The Green Hell is set to welcome a bold new presence in the 2026 season as DUNLOP Motorsport enters the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring with a Porsche 911 GT3 R. Expanding its involvement on one of the world's most demanding circuits, DUNLOP is underlining its commitment to performance, innovation, and motorsport excellence.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R will make a striking visual statement, adorned in DUNLOP’s iconic yellow and black colours. The livery, developed by Gran Turismo creators in Japan, combines a fresh identity with the brand's storied tradition. DUNLOP has been the global tyre partner for the Gran Turismo World Series and Gran Turismo 7 since late 2025, giving players the chance to experience the performance of DUNLOP tyres in realistic virtual conditions. Completing the design is the start number 17, a nod to Porsche Group C prototypes of the 1980s, connecting legendary motorsport heritage with cutting-edge GT3 technology.
DUNLOP Motorsport will field the latest 2026-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R, an optimised version of the successful 992 chassis introduced in 2023. Enhancements include new louvres in the front wheel arches, updates to the rear wing, and an improved rear section, all designed to optimise driveability. The team will use its own branded tyres and debut SENSING CORE, Sumitomo Rubber Industries' innovative sensorless tyre monitoring system, which provides real-time data on tyre pressure, load, and wear, aiding puncture detection and strategic pit decisions.
With a history dating back to 1888, when John Boyd Dunlop developed the first pneumatic tyre, competition is deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA. From rallying and DTM victories to overall success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, DUNLOP has been a fixture in international motorsport for decades. The brand’s legacy will now continue on the Nordschleife, with a driver lineup featuring Julien Andlauer, Nico Menzel, Dorian Boccolacci, and Alessio Picariello, all experienced with both the Porsche 911 GT3 R and the challenging Nürburgring circuit.
Porsche factory driver Julien Andlauer brings World Endurance Championship experience and in-depth Nordschleife knowledge, while Eifel native Nico Menzel is a proven specialist on the Green Hell, familiar with its unique traffic dynamics and GT3 setup window. Dorian Boccolacci and Alessio Picariello have claimed overall victories at the Nürburgring, bringing consistent top-tier performance to the NLS.
By expanding its presence at the Nürburgring, DUNLOP is using one of the most challenging racetracks as both a development platform and an international showcase. Motorsport here is not only about competition, but also a demonstration of technological expertise, uncompromising performance standards, and global brand strength.
This initiative follows a strategic realignment within Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which acquired the DUNLOP trademark rights in May 2025. The Japanese tyre group has positioned DUNLOP as the centerpiece of its global growth strategy, with motorsport serving as a highly visible expression of the brand’s long-term commitment to performance and international expansion.
