The opening qualifying session for the 2026 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers delivered high drama and a major upset, with the #24 Gamota BMW snatching pole position from the established favorites. David Jahn set a blistering benchmark time of 8m09.488s early on, a lap that would stand unchallenged for the remainder of a disrupted session.

While the BMW stole the headlines, all eyes were also on the #3 Winward Mercedes shared by Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen and Lucas Auer. The car qualified sixth, but its starting position is under a cloud of uncertainty. Race control launched an investigation after Auer collided with the #941 Porsche Cayman during an overtaking attempt at the Hohe Acht section, with potential grid or in-race penalties pending a steward review.

The surprises didn't end with the pole-sitter. The qualifying order was shaken up by strong performances from Pro-Am entries, highlighting the incredible depth of competition at the Nordschleife. The #11 Schnitzelalm Mercedes, not typically an overall contender, secured a stunning second place, while the #48 Black Falcon Porsche took fourth. Sandwiched between them in third was the #47 KCMG Mercedes, fresh off a pole position in the NLS just a week prior.

The session was red-flagged for nearly 50 minutes after a heavy crash for Anders Buchardt in the #36 Walkenhorst Aston Martin at Adenauer Forst. Thankfully, the driver emerged unscathed, but significant barrier repairs were required. The extended stoppage added another layer of tension before the action resumed.

With the grid now set, the stage is primed for a thrilling four-hour race. Can the Gamota BMW convert its surprise pole into a landmark victory, or will the investigated Mercedes and the chasing pack of factory-backed Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Audis fight their way to the front? The legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife is about to provide the answers.