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Nürburgring Saturday Notebook

John Dagys’ notebook from Saturday at the Nürburgring…

Photo: Adrenal Media/FIA WEC

Photo: Adrenal Media/FIA WEC

***There’s already been a huge turnout for this weekend’s Six Hours of Nürburgring, with thousands of fans packing the pit lane for the pre-qualifying pit walk. It’s understood more than 30,000 tickets have been pre-sold for tomorrow’s race, with more walk-ups expected.

***There’s continued talk about the 2016 schedule, which will be released next month at COTA. Paddock speculation indicates a round at Monza could be added to open the 2016 season in late March or early April, with the series reportedly in continued talks with Montreal and Mexico City as well.

***FIA WEC CEO Gerard Neveu told Sportscar365 they’ll only consider expanding the WEC calendar should it make economical sense for its manufacturers and teams. He ruled out the possibility of a second round in the U.S. for 2016, with its current focus on building the event at Circuit of The Americas.

***It’s understood a rumored event at Road America is currently not on the cards, with the circuit’s current infrastructure and the lack of hotel rooms in the area being just two factors, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway being the only other facility in the U.S., (outside of COTA) that’s capable to host a WEC event.

***Neveu has also ruled out an imminent switch to a winter or “reverse” calendar, which would see the championship conclude at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

***Earl Bamber will make his Nordschleife race debut later this year in VLN competition, with the Porsche factory driver and 2015 Le Mans winner also listed to compete in the FIA GT World Cup at Macau in a Porsche 997 GT3-R under the LKM Racing banner.

***Patrick Long became a father during the summer break, with his wife giving birth to Leyton on July 2. The Porsche factory driver enjoyed six weeks at home with his son prior to preparing for this weekend’s round.

***Formula Racing could take part in the FIA WEC next year, with the Danish squad targeting a Le Mans entry. The AF Corse-run team currently leads the European Le Mans Series GTE standings, with the 2015 class champion receiving an automatic invite to next year’s French endurance classic.

***Be sure to download Andy Blackmore’s NISMO Spotter Guide, featuring all 31 starters for Sunday’s race and various revisions to liveries and driver lineups since the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Andy’s guides are a must-have, whether you’re at the track or following from home.

***The Six Hours of Nürburgring will be broadcast live and in its entirety between FOX Sports family of networks, beginning Sunday at 7 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 2, before switching to FOX Sports 1 at 9 a.m. through the checkered flag at 1 p.m. ET.

***Eurosport will also be live from the ‘Ring, with Mark Cole and Tom Gaymor presenting language coverage of the opening and final hour. Motors TV will provide full coverage throughout Europe, while lights-to-flag coverage will be available via the FIA WEC Second Screen App, with radio coverage on Radiolemans.com.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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