Frikadelli Racing is set to return to the Nordschleife with a GT3 car for the first time since its famous Nürburgring 24 Hours overall victory earlier this year.
The fan-favourite German outfit will compete in this weekend’s four-hour NLS8 race with a brand new Ferrari 296 GT3 for David Pittard and Nicky Catsburg, who were both part of the N24-winning line-up in May.
Since winning the N24, the team’s original 296 has been retired and become a museum piece, prompting the team to acquire a brand new car. Its most recent public appearance was at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where it was displayed alongside the Le Mans-winning Ferrari 499P in a fan area.
“After we were able to win the AM championship title with our Porsche 992 GT3 Cup in the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring at the last NLS race, the focus for the rest of the year is on the new Ferrari 296 GT3. For us, this begins the preparation for the 24-hour race next year, where we would like to fight again at the front for the podium,” explained team manager Klaus Abbelen.
For David Pittard, his return to the Frikadelli team comes after multiple recent appearances in the NLS with Falken Motorsports since winning the N24.
“I’m very much looking forward to my comeback with Frikadelli Racing! Even though we achieved the greatest success with the overall victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, development in motorsport never stops. Therefore, it is important to continue this process and constantly improve it. So looking forward to a productive weekend with Nicky, the team and of course the Ferrari!”
Catsburg meanwhile, has claimed class wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours since the N24, and wrapped up the FIA WEC GTE Am title.
“For me, it will be my first race on the Nordschleife since winning the 24 hours of the Nürburgring,” he said.
“This unique success with Frikadelli Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 is of course still one of my best career memories and it’s nice to be back now with the team. I am very pleased with the team and the new vehicle after our winning car found its rightful place at the museum.”
Frikadelli Racing will also be in action at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, as part of the entry for the penultimate round of the 2023 Le Mans Cup season with its Ligier JS P320. Felipe Fernandez Laser is currently the only driver confirmed.
Images courtesy of Frozenspeed
