A number of innovations will be introduced in motor racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife for the season 2016 in order to promote also for the future safe and fair motorsport at this circuit which is unique in the world. The DMSB Board has adopted the application of a comprehensive package of measures which has been prepared i four working groups since spring this year. This includes in particular an improvement of spectator safety in various track sections and a clear reduction in performance for the top cars. A modified code of driving conduct, an updated list of penalties and new conditions for the DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) shall moreover have a positive effect on the drivers’ discipline in racing.
The measures immediately taken after a tragic accident at the opening round of the endurance racing championship (VLN) – such as the introduction of speed zones – can thus be cancelled from 2016. “The now adopted package is based on a process in which many experts were involved”, says DMSB President Hans-Joachim Stuck. The DMSB technical and regulation experts have cooperated with the circuit management, series and race organisers, representatives of the track safety team at the Nürburgring, drivers’ representatives and car manufacturers in order to have a maximum input of know-how and to find a broad consensus at the same time. This is what we have achieved and I wish to thank all those involved for their fantastic engagement. We now have a broad basis for the application of these decisions even though, of course, not all the suggestions presented by the various working groups could be applied to one hundred percent. The DMSB stands for safe and fair motorsport – and we are sure that, with the application of the comprehensive package of measures, we can ensure this for the Nordschleife in future, too.”
The package in detail
Since April 2015, the four working groups “Sporting Regulations”, “Drivers”, “Technical Issues” and “Track” have intensely worked on a package of measures. The results are many single steps which, all together, ensure that spectacular sport with attractive vehicle classes will continue to be provided at the Nordschleife.
Nürburgring: Additional Safety Areas
The implementation of the measures of the capricorn Nürburgring GmbH has already started. Together with the safety experts in the working group “Track”, the circuit management has prepared a detailed plan which was coordinated with the Circuit Commission of the Motorsport World Federation FIA. With its implementation, it is guaranteed that the track licence will continue to include the admission of top vehicle classes such as the GT3 category. To create the basis for this high-class racing, a number of measures will be implemented until the beginning of the 2016 season which will result in an increased safety both for drivers and spectators. Apart from the elimination of bumps, this includes the introduction of additional safety areas and the installation of additional Armco barriers and FIA fences at specific points. Complementary measures are scheduled to be introduced in the next years.
Top Vehicles: Reduction of performance, restricted aerodynamics
In the working group with representatives of car manufacturers, the technical experts of the DMSB put a focus on the performance in the top classes. In classes SP7, SP-9/GT3, SP-Pro and SP-X, the engine performance will be reduced by ten percent compared to the beginning of the season 2015. There will also be restrictions for these cars regarding aerodynamics, this includes for example air holes in the front wheel housings and the specification of a minimum ground clearance. The automotive supply industry will at the same time be reminded to assume their responsibilities with regard to reduction of performance: The manufacturers of tyres for these top classes must register with the DMSB and undertake to refrain from producing extreme constructions (so-called development tyres). DMSB President Stuck says: “The manufacturers of GT3 vehicles and most of the suppliers from the tyre industry have understood that they, too, must make their contributions to avoid that the lap times are getting faster every year by several seconds. At least since the terrible accident at the beginning of the season, it has become clear that a limit was reached. We all have learned a lot from the analysis of the accident, amongst others also due to various simulation models of the car manufacturers. Now all of us involved – drivers, manufacturers, tyre industry, circuit, organisers and the DMSB – we must jointly implement this.
DMSB Permit Nordschleife will be updated
The process of obtaining the special Permit Nordschleife which shall ensure that only experienced drivers will start in endurance races at this most difficult race track of the world will be more clearly defined for the future and at the same time become less bureaucratic. The DPN will still be issued in two grades (A and B) to distinguish between the admission to participate with cars of different performances (grade B: over 4.5 kg vehicle weight / HP, grade A: less than 4.5 kg / HP). To be eligible for grade B, the drivers must in the future participate in a minimum number of performance tests as part of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) or take part in a DPN driver training. In both cases, the drivers must obtain an important basic knowledge in successfully completing E-Learning lessons of the DMSB Academy. Holders of a DPN grade B may apply for a DPN grade A if they have participated in a minimum number of races (VLN / 24h Qualification Race). A DPN grade A is a requirement for the participation in the 24h Race.
Code of Driving Conduct defined more precisely
A result of the broad discussions in the drivers’ working group was a more precise definition of the Code of Driving Conduct for the Nordschleife and of the list of penalties for infringements. This concerns in particular a correct behaviour in the event of a hazard. There will be a three-stage system, starting from the yellow flag, over the double yellow flag up to a “Code-60″ zone. Any driver speeding in these areas will be heavily sanctioned in the future. In addition to time penalties, this may in serious cases result in the withdrawal of the DPN and the initiation of a procedure in front of the National Tribunal. Severe breaches will furthermore be recorded by the DMSB in a central register and thus facilitate the identification of too aggressive drivers. The tougher and more precise system of sanctions was deliberately completed by an improved education and training. The obligatory E-Learning modules to obtain the DPN grade A for example prepare the applicants to the track specific particularities. Drivers in the VLN must update their know-how in an annual knowledge test before their first participation in a VLN race. This measure shall result in a higher rate of discipline and even more fairness at the Nordschleife.