NEWS

20 September, Friday

Nürburgring receives two-star environmental certificate from the FIA

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...
Nürburgring receives two-star environmental certificate from the FIA

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

Job fair goes full throttle again at the Nürburgring

12.09.2024

The third edition of the “Job Fair powered by Nürburgring” will take place this year on November 8th and 9th. Regional and national companies will once again take the opportunity to present their portfolios to visitors. The fair is once again aimed at a wide audience: from skilled workers to pupils and students to future trainees. As usual, admission to the fair and parking are free of charge for visitors. All information about the “Job Fair powered by Nürburgring” is published on the race track's website. Following the great success of the last two years, the job fair will once again offer a wide range of career opportunities in 2024. Last year, over 2,000 visitors took the opportunity to find out about jobs and career opportunities from the exhibiting companies. In addition to the presentation of job offers, various activities were also offered at the stands. More than 40 exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance at this year's event in November, with more to follow. Interested companies can still register for participation until October 18. A similar variety of offers is expected again this year, appealing to visitors of all ages and interests. “The job fair has established itself in the region with continuous further development. The unbroken demand shows how important this platform is for the region and the companies,” says Ingo Böder, Managing Director of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. “Our event location offers ideal conditions for bringing companies, skilled workers and young talent together in this setting.” All companies taking part in the job fair at the Nürburgring will be published on the Nürburgring website on a daily basis. The list ranges from the Federal Employment Agency to Brohl Wellpappe, from Deutsche Bahn to dm-Drogeriemarkt, from Haribo to Heim & Haus and from LBM to Lidl. Manthey, one of the best-known motorsport and performance companies from the region, is also back on board. In addition to the companies that have already confirmed their participation, interested exhibitors can also find the registration form for the “Job Fair powered by Nürburgring” on the website.

Nürburgring gives outlook on the 2025 annual calendar

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.

IDM: The Nürburgring weekend in review

03.09.2024

Lots of fog, no visibility and constantly changing schedules as a result. But the weather drama in the Eifel could not slow down the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) on its comeback at the Nürburgring. On two days, all classes spent hours in the fog and several training sessions were canceled. But when the veil lifted and even the sun made its way through the clouds, there was no stopping the drivers in the predicate and cup classes. It was all about the final spurt before the finale in Hockenheim in three weeks' time. In the top class IDM Superbike, Ilya Mikhalchik on a BMW took the title early. The Superbikes took to the track on Sunday in glorious conditions at the foot of the Nürburg. Was it going to be a dream day for 28-year-old BMW rider Ilya Mikhalchik to win the title early? His only remaining rival was defending Honda champion Florian Alt. However, after his disastrous crash two weeks ago in Assen, in which he suffered deep lacerations to his right hand, he had little hope of winning. But he was not going to give up without a fight. Only on the starting grid did he admit: “I'm in a lot of pain, but I'll give it a go.” Mikhalchik won the race after a fierce battle with his Estonian BMW colleague Hannes Soomer. Third place went to Toni Finsterbusch (BMW). On the podium were a Ukrainian, an Estonian and a German. Alt finished a brilliant fifth despite his damaged hand. In the second race, Mikhalchik had to finish in the top 13. The title was almost handed to him on a silver platter. All he had to do was grab it. After 18 laps over 3.618 kilometers, it was finally clear: The 28-year-old Ukrainian is IDM champion in the top class ahead of schedule and for the fourth time. Mikhalchik's partner Milana, mother Ludmilla, his aunt and even his grandmother had come to the Nürburgring to celebrate their personal superstar, who returned to the paddock for the award ceremony after his great triumph with the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine. He would have loved to crown his success with another victory, but this was snatched by Hannes Soomer. The Estonian entered the history books of the IDM Superbike as the new winner. An unleashed Lorenzo Zanetti, who caught his opponents one-two, finished third. The Italian slipped past Finsterbusch on his Ducati in the final laps and thus prevented BMW from taking all the positions, as in the first race. Florian Alt crossed the finish line in fifth place and had hellish pain in his hand. But that's Florian Alt: giving up is not an option. Twan Smits (Yamaha) won both races in the IDM Supersport. It is too late for the title fight, but the current runner-up showed that the competition must always reckon with him despite his mixed season. Dirk Geiger took two second places on his Honda, the best weekend result for the manufacturer to date. And “Lucky Luc” Luca Göttlicher had sprinted onto the podium in third place after the first race from eleventh on the grid.Championship leader Andreas Kofler (Yamaha) did not get a chance in the Eifel. He missed the start in the second race. This was unusual, as the Austrian is actually known for his lightning starts. The fact that Smits and Geiger were ahead of him didn't bother him much in terms of the overall standings, as neither of them play a role in the title fight. Kofler just had to make sure that his direct rival Luca de Vleeschauwer (Triumph) stayed behind him. And that was the case. Third place this time went to Daniel Blin (Ducati), but that was pure damage limitation. The Pole had crashed in the first race. The airbag in his leather suit deployed. Blin was able to leave the run-off zone physically unharmed. Statistically, however, the incident finally knocked him out of the title fight and Lennox Lehmann (Yamaha) also overtook him in the overall standings and is now third overall. The Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing team-mates had a thrilling battle in the Supersport 300 at the Nürburgring. In the first race, Phillip Tonn continued his winning streak with a third triumph, which he had previously started with a double victory in Assen. The German seemed to have finally made his breakthrough, leaving Ruben Bijman and Oliver Svendsen in second and third place. However, Svendsen subsequently lost his podium place to Dutchman Dylan Czarkowski (Yamaha) due to a penalty and therefore finished fourth. In the second race, the Dane promptly responded to this setback and secured victory ahead of Bijman and Tonn. With this success, Svendsen extended his lead in the championship and heads to the final two races with a comfortable 30-point advantage.

Nürburgring and VLN agree on contract for 2025

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.

The Nürburgring highlights in September

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

Maro Engel retains the upper hand in tire poker

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.

ring°guide DTM: Everything at a glance

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.

DTM celebrates motorsport festival with 62,500 spectators at the Nürburgring

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.