Prototype Cup Germany kicks off an exciting second half of the season in Hockenheim

• ADAC Stiftung Sport driver Catalano looking to shine at his home event
• Three Prototype Cup Germany races in Hockenheim
• Races available in free livestream on YouTube

Munich. The stage is set for the second half of this season’s Prototype Cup Germany. Round four of six takes the series for LMP3 cars, which is organised by the ADAC and Creventic, to the Hockenheimring, where it forms part of the ADAC Racing Weekend. A feast of action is guaranteed. Rather than the usual two, three races will be held at the racetrack near Heidelberg. As such, the race weekend could be pivotal in the title race. Furthermore, guest starters will be out to challenge the established teams in this spectacular racing series. All the races in the Prototype Cup Germany can be watched via a free livestream on the ADAC Motorsport channel youtube.com/adacmotorsports.

The Ligier duo of Danny Soufi (21/USA) and Torsten Kratz (53/Mönchengladbach, both Konrad Motorsport) travel to Hockenheim as championship leaders. Hot on their heels in second place are the two local favourites, Valentino Catalano (18/Westheim) and Markus Pommer (33/Untereisesheim, both Gebhardt Motorsport) in a Duqueine D08. “We obviously want to cut the gap to the leaders in Hockenheim and, if possible, even take the lead. The best way to achieve that is to win races,” says a determined Catalano, who is supported by the ADAC Stiftung Sport foundation. “The field is evenly matched, so we are in for a fascinating weekend. The layout of the Hockenheimring has two characteristics: a fast part with the long Parabolika, and a rather technical part in the Motodrom. As a driver, you have to work hard there. The race weekend is very special for me, as I live near the racetrack. As such, there will be lots of supporters there cheering me on.”

The third-placed Duqueine pairing of Julien Apothéloz (23/CHE) and Riccardo Leone Cirelli (16/ITA, both BWT Mücke Motorsport) are also well placed in the title race. “The season is entering the crucial phase. It is all about not making any mistakes and scoring heavily. It is particularly important in Hockenheim, as we have three races there. I know the track very well and am confident,” says Apothéloz, for whom the circuit near Heidelberg is also a home track. “Being Swiss, Hockenheim is the closest racetrack. I like the layout. The many overtaking opportunities always make for super racing there. We have the potential to challenge for victories. BWT Mücke Motorsport is strongly positioned and I get on well with my team-mates. We are optimistic.”

Sven Barth (43/Eberbach), who shares a Ginetta G61-LT-P3 with Michael Herich (47/Brühl, both Momo Gebhardt Racing), also has a short journey to the circuit. “I am really looking forward to the Hockenheimring. I have done countless kilometres there and know the track like the back of my hand. With our Ginetta, we will be particularly strong in corners like the Nordkurve and the entrance to the Motodrom, as you need a lot of aerodynamic downforce there,” says Barth. “We want to finish on the podium at least once more this year. I have already won many trophies in motorsport, but am yet two win one in the Prototype Cup Germany. However, the competition in the series is strong – and you have to bear in mind that my team-mate and I are not full-time professionals, but are sat at a desk during the week. The Ginetta suits my driving style very well and still has plenty of potential. We want to use that in Hockenheim.”

The field in Hockenheim is a large and diverse one. MRS GT-Racing, the Frikadelli Racing Team and AF2 Motorsport complete the Ligier contingent. The second Duqueine of Gebhardt Motorsport and that of Mühlner Motorsport will also be in action. DataLab by Rinaldi Racing will be making a guest start and fields a Duqueine with Brazilian Suellio Almeida and Germany’s Luca Link at the wheel.

Broadcast times for the 2024 Prototype Cup Germany in Hockenheim

Saturday, 10th August 2024
09:30 - Qualifying 3, live youtube.com/adacmotorsports
13:50 - Race 1, live youtube.com/adacmotorsports

Sunday, 11th August 2024
10:35 - Race 2, live youtube.com/adacmotorsports
15:15 - Race 3, live youtube.com/adacmotorsports