Ralf and David Schumacher take center stage – Testing with new, sustainable engine oil – More debutants and a thrilling title fight
The Prototype Cup Germany will make a stop at the Nürburgring next weekend (August 16 – 18). In addition to the title fight, two prominent guests will take center stage at the penultimate race weekend of the LMP3 series: Former Formula 1 driver and current TV pundit Ralf Schumacher will start in a Ligier together with his son David. For Ralf Schumacher, the race in his own team US Racing is the first race after a twelve-year break from active motorsport
“I had been planning to race with my son for some time. As a team, we bought two LMP3 Ligiers, we have great partners for this event and now is also a good time, as I feel particularly connected to the Nürburgring because I have raced there very often in my career.”
Leading the Prototype Cup Germany, Danny Soufi and Torsten Kratz come to the Eifel with two new pursuers in Julien Apotheloz and Riccardo Leone Cirelli (Mücke Motorsport). The Mücke duo won twice at Hockenheim and will be looking to build on this success at the Nürburgring.
In addition to father and son Schumacher, there will be other new starters at the Nürburgring: AF2 Motorsport will field Mikkel C. Johansen alongside Jaime Guzman and Rinaldi Racing will enter a second Ligier for Stefan Aust.
Father and son premiere
For Ralf and David Schumacher, their first race together will be a special weekend. “The Prototype Cup Germany is a great series that is still reasonably manageable financially compared to other racing series. There are three different chassis manufacturers, but as they all have the same engine, they are relatively similar in terms of performance. And the car is very close to the formula cars,” says Ralf Schumacher, who wants to enjoy his start in the Prototype Cup Germany above all else. “It’s great that the ADAC and Creventic have created the opportunity to race LMP3 cars in Germany.”
David can hardly wait for his LMP debut either. “It’s a different car to the GT3 Mercedes I normally drive. For example, I sit much lower, there is no ABS and the LMP is also much lighter than a GT3. It’s more like a formula car with a roof, but it’s a lot of fun.”
The two Schumachers will be supported at the Nürburgring in particular by their long-standing partners Dekra and Ravenol. Ravenol is taking the opportunity to test a new lubricant in US Racing’s Ligier. “It is a sustainable oil called Ravenol RET 5W40, which is based on renewable, plant-based raw materials. We have already tested it at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and are now testing it for the first time in an LMP3,” explains Martin Huning, Motorsport Director at Ravenol.
Hockenheim winner Frikadelli Racing with home race
The Schumachers will meet Klaus Abbelen and Felipe Laser (Frikadelli Racing Team), among others. Frikadelli Racing is not only based in the immediate vicinity of the Nürburgring, but Abbelen and his team have also celebrated many successes on the Eifel circuit.
And last Sunday, Abbelen and Laser were also able to celebrate their first triumph in the Prototype Cup Germany. “It’s always nice to drive on my home track, because I know it particularly well,” said the 63-year-old. “I’m hoping that my gaps to the top will be a little smaller there and that we can achieve a similar success to Hockenheim if the opportunity arises again.”
The Prototype Cup Germany is characterized by many different winners this year. Six different pairings or individual starters have already stood at the top of the podium. Only Soufi/Kratz and Apotheloz/Cirelli have each won twice, while Markus Pommer/Valentino Catalano, Keanu Al Azhari (Mühlner Motorsport), Antti Rammo and Abbelen/Laser have each celebrated one triumph
