GT Challenge - 24h Nürburgring

The 24h Nürburgring serves as a prominent round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, bringing together GT3 teams from around the world to compete on one of motorsport's most demanding circuits. This endurance race combines the legendary Nordschleife with the modern Grand Prix circuit at Nurburgring, creating a 25.378-kilometer test of speed, strategy, and reliability over a full day of racing.

Intercontinental GT Challenge at the Nürburgring

The Intercontinental GT Challenge features the 24h Nürburgring as one of its key events, attracting top-tier GT3 manufacturers and professional drivers. The 2025 edition marked the 53rd running of this endurance race, organized by ADAC Nordrhein in partnership with SRO Motorsports Group. Over 140 vehicles entered across 20 classes, with more than 700 drivers taking part in this marathon competition.

Top GT3 Competition

The SP9 class represents the premier GT3 category at the 24h Nürburgring, featuring manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini. Professional teams and factory-backed entries compete for overall victory, with the Intercontinental GT Challenge points adding international significance to the race.

Notable entries included Rowe Racing with the BMW M4 GT3 Evo, Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed, Falken Motorsports running Porsche 911 GT3 R, and Manthey Racing. The diverse manufacturer representation demonstrates the global appeal of this Intercontinental GT Challenge round.

Circuit Characteristics

The Nurburgring circuit configuration combines two distinct sections. The Nordschleife, known as "The Green Hell," features 73 corners with elevation changes of approximately 300 meters between its highest and lowest points. Gradients reach up to 11% at Fuchsröhre and 18% between Caracciola-Karussel and Hohe Acht.

This combination creates unique challenges not found at other Intercontinental GT Challenge venues. Teams must balance setup requirements for the high-speed Grand Prix section with the technical demands of the Nordschleife. Weather conditions can vary significantly across different parts of the circuit, adding strategic complexity to the 24-hour duration.

The 2025 Race

Rowe Racing claimed victory with their BMW M4 GT3 Evo, driven by Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn, Raffaele Marciello, and Kelvin van der Linde. The team completed 141 laps, covering 3,578.3 kilometers. Manthey Racing secured pole position with Kévin Estre at the wheel of their Porsche 911 GT3 R.

The race saw intense competition throughout its duration, with approximately two-thirds of the 133 starters reaching the finish. This attrition rate highlights the demanding nature of the 24h Nürburgring and why it holds such prestige within the Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar.

Multi-Class Racing Format

While GT3 cars compete for Intercontinental GT Challenge points, the 24h Nürburgring features 20 different classes running simultaneously. GT4 cars, Cup cars, and production vehicles share the track with the top GT3 machinery, creating a unique multi-class environment. Over 150 vehicles can circulate at once, requiring constant awareness from drivers.

Alternative fuel vehicles also compete, with eleven entries showcasing developing technologies. This diversity distinguishes the 24h Nürburgring from other endurance races and adds layers of strategy for teams navigating traffic.

Technical Requirements

Drivers must hold a special Nordschleife license to compete. A DMSB Permit Nordschleife of level B suffices for lower performance classes, while level A permits are mandatory for high-powered categories like SP9. This requirement reflects the specialized knowledge needed to race safely on the Nordschleife section.

Teams prepare extensively for the unique demands of this circuit. The continuous nature of the 25.378-kilometer lap means limited track position data compared to shorter circuits. Setup compromises between the two circuit sections require careful engineering decisions.

Event Legacy and Records

The 24h Nürburgring has run 53 times since 1970, with gaps in 1974, 1975, and 1983. BMW leads manufacturers with 21 victories, while Manthey Racing holds the team record with 7 wins. Timo Bernhard, Pedro Lamy, and Marcel Tiemann each achieved five victories as drivers.

The event draws up to 290,000 spectators, making it one of the best-attended races in European motorsport. The accessible nature of the Nurburgring facility allows fans to view from multiple locations around the circuit.

What Makes This Intercontinental GT Challenge Round Special

The 24h Nürburgring stands apart from other Intercontinental GT Challenge rounds due to its unique circuit layout, multi-class format, and accessibility to amateur teams. Professional factory teams compete alongside privateer entries, creating a democratic racing environment rarely seen at international GT events.

The combination of professional and amateur drivers, diverse vehicle categories, and the legendary Nordschleife creates compelling racing over the full 24-hour period. Teams must balance outright pace with consistency and reliability, as mechanical failures and incidents can eliminate even the strongest contenders.

This Intercontinental GT Challenge round offers a different test compared to other series events. The extreme circuit length, elevation changes, and variable conditions make the 24h Nürburgring one of the most challenging races on the global GT calendar.