A last-minute shocker from Porsche on Monday night as the manufacturer announced it is pulling out of this weekend’s Nürburgring 24 Hours following three positive COVID-19 test results amongst Porsche personnel at Le Mans, leaving Porsche’s employees who were at the French endurance classic – works drivers and Manthey Racing and Porsche Motorsport personnel – sidelined for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
NÜRBURGRING 24 HOURS ENTRY LIST
“We made the decision together with Porsche Motorsport,” Nicky Raeder, managing director of Manthey Racing, said in a statement.
“We, the ‘Grello’ and the Nordschleife belong together. But under these circumstances it is clear to everyone at Manthey Racing that the health of everyone involved in the 24-hour race has priority.”
Fritz Enzinger, head of Motorsport Porsche, added: “For us, the health of the people comes first. Given the current situation, it is absolutely clear to us that we put our sporting goals behind those of the common good. We will do everything we can to give our customer teams the best possible support in the upcoming race with capable staff and the available works drivers.”
Manthey Racing was set to enter the #911 Porsche 991.2 GT3R ‘Grello’ for drivers Julien Andlauer, Matt Campbell, Lars Kern and Mathieu Jaminet.
Customer teams KCMG and Frikadelli Racing are also heavily affected as both teams ran a works driver heavy line-up.
KCMG had Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas and Patrick Pilet on board for the #18 Porsche with Dumas pulling double duty on the #19. Dennis Olsen is now the last remaining driver on the #18.
Meanwhile, Michael Christensen, Kevin Estre and Campbell were all lined up for the #31 Frikadelli Racing Porsche, leaving Maxime Martin as the sole driver.
Falken Motorsports loses Thomas Preining and Matteo Cairoli over its two cars.
Please consider making a donation so we can keep bringing you our best content from the racetrack.
