Marvin Kirchhöfer, Maximilian Paul and David Jahn ahead of their home races. Kirchhöfer celebrates 20 years in motorsport at the Sachsenring. T3 Motorsport from Dresden and Yaco Racing from Plauen do battle for points.
The local boys are out to show how things are done in Saxony when they line up at their home event in the German GT Championship at the Sachsenring (1st to 3rd October). Drivers and teams from the free state are traditionally very strongly represented in the ADAC GT Masters: Corvette driver Marvin Kirchhöfer (27/Leipzig, Callaway Competition) and Lamborghini driver Maximilian Paul (21/Dresden, T3 Motorsport) are determined to give their fans every reason to celebrate on the weekend of German Unity Day. As well as the local drivers, the T3 Motorsport (Dresden) and Yaco Racing (Plauen) teams can also rely on the support of the fans: not only are spectators welcome at the Sachsenring, but they can also experience the series up close and personal in the paddock. Tickets are available online at adac.de/motorsport, with prices starting at € 22.50 for ADAC members and free admission for children aged 12 and under. The races can be watched in a free livestream at motorsport.tv and adac.de/motorsport.
Milestone for Marvin Kirchhöfer
Marvin Kirchhöfer, who lines up in a Corvette C7 GT3-R for Callaway Competition, has already won one race this year. His team-mate Jeffrey Schmidt (27/CH) took victory at the Sachsenring last year. However, the duo suffered a bitter setback last time out at the Lausitzring, where their car set on fire whilst running fourth. “Callaway Competition is in the process of reassembling the Corvette. However, the repairs are really time-consuming,” said Kirchhöfer. The race weekend is very special for the man from Saxony: he is celebrating his 20th anniversary in motorsport. “There will definitely be at least one cause for celebration – hopefully a second and a third too. I am really looking forward to it. We are not one of the top favourites, but, if everything comes together, we can be up there challenging again. Fans can look forward to some exciting racing. As there are a lot of gravel beds at the challenging Sachsenring, every mistake is punished immediately. That adds a little extra spice.”
Two Saxon teams
The event at the Sachsenring is a home outing in two regards for T3 Motorsport: both the racing team and its driver Maximilian Paul come from Dresden, which is about 100 kilometres from the iconic circuit. “The Sachsenring is definitely a highlight. The circuit is very special and different to any other racetrack. It is very challenging, as there are so many fast corners and it undulates. It helps to know the circuit well, as you only have very limited opportunities to test there. The Sachsenring is a great racetrack for fans, as you can see a lot. It is cool to see spectators back in the grandstands and, in particular, in the paddock. It is also good to see things like the pit walk return. I am really looking forward to a big crowd.”
The second team from the free state lining up at round five of this season’s ADAC GT Masters is Yaco Racing. The Plauen-based outfit will run an Audi R8 LMS for Simon Reicher (21/A) and Norbert Siedler (38/A) as usual. The two drivers are hoping to continue their upwards trend. “If we can continue to improve our performance at the Sachsenring, and take more positive steps there, then we have a good chance of securing a better grid position for the Audi in qualifying,” said the experienced Siedler.
David Jahn (30/Leipzig, Team Joos Sportwagentechnik) lines up in a Porsche 911 GT3 R. The five-time ADAC GT Masters race winner is now a Leipzig resident. “I see the race weekend as one of my home races. It is only about an hour’s drive away and my friends and colleagues come to see me at the Sachsenring. The circuit is mega-good, but it is important to get the right set-up, otherwise you will struggle. The Porsche should go well at the Sachsenring, even if there are other cars that may be better suited to the circuit. We want to finish both races in the top ten. Personally, I am looking to be somewhere between fifth and eighth in qualifying. If you start from that kind of position, it is easier to score points.”
Attractive offers for fans
Spectators at the circuit can look forward to a packed schedule. The ADAC GT Masters is joined in Hohenstein-Ernstthal by the ADAC GT4 Germany, ADAC TCR Germany, ADAC Formula 4 and the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. Many attractions await fans in the paddock: they can meet their favourite drivers in a Meet the Drivers session, take to the open pit lane in one of three pit walks, and try their skills on RaceRoom eSports simulators. The eBay Tower, which extends nine metres above the ground, and the eBay Box offer unique perspectives. The online magazines “PS on Air – The Ravenol ADAC GT Masters Talk” and “ADAC GT Masters Backstage – live from the eBay Motors Box”, which are both broadcast live from the Sachsenring paddock, also allow fans at the racetrack to experience motorsport up close and personal.
Tickets available online
Tickets for race weekends can be purchased easily and contact-free ahead of the event at etix.com/ticket/v/12063/sachsenring. Ticket holders can then print their tickets themselves. A day ticket is available from € 22.50 for ADAC members, with the weekend ticket (Saturday and Sunday) starting at € 36. (€ 25 and € 40 for non-members). There is also a special offer for families at the Sachsenring: admission is free for children aged 12 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are also available on the gate.