The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 had its first race appearance at the 4 hour race on 25 September 2010, a round of the VLN Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring. Even though the gull-wing race car was involved in an accident right in the first lap, Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger were able to demonstrate the potential of the SLS AMG GT3. The SLS AGM GT3 which was prepared in compliance with the GT3 regulations of the automobile world federation FIA was classified in class E1-XP of prototypes. A total of 206 cars started this eighth VLN race.
Having achieved third place in practice, the SLS AMG GT3 with number 738 started the race from the second row on the grid. Bernd Schneider, five-time DTM Champion and currently an AMG brand ambassador, was the start driver. Schneider was already in second place at the first corner but, after a contact with the race leader in the second corner, spun and was involved in an accident with another car which was following behind. After a repair time of 25 minutes, Bernd Schneider rejoined the race with a gap of three laps behind the race leaders and had no problem to go the pace of the GT3 cars.
Thomas Jäger who then took over the steering wheel from Bernd Schneider was able to continue the race with the SLS AMG GT3 as scheduled. When the race was stopped prematurely due to various accidents, the gull-wing race car was classified into 91st place with a gap of three laps behind the race leader.
Bernd Schneider: \”I think that despite my accident during the first lap, we were able to demonstrate the potential of the gull-wing. The SLS AMG GT3 feels great and the lap times are very satisfactory. Even on the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife, the handling of the car is really very well.\”
Thomas Jäger: \”Today\’s race was a useful test and provided important data for the further development of the SLS AMG GT3. We will use the experience gained today to bring the tuning of the car to perfection and to be well prepared for the next VLN race.\”
