Top Qualifying delayed as favourite-to-win car wrecked on the Nordschleife

Written by Benjamin Crundwell

Credit: Luna Maas

Top Qualifying for the Nürburgring 24h has been delayed after the Laurens Vanthoor has had a big crash at Aremburg on the Nordschleife.

At 13:30 local time the GT3 cars in Top Qualifying started to make their way onto the Nordschleife prepping to shootout for the top grid spot. There was immediate trouble for the No.33 Falken Motorsport Porsche, who had a problem with it's front right tyre which refused to rotate.

Mirko Bortolotti in the No.27 Lamborghini was on a brilliant lap when the cameras cut to scenes of a wrecked Scherer Sport PHX Porsche on the Nordschleife.

After putting fans on the edge of their seat last night as he made Top Qualifying in the final moments, Laurens Vanthoor pushed his Porsche a little too hard today through the fast left hander of Schwedenkreuz, getting a snap of oversteer mid corner and touching the grass on the exit.

Unable to apply to brakes for Aremburg, the No.16 car spun and hit the barrier at high speed, getting air time in the process. Despite initial concern, Vanthoor climbed out the car unhurt.

Due barrier damage, Top Qualifying has been delayed until "at least 16:00 local time" (14:00 GMT). The consequence of this may mean Qualifying 3 is shortened, to squish everything into the itinerary.

While Vanthoor has survived the crash without getting hurt, the No.16 Porsche was not so lucky, with its whole front end destroyed. It is unlikely the car will be fixed before Qualifying resumes later. Scherer Sport fans will have their fingers crossed the car can be repaired before the race starts tomorrow at 16:00 local time.