Preview Nürburgring II: Resolution of title fight draws closer

• Crucial stage in title fight: Gustav Malja leads from Marvin Kirchhöfer by 25 points
• Penultimate race weekend of the season at Nürburgring’s Formula 1 circuit
• Results from all sessions available using the new mobile live timing at www.adac.de/motorsport/

Nürburgring - The setting for the penultimate and perhaps decisive race weekend of the 2012 Formel ADAC could not be more fitting: the ancient Nürburg Castle forms the backdrop as the Formel ADAC academy title fight reaches the penultimate round at the traditional Formula 1 circuit.

It’s the second appearance at the Nürburgring this season for the young drivers. In mid July, the Formel ADAC protégés competed in front of 180,000 spectators during the ADAC Truck-Grand-Prix in the Eifel. Jason Kremer (17, Bonn, Mücke Motorsport), currently placed third in the standings, likes reflecting on events there, when, in July at his home race around the short version of the Nürburgring circuit, he secured pole position in the first two races plus his first win. Kremer: “That gives me a tremendous boost for the coming weekend.”

Title fight: Kirchhöfer not giving up

Ahead of the final six races of the season at the Nürburgring and the finale at Hockenheim, championship leader Gustav Malja (16, Sweden, Neuhauser Racing) and his main rival Marvin Kirchhöfer (18, Leipzig, Lotus) are separated by just 25 points. Kirchhöfer: “My goal is, of course, to return to the top of the rankings. I reckon I have a good chance of winning the championship despite the deficit. A lot can happen in the remaining races.”

Championship leader Malja is well aware that much can go wrong, but is nevertheless optimistic in the run-up to the weekend in the Eifel. “I love the Ring, it is a beautiful track and my speed in the previous few races in the Eifel was very good,” he says. Malja even won the third race in the ADAC Truck-Grand-Prix in the wet. “So I know that I can be fast in all conditions.” The Swedish teenager sees his experience as a major, decisive factor in the title fight. “I’m already in my second season in the Formel ADAC, so I’m quite confident that I can defend the lead until after the last race.”

Track: Historic circuit in the Eifel

This weekend, the Formel ADAC will take place as part of the ADAC Masters Weekend at the 5.137km Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, utilising the motorbike version of the NGK chicane. The track is between ten and 25 metres wide and has seven left-hand and ten right-hand turns. In addition, there are spacious run-off areas.

Local driver Kremer: “The Grand Prix circuit is different to the sprint track where we raced in July, since it has three additional turns, namely, Ford Corner, Dunlop Hairpin and the Schumacher ‘S’. In my opinion, these turns are the best on the Nürburgring. You must be particularly careful not to overcook it when driving close behind the man in front through these three challenging turns. Personally, I love these long, fast, sweeping turns – Ford Corner especially is just great.”