Strong field in the 2023 Prototype Cup Germany

he stage is set for the second season of the Prototype Cup Germany. This weekend (28th to 30th April), the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg hosts the opening round of the 2023 season in the racing series organised by the ADAC and Creventic. The Prototype Cup Germany lines up with a strong field, consisting of 16 LMP3 prototypes from three manufacturers, which will run on sustainable fuel. Developed exclusively for ADAC racing series, this fuel is made from 50% renewable components and is helping to reduce CO2. Both races in the Prototype Cup Germany will be broadcast in a free livestream at adac.de/motorsport and on the new ADAC Motorsport channel youtube.com/adacmotorsports.

The Prototype Cup Germany features LMP3 prototypes from three manufacturers in the 2023 season. The biggest contingent of nine cars is provided by Duqueine. Two of these will be run by the Racing Experience team from Luxembourg, for whom ADAC GT Masters race winner Markus Pommer will be at the wheel. Newcomers JvO Racing will also field two Duqueine cars. All four drivers in the team of former DTM racer Jörg van Ommen have ADAC Motorsport experience: Oscar Tunjo has started in the ADAC GT Masters, while Lucas Mauron, Gabriela Jílková and Julien Apothéloz have raced in ADAC GT4 Germany. Another two Duqueine will be run by Mühlner Motorsport. Koirannen Kempi Motorsport from Finland returns to the series, along with another two newcomers: DKR Engineering and former DTM outfit BWT Mücke Motorsport, who are both also putting their faith in Duqueine.

Three of the four Ligier JS P320 will be run by newcomers to the series: More Motorsport by Reiter, BHK Motorsport and former ADAC GT Masters team Aust Motorsport, for whom Austrian Constantin Schöll will be putting pedal to the metal. They are joined by the Ligier of MMS, who made their Prototype Cup Germany debut at the final round of the 2022 season at the Hockenheimring. Jan Marschalkowski, who is supported by ADAC Stiftung Sport, is also set for his prototype debut.

“I am hugely excited about my first race in the Prototype Cup Germany. I was able to test an LMP3 in the winter break. The car is mega fun to drive,” says Marschalkowski, who claimed a race win in last year’s ADAC GT Masters. “First up is the Hockenheimring, which is obviously a highlight on the calendar. There are a lot of overtaking opportunities, particularly in the long Parabolica. I think there will be plenty of action at the weekend. Together with my new team-mate, I want to challenge for race wins from the word go. The goal is to win the title.”

Rounding off the field are three Ginetta G61-LT-P3, which will be run by two established teams in Konrad Motorsport and Gebhardt Motorsport. Konrad can turn to two experienced drivers in Maximilian Hackländer and Sebastian von Gartzen, while two Americans will share the cockpit in the team’s second car. Gebhardt, in contrast, are putting their faith in two 22-year-olds: American Courtney Crone and Jacob Erlbacher. The Hockenheimring is a home event for Erlbacher, who comes from Böblingen in southern Germany. “I really cannot wait for the season-opener on my doorstep,” says Erlbacher. “Last year we had a strong weekend in Hockenheim, on which we are now looking to build. I am sure I will have some friends and relatives there to cheer me on. The unique thing about Hockenheim is the Motodrom, as you drive straight into a kind of stadium. This year we really want to finish in the top five. However, the dream would be a podium. Furthermore, I would also like to make a real statement in qualifying.”