GT News: Nurburgring 24 Hours still set to go ahead in September

Organiser ADAC Nordrhein is considering a number of options to enable the race to go ahead as planned on 24-27 September - despite the ban on major events imposed by the German government - but it remains unclear whether spectators will be allowed at the event.

An ADAC Nordrhein spokesman told Autosport: "We do not favour the cancellation of the 24-hour race in a hurry, it is the most important event for the whole region. Accordingly, we as organisers are thinking responsibly about the event."

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the German federal and state governments on Wednesday evening implemented a proposal by Bavarian prime minister Markus Soder.

Among other things, it included a ban on major events until the end of October if contact tracing and hygiene rules cannot be observed.

"There are three more months until the 24-hour race, during which time much can happen," added the ADAC Nordrhein spokesman.

"That's why we are continuing to monitor the situation closely, but are currently continuing to plan for the 24-hour race - with different scenarios, of course.

"Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, about three months have passed, during which time many things have been banned and, fortunately, loosened again."

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (VLN) has received a permit from the district of Ahrweiler for its races starting on 27 June.

With a hygiene plan in place, it is allowed to run in front of empty grandstands and it is thought the ADAC Nordrhein can use this concept as a basis.

However, it will be more difficult for the Nurburgring 24 Hours because considerably more personnel are used and need to occupy enclosed spaces.

The round-the-clock classic could be held in front of empty grandstands or could allow only a certain number of spectators, such as the IMSA SportsCar Championship when it returns to action next month.