The Prototype Cup Europe delivered two spectacular races at the Nürburgring, featuring close battles, dramatic incidents, and intense strategy calls.
GMS Team, Aust Motorsport, and BWT Mücke Motorsport fought at the front throughout the weekend. Both races produced exciting finishes and highlighted the competitive nature of the championship.
Race One: Catalano Dominates for GMS Team
Pole sitter Soufi made a perfect start in the GMS Team Ligier. The French driver immediately secured the lead into the first corner.
Behind him, Dirickx moved his Aust Motorsport Ligier into second place. He managed to pass Pluschkell’s BWT Mücke Duqueine during the opening lap.
Soufi quickly created a gap at the front and continued setting fast lap times. Behind the leader, several drivers fought closely for positions.
On lap two, Hellberg attacked Larsen for sixth place. The Allay Racing driver moved alongside the BWT Mücke car into Turn One.
However, Hellberg nearly made contact with his brother Emil at the corner exit. The resulting spin dropped him down the order.
Soufi Builds Advantage After Early Battles
Pluschkell recovered strongly and passed Dirickx for second place on lap three. The BWT Mücke driver then started building a gap over the Aust Motorsport car.
The first pit stops began halfway through the race. Fahlke was the first leading driver to enter the pit lane.
Dirickx followed shortly afterwards and handed the Aust Ligier to Moore. Meanwhile, Soufi continued extending his advantage at the front.
Pluschkell completed his stop later, allowing Clausen to take over the BWT Mücke Duqueine. GMS Team continued for several more laps before Soufi handed the car to Catalano.
Catalano Secures Comfortable Victory
After all mandatory stops, Catalano controlled the race from the front. The GMS Team driver held an eleven second advantage over Clausen.
Moore quickly closed the gap to second place and applied strong pressure. Several lockups showed the intensity of the battle.
With less than 15 minutes remaining, Moore reached Clausen. A mistake from Clausen at Turn One allowed Moore to move into second place.
Catalano remained unchallenged and crossed the finish line 27 seconds ahead of the competition.
Moore finished second, while Clausen completed the podium.
The battle for fourth position remained close until the final lap. Fahlke and Pommer eventually moved ahead of Emil Hellberg during the closing stages.
Despite finishing sixth overall, Emil Hellberg secured victory in the Prototype Cup Europe Trophy Championship.
Race Two: Dirickx Takes Victory After Chaotic Start
Sunday’s second race started in cooler conditions at the Nürburgring. Pole sitter Pommer began strongly, but the opening corner immediately changed the race.
A small mistake from the leading BWT Mücke Duqueine caused contact between several cars.
Moore avoided the chaos and moved into the lead. The Aust Motorsport driver immediately created a gap over the chasing field.
After six laps, Moore led Pommer by five seconds. Hamilton Smith followed in third place after gaining positions during the opening lap drama.
Catalano Recovers While Strategy Decides Race
Catalano delivered an impressive recovery drive after his early setback. The GMS Team driver climbed back through the field and reached fourth place.
Pommer later retired from contention after suffering damage to the front left of his Duqueine.
Catalano continued pushing and reduced the gap to Moore before handing the car to Soufi during the pit window.
Moore completed his stop shortly afterwards, giving Dirickx control of the Aust Motorsport Ligier.
Once all stops were completed, Dirickx led Emil Hellberg by three seconds. Soufi followed closely behind in third place.
Dirickx Wins Dramatic Final Battle
The final minutes produced a thrilling fight for victory.
Pluschkell recorded the fastest laps and closed the gap to the leaders. With 15 minutes remaining, he reached Soufi.
At the same time, Emil Hellberg reduced Dirickx’s advantage to less than two seconds.
Soufi eventually passed Emil Hellberg for second place and immediately started chasing Dirickx.
The GMS Team driver closed the gap rapidly, creating a tense final lap.
Dirickx defended successfully and secured victory by only 0.7 seconds over Soufi.
Emil Hellberg completed the podium after an excellent performance. Pluschkell finished fourth, while Fahlke recovered to fifth.
Prototype Cup Europe Shows Strong Competition
The Nürburgring weekend demonstrated the competitive strength of Prototype Cup Europe.
Both races delivered close racing, strategic battles, and dramatic finishes.
With multiple teams fighting for victory, the championship continues to provide exciting prototype racing across Europe.