• A time penalty at the finish line puts the leading Manthey EMA Porsche with starting number 911 in second place overall 
• Top 20 overall result and second place in the AT2 classification for the Porsche 718 of Manthey Team eFuel Griesemann 
• This continues the series of podium finishes at the Nürburgring Nordschleife that has been ongoing since the start of the 2024 season 

Nürburg. Manthey EMA were the first to cross the finish line in the 24-hour Nürburgring race, but a one-minute and 40-second time penalty meant they had to settle for second place in the overall standings. Until then, Kévin Estre (France), Ayhancan Güven (Turkey) and Thomas Preining (Austria) had dominated the field in their Porsche 911 GT3 R. The Manthey Team eFuel Griesemann car, bearing starting number 718, improved by 15 positions in its first 24-hour race entry, completing the top 20 of the overall field and taking second place in the alternative fuel vehicle (AT2) class. Once again, the teams were unable to complete the full race distance on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Due to a power outage in the paddock one and a half hours after the start of the race, the racing action were cut short by 150 minutes. 

Thomas Preining started the 53rd edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring from pole position, secured by his teammate Kévin Estre the previous day with a fastest lap time of 8:12.741 minutes. The trio held the lead from the start and maintained it after the race resumed following a two-and-a-half-hour interruption due to a power outage across the entire circuit. As night fell, the 'Grello' Porsche pulled further clear of the field. A flawless performance by the drivers and team, combined with precisely coordinated strategy, enabled them to remain at the front of the field for much of the race. Shortly after the 18-hour mark however, there was a collision while lapping a GT4 car (#179), resulting in a time penalty. After reviewing a protest lodged by the team, the 100-second penalty was imposed shortly before completion of the race. Although the #911 car crossed the finish line first, it was relegated to second place in the overall standings due to the time penalty – a result that ultimately does not fully reflect the team's sporting performance. Nevertheless, for Manthey EMA, this result means the continuation of its series of podium finishes at the Nürburgring Nordschleife since the start of the 2024 season. 

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport M, entered by Manthey in collaboration with the Griesemann Group, took to the start of the endurance classic in 35th place overall and third in the AT2 classification. Drivers Björn and Georg Griesemann (both from Germany), alongside Dirk Adorf (Germany) and Yves Volte (Germany), steered the Porsche towards an incident-free finish in its 24-hour debut on the 25.378-kilometre combination of a shortened Grand Prix circuit and the historic Nordschleife. By the halfway point, the quartet had achieved 28th place overall and second place in the AT2 class. In front of a record crowd of 280,000 spectators, the team continued to work their way forward until the end of the race, ultimately securing a place in the top 20 of the starting field. A successful finish for the vehicle powered by synthetic fuel from the eFuels class. 

A very challenging weekend for us due to the unusual, hot conditions, but also impressive in terms of how quickly we adapted to them as a team. We approached the entire event with a clear plan, adopted a strategic approach and made the right decisions from the first practice session to the final lap of the race. Everyone in the team did a great job, and our drivers gave their all on the track. However, around the halfway point of the race, keeping up with the pace of our competitors became increasingly difficult, and we also lost ground due to some unfortunate Code 60 phases. While trying to maintain the lead under these conditions, there was an unfortunate collision with another car, while fighting for position. This resulted in a penalty that felt too harsh in our opinion. We therefore tried to appeal against the penalty, but our protest was ultimately rejected, meaning the penalty was upheld and we were demoted to second place, which is very disappointing. This result does not reflect the tremendous efforts of the entire team," summarises Patrick Arkenau, Director Racing at Manthey Racing GmbH. 

Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH, rounds off: "I am incredibly grateful to the entire team for accomplishing this monumental task: victory in the DTM 16 days ago, victory at Le Mans seven days ago, and now narrowly missing out on victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. With the PETN, the deployment of the Griesemann Cayman, many guests, friends and partners, it was a huge event for us. To master all of this at such a high level in such a short time is absolutely extraordinary, and I would like to thank the entire team for this achievement. Unfortunately, it was not fully rewarded at the Nürburgring. A disappointing result for us, as victory was so close. We congratulate Rowe Racing and Dinamic GT on their victory and third place.” 

Quotes on the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring:

Kévin Estre, Porsche 911 GT3 R #911: "So that’s it – P2 at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring. We crossed the line in P1, but a penalty for an earlier incident dropped us back. I'm really glad that the other driver is okay. The penalty is a decision I don’t agree with, but one we have to accept. Still, I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. Huge thanks to Manthey and Porsche for providing an outstanding car throughout the race and the season, and to my teammates for an amazing job. Of course, I’m really disappointed, but that’s racing. Thanks to all fans out there! It's been a pleasure to drive for you!"

Thomas Preining, Porsche 911 GT3 R #911: "The whole team absolutely deserved this victory. Many thanks to everyone who contributed – to our crew, all the staff and, of course, my two teammates. We had what was essentially a perfect race: we started from pole position, led for hours – and yet didn't win in the end. This is just very disappointing. But everyone gave their best and I am extremely happy to be part of a team where everyone can rely on each other!"

Ayhancan Güven, Porsche 911 GT3 R #911: "I don’t really know what to say — let’s try to stay positive. It was a great weekend overall. Manthey EMA did an amazing job, and Thomas and Kevin drove amazingly. We led every lap and finished strong. Sadly, we received a post-race penalty. That’s part of endurance racing — even when everything seems perfect, it doesn’t always end in victory. I’m just really sad for the whole team, for all the mechanics, the engineers and our partners, because we all truly deserved it. But I’m proud of how we prepared, how we performed, and to be part of this team."