[G30M]

Originally Posted by Artemis

There is a reason why the Nürburgring is called "The Green Hell". No video game can mimic the strong forces and level differences impacting the dynamics of the car. Countless accidents. Dozens of fatalities.

Several daunting/dangerous sections. For example, after exiting 'Fuchsröhre' ('Foxhole' - a fast downhill section of 'The Ring') heading towards the 'Adenauer Forst' section, there is the very fast section featuring the 'compression point' (low point bump / downhill-uphill point).

you forgot to mention that the Nordschleife underwent a major upgrade in the winter of 2024/5, a resurface, and a new kerb on Fuchsröhre that has forced a change in the racing line of a a number of sections.

these changes have not been updated on the laser scanned tracks on Franz's sim software. so perhaps he's here to check out the new track.

Franz Hermann needs to do 15 laps in a certain Porsche or BMW event to be eligible, not sure how he's going to find the time to do that. would like to see him there. he'd make a good F1 driver in the 2nd RB seat.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by G30M

The Ferrari 296 GT3 is regarded as the fastest GT3 car without BOP but it has a narrow operating window.

Not sure what BOP will be applied at the N24. There is always BOP in GT3 racing.

Balance of Performance applied to cars in such an endurance race will have the team boffins glued to their screens 24/7 beforehand and during.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by G30M

you forgot to mention that the Nordschleife underwent a major upgrade in the winter of 2024/5, a resurface, and a new kerb on Fuchsröhre that has forced a change in the racing line of a a number of sections.
these changes have not been updated on the laser scanned tracks on Franz's sim software. so perhaps he's here to check out the new track.
Franz Hermann needs to do 15 laps in a certain Porsche or BMW to be eligible, not sure how he's going to find the time to do that. would like to see him there. he'd make a good F1 driver in the 2nd RB seat.

As you know, Verstappen is part of Team Redline, a professional simulator racing team competing at the highest level of sim racing esports. It looks like he's very determined to taking Team Redline also to the real world. For example, he already put sim racer team mate Chris Lulham in the Ferrari 296 GT3 that he also test drove last Friday (rumor has it that running out of fuel was the reason for getting towed away).

Expect to see Verstappen someday race in GT3 races. His team has more time on their hands than him. So probably Team Redline will already be competing before he joins them in real life races. But you got to start somewhere and someday. And in the meantime he can always go test drive race cars to give feedback and to have some fun.

A day at The Ring (May 9, 2025) - 141 cars (free practice 'traffic') - some HQ impressions
10:47 to 14:14 + from 28:10 onwards (auto dubbed in English - original in German): Franz Hermann on the prowl to set the GT3 lap record in traffic:

[fs1977]

It's not the first time Verstappen drove the Ferarri 296 GT3 (DTM). He testdrove a couple of laps in 2024 and 2023 at the Portimao and Mugello tracks. He is advisor (and best friend) of Thierry Vermeulen who drives DTM with that car.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by fs1977

It's not the first time Verstappen drove the Ferarri 296 GT3 (DTM). He testdrove a couple of laps in 2024 and 2023 at the Portimao and Mugello tracks. He is advisor (and best friend) of Thierry Vermeulen who drives DTM with that car.

It's also not a GT3 record either.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

It's also not a GT3 record either.

As commented:

Originally Posted by Artemis

Rumor has it that Verstappen set a new GT3 lap time record at The Ring (NLS):

• previous NLS GT3 lap record: 7:49.578
  Christian Krognes (Norway) - Nov 5, 2022 - BMW M4 GT3 - 46th NIMEX DMV 4h Race (Nürburgring Endurance Series)
• new NLS GT3 lap record: 7:48
  Max Verstappen (NL) - May 9, 2025 - Ferrari 296 GT3 - Free practice with traffic

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrburgring)

NLS = Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (which means Nürburgring long track layout series)
Endurance track layout: 24.358 km instead of 20.832 km (over 3.5 km or ±17% longer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%B...strecken-Serie
https://nuerburgring.de/events/categ...automotive/nls
https://www.nuerburgring-langstrecke...e-nurburgring/

The Ferrari 296 GT3 is homologated by FIA as Group GT3 car (FIA homologation # GT3-056) (2023-2030):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_GT3

May 9 and 10, 2025: NLS3 (third 2025 NLS season event) - 56th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy (4h):
Free Practice on Friday 9 and race on Saturday 10.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_N...strecken-Serie

If, as reported, Verstappen clocked a 7:48 lap time during NLS3 Free Practice on May 9, 2025, then he has beaten the 7:49.578 NLS GT3 lap record set on Nov 5, 2022 by Christian Krognes. Did he truly lap 7:48 ? So far, he didn't make statements about his lap times - maybe an onboard video exists and will surface someday.

Lap times: do not confuse track layouts - NLS drivers need to cover over 3.5 km (±17%) more each lap (24.358 km instead of 20.832 km).

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Artemis

As commented:

Attachment 3732826
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrburgring)

NLS = Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (which means Nürburgring long track layout series)
Endurance track layout: 24.358 km instead of 20.832 km (over 3.5 km or ±17% longer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%B...strecken-Serie
https://nuerburgring.de/events/categ...automotive/nls
https://www.nuerburgring-langstrecke...e-nurburgring/

The Ferrari 296 GT3 is homologated by FIA as Group GT3 car (FIA homologation # GT3-056) (2023-2030):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_GT3

May 9 and 10, 2025: NLS3 (third 2025 NLS season event) - 56th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy (4h):
Free Practice on Friday 9 and race on Saturday 10.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_N...strecken-Serie

If, as reported, Verstappen clocked a 7:48 lap time during NLS3 Free Practice on May 9, 2025, then he has beaten the 7:49.578 NLS GT3 lap record set on Nov 5, 2022 by Christian Krognes. Did he truly lap 7:48 ? So far, he didn't make statements about his lap times - maybe an onboard video exists and will surface someday.

