The 2021 champion clocked the fastest time of the second free practice session in ADAC GT4 Germany at the Norisring. BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-AMG all impressed.

The second free practice in ADAC GT4 Germany at the Norisring was a really close affair. At the end of a dramatic session, it was Gabriele Piana (38/ITA), who shares a BMW M4 GT4 with Berkay Besler (25/TUR, both FK Performance Motorsport), who topped the timing sheet. “First place is obviously excellent. We improved nicely on the first practice session. That speaks volumes for the job the team has done,” said Piana, who was pleased with his lap time of 53.521 minutes. “Last year, I also finished first in Free Practice 2 – and then we won the Saturday race. Maybe that is a good omen.”

“The grip level on the track was far higher than in the first practice – and, generally speaking, the circuit feels faster than in 2024,” Piana added. “The competition this weekend is proving to be extremely close. I see the Mercedes-AMG as slight favourites, and the Porsche will also be strong. However, the BMW contingent is also quick. There is going to be some fascinating racing.”

Second place in the session, 0.019 seconds behind Piana, went to Enrico Förderer (18/Leuterod) and Jay Mo Härtling (22/Sprockhövel, both SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm). This duo won two races at the season opener in Oschersleben. In third place were Denny Berndt (20/Berlin) and Max Rosam (20/Taunusstein, both Razoon - more than Racing), who were 0.064 seconds off the pace in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4.

Linus Hahne (21/Oelde) and ADAC Stiftung Sport driver Thomas Rackl (17/Berching, both ME Motorsport) were fourth, 0.067 seconds off the top time in their BMW. Rounding out the top five were Maximilian Tarillion (20/Vienna) and Victor Nielsen (18/DNK, both Razoon - xAutomotive Racing) in another BMW.

Qualifying for Sunday’s ADAC GT4 Germany race at the Norisring follows on Friday evening. “Pole position is obviously the goal,” says Piana. “However, should it be a bit cooler, it will definitely be tough to beat the Porsche. Whatever happens, we will do our best.”