WTCC heroes relish Nordschleife challenge

Leading lights from the FIA World Touring Car Championship say they cannot wait to tame the challenge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The iconic 25-kilometre circuit will host the WTCC Race of Germany for the first time from 15/16 May 2015 with two three-lap blasts.

Former champion Rob Huff, part of LADA Sport’s three-strong WTCC attack next season, said: “One of the most expected races, for sure, will be the Nürburgring round – not only for me, but for the most of drivers. I have participated in endurance races there. In 2014, I had a brilliant experience of competing in the WTCC at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring during one weekend. I am sure my knowledge of the Nordschleife will help a lot.”

Huff’s LADA Sport team-mate James Thompson said: “Nürburgring will be new for many participants, and for me also. It’s a tough track, but the FIA will ensure it’s safe and up to standard.”

Rickard Rydell, who returns to the WTCC in 2015 to drive a NIKA Racing Honda Civic, took part in a VLN endurance race at the Eifel Mountains venue in 2014 in order to learn track. He can’t wait for a repeat visit. “It will be amazing for the drivers and very different,” said the Swede. “The adrenalin you get from racing there is incredible. Of course the mind set will be different to a normal circuit but it’s great to race there.”