06.2021
At the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race, the Nürburgring is giving a special starting signal this year. For the first time, the race track is using the newly created, digital infrastructure of the Nordschleife. 2.8 kilometers of the historic track have been equipped with high-resolution cameras, fiber optic cables and power cables. With their help, camera signals from the race track, which was opened in 1927, now reach the race control system of the Grand-Prix track directly. The use of the new technology is expected to further increase safety on the world's most demanding race track and provide important insights for further possible digitalization measures on the Nordschleife. The technology group Fujitsu is supporting the project as part of a partnership. Together, innovations for a "track safety of the future" are to be advanced. "Jeder lobt, was Nürburgring-erprobt" - under this motto, many developments in the automotive industry have been driven forward for over 95 years. The digitalization measure on the Nordschleife is no exception. With in-house developments from Nürburgring's specialist departments and the support of specialist companies, a customized digital solution was designed on the section between Döttinger Höhe and the Grand-Prix track. From the stable camera masts, which guarantee a steady camera image even in strong Eifel winds, to connection cabinets for the necessary technology. Eight permanently installed swiveling and zoomable HD cameras now provide a perfect overview. They support those responsible in race control, who in the past had to form an opinion about the situation on the track exclusively via radio messages from the marshals. On the digitalized section, the development and use of artificial intelligence is now also to be advanced as part of a partnership with Fujitsu. This is intended to further increase safety by independently detecting potential hazards and deviations from the regular traffic. An important point, should the digitalization measure be extended to the entire Nordschleife. Around 100 cameras would then be used here alone - in addition to the existing cameras on the Grand-Prix track. Since all the image signals converge in Racecontrol, the variety of signals would be almost impossible to monitor with the human eye. For this reason, software is to ensure that various events are automatically displayed to those responsible so that decisions can be made quickly here and further measures initiated if necessary. "We are pleased to have gained a renowned and innovative partner in Fujitsu, which brings an incredible amount of know-how in the software and artificial intelligence sector," explains Nürburgring CEO Mirco Markfort. "We notice how great the interest and motivation for the Nürburgring project are at Fujitsu and firmly expect both sides to benefit sustainably from this cooperation. Together, we want to gain and implement important insights for modern track safety in the future." The technology will also be used to further expand measures such as digital marshalling. Digital display panels show flag signals and other information directly on the track. In addition, these signals can be shown directly to the driver on the display in the car. Conclusions are to be drawn from the entire test run as to what requirements digitization of further sections of the Nordschleife would entail. For this reason, different cameras, display panels and various power supply options will be used on the Döttinger Höhe in the coming weeks.
21.05.2021
Finally, The Nürburgring can once again plan with spectators for the ADAC TOTAL 24h race (June 3rd - 6th). The personalized and seat-specific tickets for the motorsport highlight are now available online. The official approval by the authority should follow in the next few days after the final details have been clarified and the necessary consent from the Ministry of Health has been granted. This year the Nürburgring, which successfully admitted spectators last season, is a model project in Rhineland-Palatinate for events with spectators outdoors. On this basis, the grandstands on the Grand Prix track are to be opened for up to 10,000 visitors as well as the VIP lounges along the start and finish straight. The condition for this is that the 7-day incidence in the Ahrweiler district does not exceed the threshold of 100 on three consecutive days before the event. Here you can find all information and tickets for the 24h race. “We are pleased that we can finally welcome spectators once again to the 24-hour race. We see it as a result of our good work that this year we can again be a pioneer in this area,” explains Nürburgring Managing Director Mirco Markfort. “Of course, this entails a high level of responsibility and increased costs, but it is also a great opportunity to provide positive impulses - for the region and the organizers, for motorsport and Nürburgring fans and for the entire event industry. Infection protection is our top priority." The spectator concept developed under scientific supervision provides that up to 50 percent of the respective grandstand capacity is used. For the 24h race, this affects the open BMW M Power grandstand (T3), the Bilstein grandstand (T4), Mercedes grandstand (4a) and grandstand 12a. The spectators sit together in twos at most. The two seats next to, in front of and behind the occupied seats are free. Only visitors who have negative test result, have recovered or have been vaccinated have access to the event site. A professionally performed rapid test may not be older than 24 hours before entry to the event site, a PCR test not more than 48 hours. In addition, a mask is required on the Nürburgring site and on the seats. The tickets are only available online, personalized and seat-specific. Each open grandstand also has its own dedicated parking space on site with its own route. Day tickets are available from € 20 (reduced € 10), the weekend ticket costs € 55 (reduced € 27.50). Children up to 12 years have free entry. You still have to book a free ticket for you. Young people aged 13 to 15 and people with disabilities pay the reduced ticket price. The Nürburgring developed the current concept with scientific support from various institutes. It includes, among other things, basic measures to minimize contact, targeted visitor control, special infection protection measures, and the spatial and temporal division of audience groups as well as a strict alcohol ban. The Hygiene Institute of the University Hospital Bonn, the MVZ Labor Koblenz-Mittelrhein and the German Red Cross Ahrweiler were involved. In addition, the entire process is scientifically supported as the model project in Rhineland-Palatinate.
20.05.2021
The Nürburgring has a new website. Here you will find all the information, events, experiences and fan articles of the legendary race track. Whether you are an event visitor or a tourist driver. With your user profile, you always have everything in view. www.nuerburgring.de – combines all offers and functions on one platform now. The menu is divided into the areas Info, Events, Driving, Experience, Business and fan°shop. Right next to it you will find the login button for your user account. Register and make nuerburgring.de to your virtual Ring experience – anywhere – at home on your PC or on the road with your mobile phone. You are a tourist driver and already have an account in the previous Green Hell Driving portal? Then you can use your familiar access data here, log in directly and access and manage your existing account balance. As usual, you will immediately receive all relevant track information, can top up new credit and secure Green Hell Credits. Under the menu item Info you will find, among other things, the current opening times – such as those of the karting track, the motorsport experience museum ring°werk or the race tracks and, of course, the popular webcams that give you the best overview of the Nürburgring. Anytime, from anywhere. With the new 360° tour, you can also take a look at the entire Nürburgring site from home. The virtual tour gives you impressive insights into many locations around the Grand-Prix track. Right next to it, under Events, you will find all event dates and information in a clear calendar – from the 24-hour race to Rock am Ring. Various display and filter options also help you with your targeted search. If you want to experience the Nürburgring yourself, you will find all your options under Driving. Training with off-road vehicles and formula racers as well as the fast-paced co-pilot drive on the Nordschleife or the tourist drives, where you can conquer the Nürburgring with your own car or motorbike. With one click on Experience you will discover many possibilities for the whole family. From a visit to a museum to a kart race. Under Business companies can find out how they can use the Nürburgring myth for their business. In addition to basic information on packages, programmes and locations, there is also an enquiry tool here with which B2B customers can combine their desired event components and send them as an enquiry to the Nürburgring team quickly and easily. Whether for large or small company events, team building, trade fairs or incentives right next to the start-finish straight. The most beautiful race track in the world is your passion? Then you'll find everything your Nürburgring heart desires in the fan°shop. Whether you're looking for a t-shirt, a cap or a watch – you'll find it here. Do you have any questions or comments? Then visit our FAQ section or send your feedback or questions about the new website directly to support@nuerburgring.de. For all other questions about the Nürburgring, the info°center can of course still be reached on the free phone number 0800 20 83 200 or via the contact form. One website – your profile – everything in view – and your Ring experience can start!
