Falken Motorsports has entered two Porsche 991.2 GT3Rs for the official VLN Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) test at the Nordschleife on 15 June in preparation of the second and third races of the season. The Schnabl Engineering-run team was forced to cancel its participation in the VLN pre-season test last March due to the escalating COVID-19 crisis.
Both Falken Porsches will be driven by Porsche experts: Klaus Bachler returns for his fourth year in the turquoise Porsche, while 2020 will mark co-driver Martin Ragginger’s tenth season with Falken Motorsports. Sven Müller and Dirk Werner, both drivers from the Porsche stable with a number of Falken outings in recent years, get behind the wheel of the second car.
The collective test on Monday will be held according to strict hygiene and health regulations.
“I think I’m speaking for all drivers when I say Falken and the organisers have done everything in their power to create a safe environment for the return to racing,” says Martin Ragginger. “We understand fans are disappointed that they can’t be here, but it’s everyone’s responsibility at this point to follow the guidelines. VLN has worked hard to get us back on the track and and for our fans the best way to show their support to the teams, drivers and of course the NLS and the Nürburgring is to stay at home and following us online.”
Falken drivers will share their experiences from the paddock and pit box via the Falken Facebook and Instagram channels.
“We usually welcome the many fans who come to see the cars up close and talk to the drivers to take photos,” says Stefanie Olbertz, responsible for Falken’s motorsport programme. “This time, we’re going to offer more content on our social media channels to fans so they can enjoy the driver insights.”
Falken Motorsports will not be running the race-winning BMW M6 GT3 in 2020, instead focusing on two cars from one brand for more effective development of the Falken tyres.
“Running two Porsche will allow us to run a more effective tyre evaluation programme, with a chance to try different set ups across the cars, whilst removing one more variable at a track that throws up so many unpredictable elements. We’ll also benefit from cost efficiencies with regards to carrying spares and logistics, making this a very practical decision,” Stefanie Olbertz explains. “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 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, finishing fifth overall and the fastest BMW.”
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