Nürburgring – The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 made its first racing appearance for the 4-hour race held on 25 September 2010 as part of the VLN Nürburgring Endurance Championship. Even though the gullwing car was already involved in an accident during the starting lap, Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger were able to demonstrate the potential of the SLS AMG GT3. Developed according to the GT3 regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 was entered in prototype class E1-XP. A total of 206 cars took part in this eighth VLN race.
Having achieved a third place in qualifying, the SLS AMG GT3 started the race from the second rank bearing start number 738. Bernd Schneider, five-time DTM Champion and now an AMG brand ambassador, was behind the wheel at the start. Schneider was already in second place by the first bend, however contact with the leading car on the second bend caused him to spin and collide with the following car. After a 25-minute break for repairs, Bernd Schneider returned to the race three laps behind the leaders, and was able to hold his own without problems in the lineup of GT3 cars.
When Thomas Jäger replaced Bernd Schneider at the wheel, the SLS AMG GT3 continued the race according to expectations. When the race was ended
prematurely owing to numerous accidents, the gullwing was positioned in 91st place, three laps behind.
Bernd Schneider: "I think that despite my accident during the starting lap, we were able to show the potential of the gullwing. The SLS AMG GT3 feels great, and makes very satisfactory lap times possible. Even on the demanding North Loop at Nürburgring, the car drives very well."