DUNLOP Motorsport Enters Nürburgring NLS With Porsche 911 GT3 R
The Green Hell will gain a fresh splash of colour 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. The programme expands the brand’s presence at one of the world’s most demanding race tracks and underlines DUNLOP’s commitment to performance and innovation.
The project makes a strong visual statement. The Porsche 911 GT3 R carries the iconic DUNLOP colours of yellow and black. Developers from Gran Turismo in Japan created the livery and blended a striking new identity with tradition. DUNLOP has served as the global tyre partner of the Gran Turismo World Series and Gran Turismo 7 since the end of 2025. Players can test the performance of DUNLOP tyres directly in-game and experience them under realistic conditions. The team completes the design with the carefully chosen start number 17, which pays tribute to the legendary Porsche Group C prototypes of the 1980s. The concept links great motorsport history with modern GT3 technology.
DUNLOP will field the latest 2026-specification Porsche 911 GT3 R, an optimised version of the successful 992 chassis that first appeared in 2023. Engineers have added new louvres to the front wheel arches and updated the rear wing and rear bodywork to improve driveability. DUNLOP will run on its branded tyres and debut SENSING CORE, the sensorless tyre-monitoring technology from Sumitomo Rubber Industries. The system detects tyre pressure, load, and wear in real time and supports puncture detection and strategic decisions from the pit wall.
DUNLOP began its history in 1888 when John Boyd Dunlop developed the first pneumatic tyre. Motorsport quickly became part of the brand’s DNA. The company has achieved success in rallying, secured overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and celebrated wins in the DTM. DUNLOP has remained deeply rooted in international motorsport for decades. The brand now aims to continue that legacy on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. DUNLOP Motorsport will open the 2026 season with Julien Andlauer, Nico Menzel, Dorian Boccolacci and Alessio Picariello. Each driver brings strong experience with the Porsche 911 GT3 R and deep knowledge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Porsche factory driver Julien Andlauer holds a strong reputation in the World Endurance Championship and combines international prototype and GT experience with detailed Nordschleife expertise. Nico Menzel stands as a proven specialist of the Green Hell. The Eifel native understands the circuit’s characteristics, traffic patterns, and the setup window for the GT3 Porsche across the 25-kilometre layout. Dorian Boccolacci and Alessio Picariello have both secured overall victories on the Nordschleife. Their GT experience places them among the most consistent front-runners in the Nürburgring Endurance Series.
DUNLOP is using the Nordschleife as both a development platform and an international showcase as it expands its involvement at the circuit. The Nürburgring remains one of the most demanding race tracks in the world. Motorsport serves not only as a sporting contest but also as a demonstration of technological expertise, uncompromising performance standards and global brand strength.
This programme follows a strategic realignment within Sumitomo Rubber Industries. The Japanese tyre group acquired the DUNLOP trademark rights in May 2025 and positioned DUNLOP as the central brand within its global growth strategy. The company aims to expand its international presence and strengthen long-term brand value. This renewed focus now takes visible form in motorsport.
