Prototype Cup Germany, Nürburgring: winning return for Ralf Schumacher
Held at the Nürburgring from August 16 to 18, 2024, the fourth meeting of the season saw Ralf Schumacher return to the track after a 12-year absence. At the wheel of US Racing's #27 Ligier JS P320, the former Formula 1 driver dominated the entire meeting alongside his son David, seen in Formula 3 in recent years: best times in free practice, double pole position and double victory. In Konrad Motorsport's #2 Ligier JS P320, Danny Soufi was the first driver crowned in the Prototype Cup Germany 2024, winning the title of Junior Champion 2024
- The weekend got off to a strong start for the Schumacher father and son duo, at the wheel of the #27 US Racing Ligier JS P320. They set the fastest times in free practice.
“It was a good free practice. Our lap times were good and we felt comfortable in the car,” said David Schumacher. “Firstly, we don't know whether the opposition played their best cards. Secondly, it is only a free practice session. We must now make sure we have a similar result in this evening's qualifying.”
- And so it was. Six-time Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher won the first qualifying session with a best time of 1:23.799.
“It was a good qualifying, but I must say that my team gave me a very good car,” said a happy Schumacher. “I did not really get my laps right at the start of the session, but it all came together in the end. I must admit that first place is a surprise to me too, but it is a pretty nice surprise.”
- In qualifying for Race 2, David Schumacher followed in his father's footsteps, taking pole position with a lap of 1:23.695. With a lead of around 0.7 seconds during the session, he entered the pit lane with three minutes remaining.
“It was a really positive qualifying. It could hardly have gone much better,” said David Schumacher. “Not only was my result good, but also the advantage I had. Much of that is obviously down to our team US Racing, who did a top job of preparing the Ligier – thank you for that. I wanted to look after the tyres and, thanks to my lead, was able to risk coming in. I am now excited to see what happens in the two races.”
- On Saturday, Ralf Schumacher immediately opened up a lead in Race 1 on a partly damp track, before handing over to his son, David, who won by a margin of 17 seconds.
- Frikadelli Racing Team's #30 Ligier JS P320 finished fifth: Klaus Abbelen and Felipe Fernández Laser edged out the #2 Fridakelli Racing Team of overall leaders Torsten Kratz and Danny Soufi.
- With a 118-point lead, Danny Soufi takes the Prototype Cup Germany 2024 Junior title, with three races still to go.
- At the start of Race 2, David Schumacher handed over the lead to Felipe Fernández Laser, before retaking it after just a few laps.
“I then focussed on giving my father the biggest lead possible,” commented David Schumacher.
- The #14 Ligier JS P320 of Antti Rammo (MRS-GT Racing) finished third. In second position for most of the race, the Estonian gave way on the final lap after putting up a good fight.
“The series, the car and the whole concept are really good,” said Ralf Schumacher.
“The Prototype Cup Germany is a great product, the weekend was a lot of fun,” confirmed David Schumacher.
- Eighth in Race 2, Torsten Kratz and Danny Soufi are nine points clear in the overall standings. The title will therefore be decided at the final 2024 meeting on the Sachsenring circuit, from September 6 to 8, 2024.
For more information on the Prototype Cup Germany, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Ligier JS P320.
Photo credit: Prototype Cup Germany