Today the World Endurance Championship held a star-studded press conference at the Nürburgring, one month before its inaugural race at the German track on 28-30 August.
The press conference, held in front of a large gathering of German and international media, took place on the second of a two-day test. Of the 33 cars due to take part in the 6 Hours of Nürburgring, 20 were present at the test to gather as much data as possible ahead of the race next month.
Gérard Neveu, CEO of the WEC, and Carsten Schumacher, CEO capricorn NÜRBURGRING GmbH, were joined by Team Principals and drivers competing in the World Endurance Championship plus the legendary Hans-Joachim Stuck who was announced as Grand Marshal for the fourth round of the 2015 season.
Guests included Audi Sport’s Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Andreas Seidl of the Porsche Team, Porsche Team Manthey’s Olaf Manthey, plus André Lotterer (Audi Sport), Timo Bernhard (Porsche Team), Sébastien Buemi (Toyota), Richard Bradley (KCMG) and Patrick Dempsey (Dempsey Proton Racing).
WEC CEO Gérard Neveu explained to the media the importance to the World Endurance Championship of the new race in Germany. “The 6 Hours of Nürburgring is a new event on the WEC calendar and we are extremely pleased to be bringing the Spirit of Le Mans to Germany. With Audi and Porsche being major German manufacturers and partners, plus Toyota Racing being based in Cologne, the decision to have a race here was not a difficult one to make when the opportunity arose. Audi has won the world title twice and Porsche will race in Germany after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June; both have a huge following both here and around the world. We are sure that the home race for these very important manufacturers will be well supported by the German fans.
“However the 6 Hours of Nürburgring is about much more than the LMP1 entries. We have a full grid of 33 cars and there is great racing in LMP2 and in the LMGTE classes, where Porsche is racing against Ferrari and Aston Martin and where Ford will join us in 2016. The event is a combination of a full race programme and great entertainment around the circuit for the whole family to enjoy. Everyone has a part to play in the event and that includes the spectators.
“We would like to thank Carsten Schumacher and his team at the Nürburgring for their hard work which has brought the WEC to Germany, plus of course the manufacturers for their full support. We would also like to thank Hermann Tomczyk, Christian Schacht and the DMSB for the sporting organisation support.
“So we encourage everyone to come and be part of the WEC on the 30 August. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Carsten Schumacher, CEO capricorn NÜRBURGRING GmbH, said: "We are really thrilled to present the spectacular prototypes of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC for the first time in Germany and of course at the Nürburgring which is full of sports car history. It will be the home match for Audi, Porsche and Toyota. In any case the Le Mans revenge will be a special treat for all spectators.
"We want to thank the WEC organization and all parties involved for the prolific co-operation. Now we are looking forward to a great race weekend at the Nürburgring.”
For more information on the 2015 6 Hours of Nürburgring CLICK HERE
Photo: COPYRIGHT JUERGEN TAP, HOCH ZWEI ON BEHALF OF WEC. NURBURGRING (NURBURG, GERMANY), TEST SESSION FOR 6 HOURS OF NURBURGRING, 27-28 JULY 2015.
1) Back row: Patrick Dempsey, Dempsey Proton Racing, Richard Bradley, KCMG, Sebastien Buemi, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Timo Bernhard, Porsche Team, Andre Lotterer, Audi Sport;
Front Row: Carsten Schumacher, Capricorn Nürburgring GmbH, Olaf Manthey, Porsche Team Manthey, Hans-Joachim Stuck, DMSB, Gerard Neveu, CEO WEC, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Audi Sport, Andreas Seidl, Porsche Team.
2) The three LMP1 prototypes from Porsche, Toyota and Audi are expected to provide close competition in the 6 Hours of Nurburgring.
