Mercedes-AMG performance driver Ralf Aron is set to make his return to racing at this Saturday’s 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen, the seventh round of the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie.
The 28-year-old Estonian has not competed since February’s Bathurst 12 Hour, where he sustained two fractured vertebra after a collision with the stationary Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) of Johannes Zelger, which was caused by a lack of flag signals.
The recovery period required forced Aron to abandon his planned 2026 programme, which included campaigns in the likes of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, as he focused on returning to full fitness. Aron first returned to the cockpit at the Mercedes-AMG test centre in Immendingen in May, and more recently helped UNO Racing team with their preparations for the China GT Championship, with his racing return now the next step.
At NLS7, the 28-year-old will race for Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol alongside Luca Stolz, both of whom are making their first start at the ‘Ring since winning the ADAC 24H Nürburgring in May.
“I’m incredibly happy to be making my racing comeback at NLS7, around five months after my accident in Bathurst,” Aron said.
“The past few months have been extremely intense – from the first days after the accident, to travelling back to Estonia, countless medical appointments, and coming to terms with the fact that I wouldn’t be able to complete the racing programme I had originally planned. Throughout that time, the whole motorsport community gave me tremendous strength.
“After months of rehabilitation and intensive training, I was finally able to get back behind the wheel for testing in May. From the very first lap, everything just felt right again. I’m even happier now that the time has finally come for my first race back – I’m ready.”
The Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol effort is set to be one of four Mercedes-AMG GT3s competing at NLS7, as part of a strong SP 9 entry for the longest race of the NLS season. This, notably, also includes a Mercedes-AMG debut for Era Motorsport.
The 2026 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen will be held on Saturday 1st August 2026.
Image courtesy of Ralf Aron
