At the previous round of the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup at the Hungaroring the drivers of the #5 Belgian Audi Club Team WRT R8 dominated all the sessions. At the Nürburgring Dries Vanthoor continue that streak by setting the fastest time in the first free practice session.
On a cold and damp Eifel track the young Belgian clocked a 1’56.002 during the first part of the session, which was reserved for Bronze and Silver drivers. More rain later on prevented other drivers to improve on that time, with Frank Stippler (#75 ISR Audi) eventually setting a 1’56.514. Rolf Ineichen (#82 Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini) ended up in third.
Best of the Silver Cup cars was the #27 Orange 1 Team Lazarus Lamborghini (fifth overall), with the #333 Rinaldi Racing Ferrari of championship leaders Mattschull and Keilwitz fastest in Pro-Am and 11th overall. The #888 Kessel Racing Ferrari set the fastest time in the Am Cup. The second free practice will start at 14.10 CEST.