As the motorsport world turns its gaze to the legendary Nürburgring, DUNLOP Motorsport is preparing for the highly anticipated ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, scheduled from May 14 to 17, 2026. This iconic endurance race, known as one of the toughest tests in global motorsport, sees DUNLOP bringing a Porsche 911 GT3 R—bearing the number 17—to the infamous ‘Green Hell’ for its first appearance at the Eifel classic.
Four seasoned drivers form the backbone of the campaign, piloting the striking black-and-yellow GT3 machine. The lineup features French aces Julien Andlauer and Dorian Boccolacci, Belgian star Alessio Picariello, and Nordschleife specialist Nico Menzel. Their collective expertise in international GT racing, coupled with deep circuit knowledge and proven consistency, makes them a formidable force for this endurance challenge.
Preparation for the grueling 24-hour marathon has been both thorough and revealing. DUNLOP Motorsport’s participation in the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series yielded critical data and fine-tuned strategies. Despite a rain-delayed season opener, the team clinched an impressive top-10 finish in their debut race, underlining their competitiveness right from the outset.
Continuous development of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, paired with valuable feedback on DUNLOP tyre performance, has established a robust platform for the 24-hour contest. The ever-changing conditions of the Nürburgring Nordschleife—ranging from unpredictable weather to fluctuating grip and dense traffic—demand unwavering consistency, razor-sharp precision, and tactical discipline from teams and drivers alike.
The driver lineup reflects these crucial strengths. Andlauer boasts broad experience in both international GT and prototype arenas. Boccolacci and Picariello have repeatedly demonstrated speed and composure on the Nordschleife, cementing their status in the GT3 ranks. Menzel, meanwhile, is a homegrown Nordschleife expert, bringing deep local insight to the team’s arsenal.
DUNLOP tyres are the choice for several notable teams this year. Saugmotoren Motorsport fields the iconic #36 BMW Z4 E89 (EVO 2013), piloted by renowned Nordschleife specialists Ralf Schall and Christian Scherer. Meanwhile, BLACK FALCON Team FANATEC, in partnership with Gran Turismo, brings the #632 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992.1) to the grid, with seasoned driver Manuel Metzger, YouTube personality Misha Charoudin, and Gran Turismo sim racing stars Steve Brown and Jimmy Broadbent sharing driving duties.
Fans can expect more than just on-track action. The Boulevard hosts an interactive motorsport experience, complete with Gran Turismo simulators that let enthusiasts virtually lap the iconic Nordschleife. Adding to the spectacle, a historic Porsche 962 C from the Porsche Museum will be on display—a car that not only competed in all five Supercup races of 1987 but also secured the championship title.
The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring roars into action on Saturday, May 16, at 3:00 p.m. For fans following from afar, the race will be broadcast live via official streaming platforms and RTL Nitro. DUNLOP Motorsport will also keep fans updated with behind-the-scenes content and breaking news from the Eifel region through its social media outlets.
