The 24 Hours of Nurburgring is inching ever closer as anticipation builds ahead of Max Verstappen's debut in the gruelling race.
Getting the best starting position is not a major necessity for such a long race, but getting into the final 12 shootout will be a confidence boost for all involved.
However, as per the regulations covering the race this year, six spots in the final session (Top Qualifying 3) were due to be allocated to six teams ahead of the weekend.
But due to the first qualifier race earlier this month being cancelled in tragic circumstances, organisers have declared that only five squads have automatically qualified.
Unfortunately for Max Verstappen and his team, they have not been allocated an automatic spot in SQ3 and must go through the process of most other squads in a three-stage elimination system.
Through Top Qualifying 1 and Top Qualifying 2, Verstappen can still qualify for TQ3 together with teammates Dani Juncadella, Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon.
However, there is another curveball - each team must field a different driver in each stage of Top Qualifying, meaning they can't simply rely on their 'qualifying specialist' to boost their times throughout the day.
See below the five teams who have been allocated a spot in SQ3!
Teams guaranteed of TQ3 spot
| Start number | Car | Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| #45 | Ferrari 296 GT3 | Perel, Marschall, Vermeulen, Neubauer |
| #16 | Audi R8 GT3 | Haase, Sims, Green |
| #47 | Mercedes AMG GT3 | Fukuzumi, Gamou, Krohn, Pittard |
| #1 | BMW M4 GT3 | Farfus, Marciello, Pepper, Van der Linder |
| #84 | Lamborghini Huracan GT3 | Engstler, Bortolotti, Niederhauser |
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