Alzen Claims Nordschliefe Record in Hankook-Shod Porsche

The official lap record on the legendary 20,793 km Nordschliefe is now four seconds lighter following the exploits of German racer Jürgen Alzen and his Hankook tyres-shod Alzen-Porsche Turbo at 2008’s Circuit-Racing Challenge Nürburgring. Clocking in at 7-dead in the “Green Hell” came the team-owner and driving engineer of the Hankook H&R-Spezialfedern team, Alzen, whose brother Uwe held the previous record of 7:04 for five years.

“I am very proud of this record, as it clearly reflects the power as well as the future potential of our total package,” exclaimed a very satisfied Alzen after crossing the finish line. “Special praise also goes to Hankook Tire who once again managed to do a sensational job. The degree of grip, stability and driving performance that working with Hankook for the past two years has brought about is simply sensational. Hankook tyres always fit as if they were tailor made for every single lap.”

Seung-Do Jin, Hankook Tire executive vice president and head of Europe, dubbed the record-setting lap, “A great result for the entire team. After a series of misfortunes, particularly in the previous long-distance championship 2008, the team has once again managed to show what they are made of with this record. And setting a record on what is known to be the most challenging circuit in the world is always an incredible event. Hankook Tire will press ahead, together with Jürgen Alzen Motorsport, in developing their racing tyres – because when it comes to the team, there is much more where that came from.”

This weekend’s 7:00-minute lap record is the second official circuit record of the Hankook H&R-Spezialfedern team. Back in autumn, 2007 Uwe Alzen left his mark in 8:15:483 minutes behind the wheel of a Hankook-shod Alzen-Porsche 997 GT3. This was the fastest lap time ever for a vehicle with a naturally aspirated engine on the Nürburgring 24,433 km, which comprises Nordschleife and the short loop of the GP circuit, during the International Long-Distance Championships.

In the upcoming 2008 racing season, the Alzen 4WD-Porsche Turbo is to be equipped with Hankook’s racing tyres, the Ventus F 200 slicks and the Ventus Z 207 rain tyres in sizes 280/680-18 at the front axle and 330/710-18 in the rear. The manufacturer anticipates further developing compounds and constructions throughout the entire season in collaboration with Jürgen Alzen Motorsport.