As thousands of fans were still streaming in to the Nurburgring under gloriously sunny skies, many of those already at the circuit were looking forward to getting close to their heroes at the WEC pitwalk and autograph session.
With all of the drivers making themselves available, race fans were set to offer t-shirts, autograph cards, official programmes and posters for signing.
Among the mass of people filling the pitlane was the Reinders family from nearby Stammheim a suburb of Cologne.They were supporting local heroes Toyota and were targeting the autographs of reigning champions Anthony Davidson and Sebastien Buemi.
“Sebastien is our hero because he is so fast and really a nice guy,” said Sepp Reinders, who was showing his young son, Jorg his first motor race. “Jorg has some posters of Sebastien and the Toyota LMP1 car. When he is old enough we will go to Le Mans but for now we are so happy to have the WEC cars here close to our home.”
While there were new fans and families at the Nurburgring this morning there were also more experienced enthusiasts exposing a new generation.
57 year-old Uli Dremmler was introducing his grandson Maxi, aged six, to racing for the first time, 45 years after he attended the Nurburgring 1000kms as young boy.
“It is a big day because we have a third generation now here at Nurburgring to watch my favourite cars,” he said. “Maxi has been very excited since last year when we knew the WEC would be coming. He is supporting Audi here today although he also likes the Porsche and Toyota cars, so I guess he will leave happy whatever happens!”
Sam Smith
