German racer Alex Hofmann will realise the dream of a lifetime by entering this weekend’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring with Opel, switching his usual two-wheels for four. Opel will compete with three 299 horsepower Astra OPC models and Hofmann, who is currently on test riding duties with the Aprilia Factory, will line up in a Media VIP Car alongside three experienced motorsport journalists from Germany. “The virus of the world-famous Nürburgring Nordschleife got me,” said Hofmann, who raced with a 220bhp Ducati in last season’s MotoGP World Championship. “On top of it all, I will have my best ever birthday as I will turn 28 during the race. Up to 200,000 fans are expected to join the party while I am racing on the most spectacular race track ever built. It will be hard to top that one in the future! I cannot thank Opel enough for the opportunity and support to let me get a taste of the four-wheeled world.” Hofmann will be also out to prove that motorcycle racers are known to have a very good feeling for car racing too. Germans are fast developing a reputation for their eclectic racing abilities as former seventimes Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher just confirmed by entering the German Superbike Championship on two wheels. Hofmann will also have the vital support of Alpinestars, who specially designed a racing suit for this special occasion, and Red Bull. “Alpinestars have created special overalls for me so that I can enter this race in real style, while Red Bull is supporting me and the whole team. Some wings work perfectly even throughout 24 hours of racing,” said Hofmann. The famous Nürburgring race track comprises 33 left and 40 right-hand corners, over a total distance of 25.359 km. Built in 1927, it is known to be one of the toughest and most demanding race tracks in the world, a challenge that only further motivates Hofmann. “I hope we will bring our car home safe and fast,” he says. “I can’t wait to get things started. Although I am a rookie, I won’t be afraid to give it my best shot, and I will keep a close eye on the lap times in my class. My friend Boris Said already won here and he will give me some tips before we hit the track.” Starters usually have to enter three national races before they get permission to participate in one of the biggest racing events on the German calendar, so before he can turn a wheel in anger, Alex will be attending a race academy at the Nürburgring to obtain his racing licence. The race will start at 15.00 on Saturday 24th May and will end 24 hours later…