The build-up to the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours gets underway on Thursday, May 14, as teams and drivers prepare for one of motorsport’s toughest endurance challenges. The event, held around the fearsome Nürburgring Nordschleife, features a unique qualifying structure spread across several sessions before the 24-hour race begins on Saturday afternoon.
The opening qualifying session starts on Thursday from 12:15pm to 2:15pm UK time, giving teams their first major opportunity to dial in setups and establish early pace around the demanding circuit. Drivers will spend the two-hour session gathering data, refining tyre strategies, and adapting to changing track conditions across the lengthy lap.
Later that evening, attention shifts to the second qualifying session, which runs from 7:00pm until 10:30pm UK time. The night session plays a particularly important role because competitors hoping to take part in nighttime race stints must complete the required laps in darkness. With visibility reduced and temperatures dropping, drivers face a completely different challenge compared to the daytime running. Among those expected to tackle the demanding conditions is Max Verstappen, whose participation has generated major interest ahead of the event.
Friday, May 15 delivers the most decisive phase of qualifying, beginning with Top Qualifying 1 at 9:15am UK time. The 30-minute session immediately raises the pressure, as teams fight to secure a place in the next stage. Shortly afterwards, Top Qualifying 2 begins at 10:05am, again lasting just half an hour and further trimming the field.
The third qualifying session follows from 11:00am to 12:05pm, giving competitors another opportunity to improve lap times before the battle for pole position begins later in the afternoon. The final shootout, known as Top Qualifying 3, starts at 12:35pm UK time and lasts for one hour. This crucial session determines the starting order at the front of the grid, with drivers pushing to the limit around one of the most dangerous and technically demanding tracks in world motorsport.
Unlike Formula 1 qualifying, the Nürburgring 24 Hours format places a strong emphasis on endurance preparation, traffic management, and adaptability. Teams must prepare for constantly evolving conditions around the huge Nordschleife circuit, where weather can vary dramatically from one section of the track to another. Drivers also need to cope with heavy traffic involving multiple racing classes sharing the same circuit simultaneously.
Saturday begins with a final warm-up session from 9:00am until 10:00am UK time. This hour allows teams to complete last-minute checks and ensure the cars are fully prepared for the race ahead.
The main event then starts at 2:00pm UK time on Saturday, May 16, and continues uninterrupted for a full 24 hours until Sunday afternoon. Across day and night conditions, changing weather, and relentless pressure, the Nürburgring 24 Hours once again promises a spectacular test of speed, endurance, and survival at one of motorsport’s most iconic venues.
