Jordan Pepper continued his recent dominant form by claiming pole position for Race 1 at the Norisring with a blistering lap of 48.467 seconds, setting a new qualifying record on the tight, bumpy street circuit. The South African, fresh off his Spa 24 Hours victory, topped Qualifying 1 Group A and will lead the field to green for Saturday afternoon’s race with his second pole of the 2025 DTM season.

“I gave it everything on my flying laps. We were as motivated as can be as a team. I love the Norisring, with its walls and crash barriers. That makes the pole position all the more pleasing for me,” said Pepper, who dominated Group A and set the record late in the session aboard his TGI Team Lamborghini by GRT Huracán GT3.

Lining up alongside him is Nicki Thiim, who topped Qualifying 1 Group B with a 48.566sec effort in his Abt Sportsline Lamborghini. The Dane described his lap as “virtually perfect” and will be eyeing a strong result at a circuit that rewards commitment. Thierry Vermeulen starts third in the Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3 (48.607sec), just ahead of Thomas Preining (Manthey EMA Porsche 991 GT3 R, 48.585sec) and Maro Engel (Mercedes-AMG Team Winward, 48.645sec).

Despite several drivers setting faster times than those ahead of them, the Norisring’s group-based qualifying format means that the grid is formed by group positions rather than pure lap time beyond pole. With close walls, heavy braking zones, and hot conditions expected, all eyes will be on Pepper when the lights go out at 13:30 CEST.

Top 5 Qualifying Results (Race 1):

  1. Jordan Pepper (TGI Team Lamborghini by GRT) – 48.467s
  2. Nicki Thiim (Abt Sportsline) – 48.566s
  3. Thierry Vermeulen (Emil Frey Racing) – 48.607s
  4. Thomas Preining (Manthey EMA) – 48.585s
  5. Maro Engel (Mercedes-AMG Team Winward Racing) – 48.645s

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