Protyre News

Precautionary Covid-19 measures preclude Thomas Preining and Matteo Cairoli from joining Falken this weekend

Following Porsche's decision to compete in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring with a reduced number of participants, Falken Motorsports has adjusted the driver line-up for this weekend's race. Porsche works drivers Thomas Preining (#33) and Matteo Cairoli (#44), who were both to drive for Falken, are no longer able to attend. The decision means Falken will compete with six of its original drivers across its two cars at the "Green Hell".

The #33 car will now see Klaus Bachler, Christian Engelhart, Sven Müller and Dirk Werner share duties with the #44 driven by Klaus Bachler, Peter Dumbreck, Sven Müller and Martin Ragginger.

A routine Covid-19 test, which Porsche carried out of its team members attending Le Mans, identified a positive result in three cases. A number of Porsche works drivers including Thomas Preining and Matteo Cairoli that were on site at Le Mans last weekend are affected by the measures and cannot attend the Nürburgring event.

"We are very sorry for Thomas and Matteo, but we are one hundred percent behind Porsche's decision. The well-being and health of all employees is our top priority. Our remaining six drivers are a well-rehearsed team and are familiar with the tyres and the two Porsche 911 GT3 R. We have therefore decided not to replace them," concludes Stefanie Olbertz, responsible for motor sports at Falken.