The Deutsche Motor Sport Bund has ruled that GT3 and GT4 cars have been temporarily banned from Nürburgring competition following yesterday's tragic accident, where one spectator was killed.
"Vehicles of categories SP7, SP8, SP8T, SP9, SP10, SP and SP-Pro-X are now on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring not eligible for DMSB-approved events until further notice," reads the statement, as translated by Google. This includes many GT3 and GT4 cars that race at the Nürburgring.
The DMSB controls all of the events hosted by German motoring clubs ADAC, AvD and DMV, including both the regular VLN series as well as the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
"We can not and will not go back to business as usual after an accident of this kind," DMSB General Secretary Christian Schacht said in the statement. "We are all still deeply shocked and our thoughts are with the family of the victim. The security of the participants and especially the spectators must be a top priority."
This is extremely disappointing news, as GT3 and GT4 cars are an easy entry-point into racing for many teams. Many of these are factory-prepared, not to mention extremely safe for the driver inside. Many of the race series that run on the Nürburgring thrive due to the popularity of GT3 and GT4 cars, and the banned classes are some of the top classes in those competitions.
However, DMSB wants to look at every aspect of keeping fans safe at Nürburgring events, including the cars on track.
"Any speculation therefore currently not lead to anything," explained Schacht in the statement. "Our aim is to allow continued safe on the Nordschleife Motorsport - for participants and for spectators. What steps are necessary in order not to lose this goal given current events from view, we will check as soon as possible, together with the track owners and other stakeholders."
Additionally, Jann Mardenborough's Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 has been impounded for analysis by the German police, according to Sportscar365.
DMSB will analyze the cause of the crash and then present a set of recommendations before the six banned classes of race cars will be allowed back on track. Hopefully it's before the Nürburgring 24 Hours, which is set for May 14-17 this year.
Photo credit: Porsche