Nürburgring Pre-Race Notebook

Photo: John Dagys

***Tens of thousands of fans have flocked to the Nürburgring, with a packed autograph session just wrapping up on pit lane. Traffic jams have been reported on the entrance to the circuit this morning. It’s estimated in excess of 40,000 fans will be on hand for this afternoon’s round.

***FIA WEC CEO Gerard Neveu said they’re hopeful of taking up its one-year option to return to the Nürburgring next year, particularly after an already successful weekend in Germany so far. “The target, anywhere we’re going is not a one shot,” he told Sportcar365. “It’s to try to establish a long term strategy with the event that will grow up year after year.”

***Team SARD-Morand’s Morgan LMP2 Evo was impounded by German authorities at the beginning of the weekend due to an unpaid catering bill, according to team boss Benoit Morand, who spoke with Endurance-Info. Morand explained the bill of 38,000 Euros from a German catering company was due to be split with its former partner, Race to 24.

***Plans are still in place for the Swiss squad to complete the season, with the idea of returning to the FIA WEC full-time in 2016, again in LMP2.

***Audi has yet to decide what aero package it will run for the remainder of the season. Audi Sport Team Joest technical director Ralf Jüttner told Sportscar365 they have two options, with a plan set to be made following today’s race.

***Audi Chairman of the Board of Management Rupert Stadler and Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, board member for technical development, are among the dignitaries on hand for the German manufacturer’s home race today.

***A pair of FIA WEC regulars are not here this weekend due to their ADAC GT Masters commitments. Nicki Thiim and Klaus Bachler relinquished their rides with Aston Martin Racing and Abu Dhabi Proton Racing, respectively, to take part in the round at the Sachsenring. Both are also expected to miss COTA due to another clash with the German GT3 championship.

***A tree was planted at the circuit Saturday in memory of Gustav Büsing, who passed away last month. The longtime German journalist and PR officer was most recently served as a commentator on Eurosport’s WEC broadcasts.

***The Six Hours of Nürburgring will be broadcast live and in its entirety between FOX Sports family of networks, beginning 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

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