Falken enter VLN Series and 24h Nurbürgring with split car line-up
7th March 2017
Falken have confirmed that they are to participate in the 2017 VLN series and the notorious 24h Nurbürgring running both a Porsche 911 GT3 R and BMW M6 GT3.
It is unusual for a team to run two cars of different marques, particularly competing manufactures, but the Falken team will be assisted by Schnabl Engineering in running both cars.
As ran last season, the 991 gen 911 will run with an atmospheric 4.0-litre engine. Power output is rated at 504HP. Despite the aggressive aero package, that figure is enough for a 2.7 second 0-62 mph sprint and the Porsche will run on to 185 mph flat out. Martin Ragginger and Porsche works drivers Jörg Bergmeister, Dirk Werner and Laurens Vanthoor are all confirmed as part of the team’s line up.
The BMW M6 runs in contrast to the 911. A 4.4-litre V8 is boosted by twin turbos to the tune of 585HP. Forced induction sees the M6 redline at 6,500RPM- 3k less than the Porsche. M6 cockpit duties will be split between Peter Dumbreck, who will contest his tenth season for Falken, and Alexandre Imperatori.
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt said: “We are very happy to be working with Falken Motorsport and have this well-established team compete with a BMW M6 GT3. In 2016, the race car was able to prove its great potential on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and it is clear that this is a very appealing model for our customers. Team Falken tested the car itself in the VLN Endurance Championship at the end of last year, which proved positive. We hope that we can celebrate success together this season in the ‘Green Hell’.”
Stephan Cimbal, Head of Marketing at Falken Tyre Europe said: “To keep pace with the ongoing development and advancement of the Falken brand, our next milestone will be our partnership with two iconic sports car manufacturers in the toughest race in the world. In tests, our tyres have already demonstrated their superb performance on both vehicles. Now we’re adding the element of competition by fielding the two cars in motorsports events, and look forward to exciting clashes between Porsche and BMW”.