Lap times: do not confuse track layouts - NLS drivers need to cover over 3.5 km (±17%) more each lap (24.358 km instead of 20.832 km).

Attachment 3732822

Attachment 3732823

Attachment 3732787

as i mentioned, the track has been significantly resurfaced early this year. we will find out soon what kind of effect it has when the N24 qualifying takes place. no doubt Max time will be right up there though, but I'm not sure if his car has BOP applied. you guys just need to wait 5 weeks to find out.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Artemis

As commented:

If, as reported, Verstappen clocked a 7:48 lap time during NLS3 Free Practice on May 9, 2025, then he has beaten the 7:49.578 NLS GT3 lap record set on Nov 5, 2022 by Christian Krognes. Did he truly lap 7:48 ? So far, he didn't make statements about his lap times - maybe an onboard video exists and will surface someday.

Lap times: do not confuse track layouts - NLS drivers need to cover over 3.5 km (±17%) more each lap (24.358 km instead of 20.832 km).

scoured the internet but didn't find anything specific.

the 296 GT3 in stock form puts out 600hp.

i read somewhere that in DTM they are detuned to around 560hp.

and in the GT3 specific to Nurburgring 24h, they are rumoured to be detuned to less than DTM, around 520hp.

these official records specific to GT3 have had BOP applied, as they were taken during race weekends.

so, hard to know. he's up there of course, we know he's the best out there in iRacing and in F1, whether he's as good as the Ring pros on the Ring, we'll never know until he gets his licence to race there it looks like.

this is very old, not sure what the current BOP is

https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/...1-itr/6188736/

[Davil]

Verstappen’s GT team drive Vantages.

https://www.gt-world-challenge-europ...eas-motorsport

The Nurburgring in a Ferrari must feel like slow motion to him after getting out of his F1 car. He must have so much extra time to think. Probably watching Mateflix on the screen as he takes fastest lap whilst overtaking people.

[Davil]

Good looking car. Note “33”

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Davil

Verstappen’s GT team drive Vantages.

e.

Wait... That has nothing to do with Lawrence Stroll does it? He owns an AM racing team too...

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by G30M

you forgot to mention that the Nordschleife underwent a major upgrade in the winter of 2024/5, a resurface, and a new kerb on Fuchsröhre that has forced a change in the racing line of a a number of sections.
these changes have not been updated on the laser scanned tracks on Franz's sim software. so perhaps he's here to check out the new track.
Franz Hermann needs to do 15 laps in a certain Porsche or BMW event to be eligible, not sure how he's going to find the time to do that. would like to see him there. he'd make a good F1 driver in the 2nd RB seat.

Originally Posted by G30M

he's up there of course, we know he's the best out there in iRacing and in F1, whether he's as good as the Ring pros on the Ring, we'll never know until he gets his licence to race there it looks like.

What about Fast Franz simply enjoying to have fun in doing his favorite things ? Carpe diem - 'stressed' spelled backwards is 'desserts'.

He's demonstrating that he's the nowadays epitome of car racing (virtual + real life). Holistic. Versatile. He has the skills, the means and the possibilities to living the dream of racing exciting toys on the most exciting race tracks on the face of the planet. And he does - call me jealous.

About his May 9, 2025 exploits at the Nürburgring. Whether he broke a lap record or not, whether the track was resurfaced or not, whether the car he raced was a mighty machine or not, whether the track was empty or featured all sorts of traffic, whether his fuel tank was loaded or running on empty: the guy is bloody fast, has the balls to flirt with the limits and enjoys to eat a different type of race food than Formula 1 only. Filling gaps in his F1 calendar with his quality time (racing, family and friends). Petrol head galore.

"But it's the wonders I perform
Pulling rabbits out of hats
When sometimes I'd prefer
Simply to wear them"
(Prefab Sprout - "Moving The River" (1985))

[///M Power-Belgium]

:d

[Rono63]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I watched the video and I think Franz can beat Max. 😂

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Rono63

I watched the video and I think Franz can beat Max. ��

Franz Hermann loves the Ferrari 296 GT3 and MAX hates the RB21

Franz Hermann (!)

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Rono63

I watched the video and I think Franz can beat Max. 😂

But Max and Franz will divebomb each other.

[Killed by Death]

Originally Posted by Artemis

But Max and Franz will divebomb each other.

Good One

[Killed by Death]

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

"Nürburgring ? I'm going to learn to race ...the Nürburgring ?"

"Jos, I need a pilot program for a Ferrari 296 GT3. Hurry."

[G30M]

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...V9nAcGAAd5TKqw

The Dutchman was there in support of his protégé, 22-year-old racer Thierry Vermeulen, as reports circulated that Verstappen had broken the circuit's 7m 49.578s GT3 lap record, set by Norwegian Christian Krognes.

"It was, yeah," confirmed Verstappen, when asked whether his lap was faster than that record ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. "But for me I'm not there to show that I can break a lap record or whatever record, I was just having fun and learning the track."

[there is another back story, that Max is helping Emil Frey Racing testout their car for a possible N24 as Emil Frey Racing has never participated, but I can't see that being confirmed anywhere]

[fs1977]

Originally Posted by Artemis

"Nürburgring ? I'm going to learn to race ...the Nürburgring ?"

"Jos, I need a pilot program for a Ferrari 296 GT3. Hurry."

What a great movie that was!

[M5Rick]

Taking no chances with unforeseen tyre punctures wheeling the cars out of the paddock workshops on chassis trolleys only then fitting the wheels right before the pit road.