Great start – the new sprint and endurance format made a successful debut at round three of this season’s ADAC GT Masters at the Nürburgring. The new concept received plenty of praise after the race weekend in the Eifel. Jonas Greif (Coswig) from the Paul Motorsport team was particularly impressed: “For me, as a driver, it was an absolute highlight. The sprint race was completely in qualifying mode, which I really liked. Tactics and strategy were the key in the long race. That produced even more exciting moments. I hope we have that more often.” Fans need wait no longer than the coming event at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, from 30th August to 1st September, to enjoy the new format for a second time.

The 80-minute endurance race features two mandatory pit stops, both of which must include a driver changeover. In one of the stops, a full set of tyres must be changed. However, the teams decide when to perform the tyre change. Refuelling is allowed during both services. The first pit lane window opens between the 15th and 25th minute of the race, while the second runs from the 55th to 65th minute. The minimum stationary time for Silver Cup cars is 80 seconds for a normal driver changeover, and 100 seconds for a tyre change. ProAm duos remain in the pit lane for ten seconds less. Niclas Königbauer, team principal of Walkenhorst Motorsport, was pleased with the premiere of the endurance format: “The endurance race serves up even more action for the teams, drivers and, above all, the fans. The innovative approach went down very well with our partners and customers. As far as we are concerned, it can happily be expanded to feature at multiple events.”

The sprint races lasts 40 minutes, during which the GT3 cars must come in for a driver changeover between the 15th and 25th minute. A tyre change and refuelling are not foreseen during this stop. While cars with an all-Silver pairing remain in the pit lane for a total of 85 seconds, ProAm crews may return to the track 15 seconds sooner. “It was a lot of fun. I did not have to worry about tyre wear or fuel consumption, but could instead go on the attack for the full distance. It was awesome,” said Swiss driver Jean-Luc D´Auria from Emil Frey Racing.