Walkenhorst Motorsport scores another class victory

At the 57th ADAC Barbarossapreis, Walkenhorst Motorsport secured its second class victory in two weeks in the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Christian Krognes also took pole position.

The 57th ADAC Barbarossapreis marked the ninth race of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie season. Walkenhorst Motorsport fielded an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, which was driven by Christian Krognes, Mateo Villagomez, and Anders Buchardt. As in previous NLS events, the team’s main focus was on the continuous development of the Pirelli tires.

“Another special feature was that four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen competed in an ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie race for the first time in a GT3 car. We firmly believe that this is the best thing that could happen to the racing series, as it will attract a whole new fan base to the NLS, which will benefit all teams,” explains team founder Henry Walkenhorst.

In an extremely exciting qualifying session, Aston Martin factory driver Christian Krognes set the fastest time shortly before the checkered flag, relegating later race winner Max Verstappen to third place on the grid. Krognes, who is also the reigning lap record holder in the racing series, completed the course in 8:06.057 minutes in difficult conditions.

The race began with a shock for the Walkenhorst Motorsport team, as the Aston Martin was hit in the rear by a competitor while braking for the first corner, causing severe damage to the rear diffuser. Nevertheless, all three drivers impressed with consistent and fast lap times and completed a flawless race.

After four hours of racing, the #34 car finally crossed the finish line in fifth place overall, which is equivalent to a class victory in the SP9 Pro-Am class. The Lower Saxony-based racing team won this class for the second time in just 14 days.

“With pole position in qualifying, the race day got off to a perfect start for us, of course. Chris once again showed his class in difficult track conditions, which I was extremely happy about! A big compliment also goes to Mateo and Anders, who did a flawless job. In the race, we clinched our second class victory in just two weeks, which clearly shows that our collaboration with Pirelli is heading in the right direction and that we have made great progress together in our first year,” said Managing Director Jörg Breuer.

Walkenhorst Motorsport’s GT3 program is now focused on the season finale of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup in Barcelona in two weeks, where Walkenhorst Motorsport will compete with two Aston Martin Vantage GT3.