The Nürburgring hosted the fourth round of the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe – Endurance Cup. After the first three races of the season, Matteo Cairoli arrived in Germany as the leader of the endurance championship with 54 points in the drivers’ standings, along with his teammates Maro Engel and Lucas Auer, driving the #48 Mann-Filter Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO.
The Como-born driver took part in the second qualifying session, during which the circuit presented in damp and difficult conditions, recording a time of 1:55.545. Combined with the results of his teammates, Cairoli’s time secured the team 7th place on the grid for the 3 Hours of Nürburgring.
The team entrusted Engel with the start, but he lost a position during the first corners. Matteo Cairoli took over from the German for the second stint and quickly climbed to fifth place. During his stint, the 29-year-old pulled off a stunning overtake for fourth place, setting off in pursuit of the podium.
Crew #48’s strategy was aided by a full-course yellow at the end of the stint, allowing the Italian to lose little time with a pit stop, gaining two positions and handing the wheel to Lucas Auer in second place. After the safety car closed the gap, the Austrian attempted to take the lead, but was unsuccessful. Auer thus crossed the finish line in second place, securing his third podium finish in four races this endurance season.
The podium at the Nürburgring brought Cairoli’s team 18 points, further extending the gap over their rivals. The Mann-Filter team drivers now lead the way with 72 points, with one race remaining—the 3 Hours of Barcelona, scheduled for October 12, 2025.
Matteo Cairoli
“I’m happy with how the race went here in Germany. This second place allows us to head to Barcelona as championship leaders, and we’ll do our best to bring home this incredible result. Today’s race pace was also very good, and we can’t wait to get out on track for the final round of the endurance season.”
