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Intercontinental GT Challenge

Frikadelli Withdraws from 24H Spa Due to Flooding Impacts

Leading Porsche team cancels Spa entry due to impacts of recent flooding in western Europe…

Photo: Dirk Bogaerts/SRO

Frikadelli Racing Team has withdrawn its Porsche 911 GT3 Rs from next weekend’s TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa due to the impacts of recent severe flooding in western Europe.

The German outfit, which is based in the town of Barweiler near the Nürburgring, announced its decision not to take part in the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli season-opener on Tuesday.

Severe flooding last week affected a wide region including parts of western Germany, such as the area surrounding the Nürburgring, and east Belgium where Spa is located. 

The floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure and fatalities.

“The events from the past week have shaken us all deeply,” said Frikadelli Racing Team boss Klaus Abbelen.

“Since team members of our family [and] friends are also affected by the flood disaster, I have decided to cancel our planned race at Spa-Francorchamps, despite all the love for motorsport.

“The refurbishment of events and assistance in such an exceptional situation takes absolute priority.

“I am very pleased that Porsche also shares this view and is behind our decision.”

Frikadelli’s No. 3 Porsche was due to be driven by Dennis Olsen, Frederic Makowiecki and Patrick Pilet.

The sister No. 13 entry featured Thomas Preining, Michael Christensen and Julien Andlauer.

A total of 11 Porsches, including six Pro-category cars, are now due to contest the Spa race on July 31-Aug. 1 following the Frikadelli team’s withdrawal.

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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