Thomas Ambiel wrapped victory in the Trophy competition at the Nürburgring, still with races to come. In doing so, the 45-year-old from Rinaldi Racing marked his rookie season in the Prototype Cup Germany with his first title in the LMP3 class.
Mr Ambiel, what does winning the title in the Trophy competition mean to you? “After taking a long break, I returned to motorsport in 2025. To then win a title in my first season makes me proud and happy. However, I still feel it is a privilege to be racing in the Prototype Cup Germany at all, and I enjoy every race as though it were my first.”
Why did you decide to make your comeback in the Prototype Cup Germany, and how has your return to motor racing gone? “I wanted to drive a real, honest racing car, which was developed exclusively to be a racing car. Plus, I loved the fact that the Prototype Cup Germany opted to run eight-cylinder engines this year – something very close to my heart. On 12th February, I decided I wanted to race in this series. Over the following eight to ten weeks, I worked with my partner Rinaldi Racing to put together the programme. I had to buy all the equipment and assemble a team together with Rinaldi. I was very determined and optimistic, but not until the Monday before the first race did I really believe that I would take my place on the starting grid at the season opener in Spa.”
Speaking of that first race weekend, it must have been rather special… “That is true, it was one of the highlights of my season. The weather was not easy, but we did our thing. And then I battled my way through to the front of the field. After our short preparation, with all the doubts that kept arising, victory at our first race weekend was a great start to the season. It was a very valuable moment for us all, and I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Incidentally, I am also lucky to have Jörg Müller as my race engineer. He is such a positive person and is doing everything he can to make me faster. And when somebody with his experience and success in motorsport says something, you don’t question it. After all, if necessary he could simply get into my LMP3 car and show me how it is done.”
Has there been anything this season that has surprised you, and that you had not expected? “Physical fitness is definitely a challenge. I have no problem getting through a race, but I have noticed that I still have room for improvement. However, I am working on that every day and am improving all the time. I have also realised that LMP3 is even more fun than I thought it would be. And I feel right at home in the Prototype Cup Germany, because the time spent together in the paddock is very friendly. You take care of each other, even outside of your teams, and celebrate together. The way people get along is great, and the atmosphere is very special.”
