Akshay Gupta Scores Podium Finish at Nurburgring Endurance Race in Hyundai i30 N

Indian racing driver Akshay Gupta secured second place in the VT2-F 4WD class at Round 6 of the ADAC Nurburgring Langstrecken series 2025. He competed in the #852 Hyundai i30 N for STENLE Marketing by Mertens Motorsport and was the only Indian among 309 drivers from 27 countries. Gupta shared the car with German Alex Schneider and Belgian Jarno D’Hauw. The team started from sixth position on the grid.

Qualifying was shortened from 90 minutes to 40 because of heavy fog. The main race was also cut from six hours to four and a half hours for the same reason. Gupta began the race and gained positions on the Nordschleife, moving the team into podium range early on.

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Jarno D’Hauw drove the middle stints, keeping the Hyundai in second place with steady laps. The plan changed when Alex Schneider had to leave the race early due to health issues. Gupta stepped in again for a critical second stint to hold the second position.

Gupta held off competitors under pressure until Schneider returned to finish the race. The team’s effort resulted in a podium placement and marked a positive shift following earlier challenges this season. This was Gupta’s third major endurance podium of 2025, adding to his results at the Dubai 24 Hours and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

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Akshay Gupta said: 'This result is a much-needed turnaround for us this season. After a series of DNFs and setbacks earlier in the year, standing on the podium again is a huge relief and a big step in boosting the team morale. We basically did 28 qualifying laps. The competition in our class keeps getting tougher and tougher, so, it is getting more rewarding to race here. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this race.'

This podium finish displays Gupta’s talent in endurance racing. His skill in adjusting to changing conditions and consistent driving is helping to build his reputation internationally in 2025.