Despite recent changes within the international tyre company, Falken Motorsports will once again take to the Nordschleife in the 2026 season, competing in the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and the legendary ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. Fans can expect the iconic teal-and-blue Porsche 911 GT3 R, proudly bearing start number 44, to continue its strong presence on one of the world’s most challenging circuits.
The team’s goals for 2026 are ambitious yet clear: to build on a spectacular 2025 season that included five NLS victories, four one-two finishes, twelve podiums, and two pole positions. These results secured the NLS Speed Trophy for a second consecutive year, underlining Falken’s dominance and consistency at the Nürburgring.
Falken Motorsports has been a cornerstone of endurance racing at the Nürburgring since 1999, gaining recognition not only for sporting achievements but also as a celebrated part of the event experience. The 2026 specification of the Porsche 911 GT3 R incorporates advanced aerodynamic enhancements, refining driveability while building on the successful 992 chassis introduced in 2023. The team will continue to use its own high-performance racing tyres featuring the innovative SENSING CORE sensorless monitoring system, which debuted in 2025. By leveraging machine learning to analyse wheel speed signals in real time, SENSING CORE reliably monitors pressure, load, and wear, helping optimise pit stop strategies and prevent costly punctures.
The driver lineup blends continuity and expertise. Klaus Bachler, a 34-year-old Austrian with multiple past victories for Falken, returns to the cockpit. He will be joined by former DTM driver Morris Schuring, who impressed in his 2025 debut and celebrated an overall victory at the season-opening NLS race with Sven Müller, also back for 2026. Tim Heinemann, a Falken stalwart since 2022 and one of the fastest GT3 drivers on the Nordschleife, completes the quartet. Together, they bring a mix of experience, circuit knowledge, and a winning mentality, setting the stage for another successful season.
The striking design of the Porsche 911 GT3 R remains largely unchanged, with start number 44 serving as a nod to Falken’s first German location in Offenbach and symbolising the brand’s deep ties to Germany. Beyond the Porsche entry, Falken continues its collaboration with Max Kruse Racing, a partnership in place since 2021, which has yielded multiple class victories on the Nordschleife. The extension of Falken’s 24h Nürburgring partnership until 2028 ensures the brand’s visibility across the grid for years to come.
Falken Tyres, a European affiliate of Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., employs over 40,000 people worldwide, producing more than 116 million tyres annually across 12 facilities. Established in Japan in 1983, the Falken brand has been present in Germany since 1988, offering a complete portfolio of tyres for passenger cars, trucks, pick-ups, and SUVs. With over 220 employees from 24 nations and a network of approximately 8,000 European tyre partners, Falken continues to combine technical excellence with motorsport passion.
