The Marc VDS Racing Team return to the Nürburgring once more this weekend, just a few days after sealing their first ever title at the German venue. The Belgian squad mount a two car entry for VLN7, with driving duties to be shared by Maxime Martin and Nick Catsburg in #25 and Bas Leinders and Henri Moser in #26.

After winning the Blancpain Endurance Series Pro Cup Teams’ Title on the Grand Prix circuit on Sunday, the team will take to the Nordschleife this Saturday to add further to their experience on the unique course. It is especially important for Catsburg, who will make his racing debut at the circuit. Though he took a few laps in a road car, coached by team mate Moser, the BMW Z4 GT3 is a rather less sedate machine.

The four hour race takes place on Saturday and is the seventh round of the series, after the cancellation of one early season event.

Bas Leinders, Team Principal : “It’s great to be racing once more at this circuit. It’s a challenge far removed from any other we face over the season and we need as much time as possible to learn the circuit. We would of course like to return to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring next season, we have unfinished business and any experience we have could be important. It’s also a great chance to give Nick Catsburg an opportunity to learn the circuit.”

Nick Catsburg, #25 BMW Z4 GT3 : “I can’t explain how much I’m looking forward to this! The Nordschleife is a legend to racing drivers and to get a chance to race there is great. I know that I have a huge amount to learn, and I couldn’t hope for better team mates to learn it from. I’ve already had some experience with Henri Moser coaching me in a road car but that’s a completely different… I’m expecting a very steep learning curve! Of course I have to thank the team and Marc van der Straten for giving me the chance here.”