After initial test drives on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife at the beginning of the week – including by Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing and HWA – and a subsequent track day by ProSport, teams and fans were looking forward to the first round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS). However, as is typical for the Eifel, the weather once again played a decisive role.
The planned season opener of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring endurance series, the 71st ADAC Westfalenfahrt, had to be canceled at short notice. This was due to wintry conditions with low temperatures and snowfall, which had already led to a delay in qualifying. Although track conditions improved in the course of the morning, temperatures remained critical.
The tire manufacturers represented in the series ultimately advised against holding the event. Following this recommendation, the race organizers decided together with the VLN officials not to hold the race.
The decision at 10:45 a.m. was preceded by two meetings with team managers at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., at which the organizers gathered feedback from the participating teams. According to VLN Sports Director Christian Vormann, an inspection lap showed that the track was basically passable – the hard shoulders were free of snow and the asphalt was slowly drying. Nevertheless, the teams’ opinions differed. Although a narrow majority were in favor of holding the race, the tire manufacturers’ warning ultimately tipped the scales in favour of cancellation.
The next opportunity for the teams will not be long in coming: The second round of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series is already scheduled for March 21. Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is expected to be one of the drivers who wants to compete again in the “Green Hell” with a Mercedes-AMG GT3.