There was plenty going on, both on and off the track, at the penultimate race weekend of the 2023 Prototype Cup Germany. Here are some of the fascinating stories from the event at TT Circuit Assen.

Assen premiere: The series organised by the ADAC and Creventic was making its very first appearance at TT Circuit Assen. The flowing layout of the 4.555-kilometre circuit in the Netherlands was well received by the drivers. “The second and third sectors, in particular, are absolute class and great fun. The highlight is the penultimate corner,” said Laurents Hörr (25/Gerlingen, Koiranen Kemppi Motorsport).

New car: Since 2022, Gebhardt Motorsport has been running a Ginetta G61-LT-P3 in the Prototype Cup Germany. However, the team switched to the Duqueine D08 for the race weekend in Assen. “The two models have different driving dynamics. For example, the Duqueine is stronger in fast corners, while the Ginetta is really good in the rain,” explained driver Jacob Erlbacher (23/Böblingen). “As a driver, you obviously have to get used to the new car at first. Both LMP3 cars are enjoyable to drive, but in different ways.”

Double record: Markus Pommer (32/Untereisesheim, Racing Experience) set the Formula 3 lap record of 1:31.903 minutes at TT Circuit Assen in 2011. He was at it again at the weekend, breaking the record for smaller racing prototypes, as he clocked a time of 1:30.019 minutes in his LMP3 Duqueine D08. “I am thrilled to hold two records here. The track seems to suit me,” said a delighted Pommer.

Family affair: David Hauser (33/LUX) made his Prototype Cup Germany debut in Assen. The Racing Experience driver is the older brother of champion and team-mate Gary Hauser (31/LUX). The name Hauser is ever present in the team from Luxembourg. Father Christian Hauser is the team principal, while mum Karin pulls the strings in the background as the heart and soul of the team. Team manager Lea Mauer may have a different surname, but she is also part of the family as Gary Hauser’s wife.

Triple Owega: Hamza Owega (31/Cologne) was also making his debut in the Prototype Cup Germany, in the Konrad Motorsport Ginetta. He started racing in ADAC GT4 Germany in 2019, before switching to LMP3 racing. After taking a break, he is now back in the cockpit. Hamza is the older brother of DTM driver Jusuf Owega (21/Cologne) and ADAC GT Masters racer Salman Owega (18/Cologne). “The three of us actually see each other every day, as we live very close to each other. We meet up regularly and even race each other in the simulator,” said Hamza. “We also have a sister, but she is more interested in sport with one horse power.”

WEC driver makes LMP3 debut: Another driver making her first appearance in the Prototype Cup Germany was Beitske Visser (28), who shared a Duqueine with Elio Sperandio (18/CHE) at BHK Motorsport. The flying Dutch woman has driven an LMP2 car in the World Endurance Championship and was appearing on home soil in Assen. “Qualifying was actually my very first lap in an LMP3 car. I had not even attended an LMP3 test before,” she said. “The Prototype Cup Germany is great fun. I really like the format with two sprint races.”

Spare part from Italy: Visser’s team BHK Motorsport pulled off a magnificent team effort in Assen. “There was a problem with the gearbox on the third lap of FP1. That never breaks and usually lasts forever. As a result, none of the teams in Assen had a suitable spare part,” said team principal Francesco Dracone, describing the dilemma. “However, we did manage to find a part in Italy. I sent a friend to pick it up and booked him a flight to Amsterdam. He landed at 22:30 in the evening. We then picked up the gearbox at the airport. Our mechanics had already prepared the car by that point. At the end of a night shift, the car was ready for action again at about 6 o’clock in the morning.”

Father and son on top: In Sunday’s race, Max van der Snel (20/NLD) and Mark van der Snel (52/NLD) from More Motorsport by Reiter were the big winners – and that despite the fact that their Ligier had started down in twelfth place. Father Mark had climbed to fifth place by the halfway point. Son Max then completed the victory and was also the top Junior, while Mark won the Trophy competition. “That was an unforgettable race day. I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am,” said a jubilant Mark van der Snel on the podium.