New series possible for LM cars

Mercedes could well take their cars to the event in the hope that Audi and BMW will also sign up and that more races will follow.

'This race could prove that there is life after Le Mans,' said Mercedes sports boss Norbert Haug, 'We all have these beautiful cars and they should race. All the manufacturers, certainly BMW and Audi, did not only build their cars purely for Le Mans, so maybe it is a good idea to have a series for these cars.'

Haug said that Mercedes would only compete at Norisring if another manufacturer signed up. 'Our decision depends purely on the competition. If they are there, we are there.'

BMW is looking at the event, while Audi has refused to be drawn on its post-Le Mans plans.