Falken Sells BMW Chassis; Will Run Two Porsches in NLS

Photo: Falken

Falken Motorsports will no longer run two different cars at the Nürburgring but has ordered a second Porsche 911 GT3 R to launch a two-car assault with the Stuttgart-based manufacturer.

The team, run by Schnabl Engineering with support from tire brand Falken, had previously campaigned one Porsche alongside a BMW M6 GT3 for three years in the Nürburgring 24 and VLN, which has been renamed NLS for the upcoming season.

The BMW scored Falken’s first overall victory and finished fifth in the N24 last year but the team’s engineers expect improved efficiency from running identical cars in 2020, and the BMW chassis is now up for sale.

“Fielding two Porsche will allow us to run a more effective tire evaluation program, with a chance to try different setups across the cars, whilst removing one more variable at a track that throws up so many unpredictable elements,” said Falken’s Stefanie Olbertz.

“We’ll also benefit from cost efficiencies with regards to carrying spares and logistics, making this a very practical decision.

“We are very grateful for the support from BMW and the M6 will always hold a special place at Falken as it achieved our first race win on the Nordschleife as well as several other great triumphs.

“These include playing its part in our first double podium as well as the flawless performance during 2019 24h race, finishing fifth overall and the fastest BMW.”

The team will test at Portimao later this month and reveal its driver lineup in time for the NLS test day on March 14.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.