WTCR, from the streets of Pau to the Nordschleife

Two weeks after tackling Pau’s street circuit, the WTCR competitors will race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. With a lap length of 25.378 kilometres, a high-speed rollercoaster layout, a straight 2860 metres long and the potential for changeable weather, the German roadcourse provides the ultimate test of driver and machine.

Néstor Girolami (Münnich Motorsport, Honda Civic Type R) is the leader of the standings after taking pole position and Race 1 victory in France. The Argentine holds a seven-point advantage over his compatriot and teammate Esteban Guerrieri. While Girolami’s 8:51.802 is the TCR lap record, victory at the Nürburgring has so far eluded him, while Guerrieri has won twice on the Nordschleife.

Mikel Azcona (BRC Squadra Corse, Hyundai Elantra N) chases his first win on the Nordschleife but starts the weekend on a high after winning the second race in Pau; he lies third in the standings, only one point behind Guerrieri.

Last year, the Nordschleife hosted the season opener in which Tiago Monteiro (Münnich Motorsport, Honda Civic Type R) and Jean-Karl Vernay (Team Engstler, Hyundai Elantra N) took one race win apiece; Monteiro is still racing a Honda that is now run by Team Engstler. 

The schedule of the event is adjusted to fit into the ADAC 24H weekend; practice sessions are on Thursday, the 40-minute Qualifying on Friday and the two 3-lap races on Saturday morning. 

Picture: WTCR/DPPI