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MICHELLE GATTING Makes N24 Debut as Verstappen Hype Dominates Nürburgring

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May 14, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • MICHELLE GATTING makes her Nürburgring 24 debut with Muehlner Motorsports in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The Porsche-contracted driver’s only other 2026 sports car appearance was a sixth-place finish at Michelin 24H Dubai in January.
  • Verstappen’s N24 debut dominates paddock attention despite media blackout. The four-time F1 champion’s entire Winward Mercedes garage is completely off-limits to press, creating tension among journalists who traveled specifically for his appearance.
  • HRT Ford’s Christopher Mies gives high praise to Mustang GT3 EVO despite limited pre-event testing. The three-time N24 winner returns after missing 2025, noting improved drivability and downforce compensate for straight-line speed deficit.
  • New Top Qualifying format splits battle for pole into three segments across 49 SP9/SPX/SP Pro/AT1 entries. Five cars automatically qualified for final shootout including Scherer Sport PHX Audi, ROWE BMW, and Red Bull ABT Lamborghini.

UPCOMING:

  • Qualifying 2: Thursday, 8-11:30 p.m. CEST – Three-and-a-half hour night session
  • Top Qualifying 1: Friday – First 30-minute segment for all eligible entries
  • Nürburgring 24 Hours: Race weekend continues

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

MICHELLE GATTING

muehlner motorsports, nurburgring 24, porsche 911 gt3 cup, sp9 pro-am

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by John Dagys originally appearing on sportscar365.com