The 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers mark the decisive dress rehearsal before one of motorsport’s toughest challenges. Drivers and teams now gather for the first true test of strength, with 11 hours of racing action recreating the intensity of the legendary 24-hour contest.
Across two races and two top qualifying sessions, teams push their machinery to the limit. This weekend represents the final opportunity for more than 100 race cars and nearly 500 drivers to fine-tune their performance on what many regard as the world’s most demanding circuit.
Moreover, the event forms a crucial part of preparation. Many teams treat it as essential before committing to the full ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring campaign.
Star power and fierce competition to feature at 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers
The Qualifiers promise a spectacular preview of the main event, with 132 cars expected on the provisional entry list. Notably, 37 GT3 cars will compete in the elite SP9 class, ensuring intense competition at the front.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen headlines the field. He returns to the Nordschleife in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, using the weekend to sharpen his preparation for the endurance classic.
However, Verstappen will not have it easy. A host of elite GT3 teams and champions stand ready to challenge him. The Qualifiers also carry added pressure, as teams must perform—not merely test—because grid positions for top qualifying are at stake.
Momentum builds after dramatic NLS races
Recent Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) races have already set the tone. After one round fell victim to poor weather, Verstappen made headlines in the next outing with blistering pace and fierce battles. Although he crossed the line first, officials later disqualified his team due to excessive tyre usage.
Meanwhile, experienced teams asserted their strength at NLS3. Schubert BMW claimed victory ahead of Manthey Porsche and a Ford Mustang entry.
Winning driver Philipp Eng reflected positively on the competition, stating: “very high quality”. He added: “That was my first race on the Nordschleife in two years. The fact that we were able to win right away was pretty cool.”
Equally, reigning DTM champion Ayhancan Güven emphasised the intensity of the field: “I think the competition is particularly strong this year. It wasn’t easy to pass some of the drivers and cars.”
He further explained the challenge of racing on the Nordschleife: “Sometimes you have to wait 20 km before you can fight your way past the next competitor.” Nevertheless, he remained focused on preparation: “The top priority was to collect data and run a good test without taking too many risks.”
Depth across classes ensures non-stop action
The SP9 category showcases a remarkable variety of manufacturers, underlining the global appeal of the event. Teams field GT3 machinery from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini, and Porsche.
In addition, notable names such as Thomas Preining and Mirko Bortolotti bring further prestige to the grid.
Beyond GT3, the SP-X class adds visual flair and technical intrigue. Meanwhile, fan-favourite entries such as the BMW M3 Touring 24h blend unconventional design with competitive performance, capturing attention both on and off the track.
The excitement extends well beyond the headline category. In SP10, GT4 machinery from multiple manufacturers promises tight, competitive racing. Similarly, the Porsche Cup classes deliver consistently close battles, known for their intensity and unpredictability.
Production-based categories also contribute significantly to the spectacle. These entries embody the grassroots spirit of endurance racing and form the backbone of the multi-class grid.
Consequently, every lap offers action across different performance levels, keeping fans engaged throughout the weekend.
A unique race weekend format for 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers
Unlike standard NLS rounds, the Qualifiers feature a distinctive format. The weekend begins on Friday with testing sessions, followed by the debut of the German Historic Endurance Championship.
Saturday then delivers a packed schedule. After morning qualifying, the first four-hour race starts in the evening and runs into twilight, adding a strategic dimension as conditions change.
On Sunday, the action intensifies further. A top qualifying session determines key starting positions through individual time trials, before the second four-hour race concludes the weekend.
New faces and personal milestones
The event also highlights personal journeys within the paddock. Drivers stepping up to GT3 machinery view the Qualifiers as a defining moment in their careers.
Tobias Wahl expressed his enthusiasm for the move: “This is my eleventh year competing in the NLS, and I’ve driven GT4 for ten years, so the move to the GT3 class is now a logical next step.”
“Last year, I had a lot of bad luck and couldn’t win the title with Nick Wüstenhaben and Ranko Mijatovic because I broke my collarbone. Now I’m looking forward all the more to this adventure with PROsport. The Aston Martin felt great to me right from the start during testing. I was surprised by how good the feedback is that you feel as a driver. You can drive much more precisely and accurately with it, and the aerodynamics are fantastic. I was able to drive an 8:11-minute lap pretty quickly. Still, there’s obviously room for improvement, and I’m really looking forward to my first race.”
A landmark experience
Similarly, Christoph Breuer prepares for a landmark experience in the iconic “Grello” Porsche.
“Objectively speaking, they were still looking for a driver because Thomas isn’t allowed to race alone. Personally, though, this is a huge dream come true for me. If someone had told me this five years ago, I would have just waved it off. I’ve always wondered what it’s like to drive Grello—now I have the chance to experience it for myself. For me, this is a huge honor, and I have great respect for it. The team is putting a lot of heart and soul into this project—from the mechanics to the engineers and all the other staff, right up to the top management. My task is clearly defined: don’t break anything. But I’m at an age where my ego allows for that.”
Innovation and sustainability take centre stage 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers
Beyond performance, innovation plays a growing role. Musician and racer Smudo enters the series with a focus on sustainability.
He highlighted the importance of the weekend: “We’re looking forward to kicking off this season at the 24h Qualifiers. They’re a barometer. Every lap counts, and we’re ready to show what’s possible with our sustainable technologies.”
At the same time, international participation continues to expand. Teams from Asia bring additional diversity, reinforcing the Nürburgring’s global appeal.
Final preparations before the main event
Ultimately, the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers serve as the final proving ground. Teams gather vital data, refine strategies, and assess reliability under race conditions.
With fierce competition, evolving technology, and high-profile names, the stage is now set. The road to the 24-hour race reaches its climax, and the Green Hell prepares to test every competitor to their limits.
