Many experts believe that the Prototype Cup Germany is one of the best racing series around for talented drivers looking to work their way into a position as a works driver. However, ambitious amateurs are also well catered for in the LMP3 series, which is organised by the ADAC and Creventic. That is the opinion of Michael Herich, who contested a number of races in the Prototype Cup Germany in 2022 and 2024, and who has now signed a contract for the 2025 season. The 47-year-old Bronze driver will share a Duqueine with youngster Alexzander Kristiansson for the Gebhardt Motorsport team.
“I really enjoy driving in the Prototype Cup Germany,” says Herich. “What I like best is the car, which is a thoroughbred race car. The engine is powerful and the sound is as it should be in motorsport. The concept of being able to share a car with another driver means the budget required is relatively affordable. Plus, I find the calendar excellent; Spa-Francorchamps and the Red Bull Ring are particularly great in the LMP3 cars. And, in my opinion, the fact that we will now be starting on the DTM platform on four occasions is also a big positive.”
Herich is not only looking forward to a great racing series, but also what is to him a new chassis. “I have only driven the Ginetta so far, but will now be behind the wheel of a Duqueine. I really liked the Ginetta, which is a nice race car. However, seen objectively, the Duqueine is far more successful. I hope it will allow me to improve.” He will also have a new team-mate at his side, in the form of Alexzander Kristiansson. “I don’t know him yet, but I am sure we will have a great time. Alexzander is an aspiring young talent. I, on the other hand, am the somewhat calmer and more experienced driver. I think this is a very positive combination. I teamed up with another young man in 2022 – Jacob Erlbacher – and that worked well.”
The managing director of a medium-sized business had actually retired from vintage motorsport when, in the middle of 2024, he received the offer to race in the Prototype Cup Germany. “At the time, Gebhardt Motorsport wanted to run the Ginetta again and Fritz Gebhardt asked me whether I fancied it. I could not say ‘no’.” He enjoyed his return to modern motorsport so much that he spent the winter actively ensuring he would be back on the starting grid this season. It was always clear, that Herich would only drive an LMP3 car for Gebhardt. “I was a test driver for Gebhardt back in 1999, with a Gebhardt G4 in the Sports Car World Cup. I even got to start a race at the Nürburgring. Unfortunately, Gebhardt called it a day after the 1999 season and I was not able to find enough partners to continue my career. I did manage a race weekend in the Formula 3 Cup in 2003, but after that I took a break for a while. I started studying and embarked on a professional career. However, I still always remained in contact with Gebhardt professionally.”
In 2019, Fritz Gebhardt started to run his old Group C cars on the vintage motorsport scene, and Herich was the first person he turned to. “We presented one of Gebhardt’s own cars, the Gebhardt C88, at a racetrack for the first time in Monza. That was a special moment, which brought me and the team even closer together.” In 2022, he took the decision to join Gebhardt Motorsport in the Prototype Cup Germany, which was new at the time. He returned to the LMP3 series in 2024. “I am very grateful to Gebhardt Motorsport for offering me this opportunity and for always sticking with me. The package is good, Fritz and I have a superb understanding, and I have every faith in the team. I don’t think you get that very often nowadays, and cannot imagine driving for a different team. After all, I have been associated with Gebhardt professionally and in motorsport for over 25 years. I really value this cooperation.”
