Eifel-based team Frikadelli Racing made one guest appearance in the Prototype Cup Germany in each of the past two seasons. The fledgling LMP3 series, organised by the ADAC and Dutch agency Creventic, made such a good impression that the team and its two drivers Klaus Abbelen (63/Barweiler) and Felipe Laser (35/Leipzig) have now switched permanently from the Michelin Le Mans Cup to the Prototype Cup Germany.

“We had a lot of fun at our two guest appearances at the Nürburgring, and then looked into the option of the Prototype Cup Germany in greater detail during our planning for the 2024 season,” says Abbelen. “In doing so, we found a number of aspects that motivated us to move to the Prototype Cup Germany. For example, all the racetracks on the calendar are in Germany and a neighbouring country, which reduces the amount of travelling. The atmosphere among the teams is very pleasant, almost like it used to be. You battle hard for position out on the track, but can then have a barbecue or a drink together afterwards. And the relationship between the organisers and the teams is also good.”

Despite all this, it is seldom easy to make this kind of decision, as the 63-year-old explains: “We had to keep an eye on a lot of things. Do we have a big enough budget, do we have the necessary people in our team, have we got the right car, do I have a good team-mate to share the car with,…?” His sponsors convinced Abbelen to take the step, and his team can actually build on the fact that it has more members and fewer freelancers this year than in previous years. He remains true to the Ligier JS P320, which he drove in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, and also sticks with his team-mate Felipe Laser. He too is impressed by the Prototype Cup Germany. “The series has developed really well,” says the driver from Leipzig. “For example, I find it very good that the organisers listen to the opinions of the participants and try to take them into account where it makes sense from their perspective. I like the new rule that the winners of the previous day must remain stationary for longer at the mandatory pit stop, during which there is usually a driver changeover. I also have the impression that Gentlemen drivers are taken very seriously here, which I also find very important.” And because LMP racing with hypercars is generally experiencing a boom at the top of the pyramid, Laser sees no reason why the Prototype Cup Germany should not enjoy a successful future.

But how do Laser and Abbelen believe they will fare in their first full season in the Prototype Cup Germany? Abbelen plays down their aspirations: “We want to compete as far up the field as possible and to get the maximum out of our package at every race weekend. If we manage that, then I will be happy – regardless of our result.” Laser has slightly more definite goals. “I would like to finish on the podium at least once, and Klaus should have a big say in the Trophy competition. I would be happy if we could achieve that.”