Imagine a world where virtual racing isn't just a game, but a legitimate pathway to real-world motorsport glory. That's exactly what's happening in Germany, thanks to a groundbreaking decision by the country's motorsport federation. Following Max Verstappen's stunning performance at the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) in September, the rules for obtaining the DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) are being rewritten, and sim racing is now officially part of the equation.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can virtual laps truly replace the real-world experience needed to tackle the infamous Nordschleife? For the DPN Level B, aspiring racers can now count their participation in official sim racing competitions of the NLS. This change, exclusive to Permit B, opens up a new avenue for those who’ve honed their skills in the digital realm. And this is the part most people miss: the requirements for Permit A, which allows drivers to compete in faster cars like the SP9 GT3 class, are also being relaxed. Instead of two results and 14 race laps, just one result and eight laps in a Permit-B car will suffice, and the minimum driving time criterion has been scrapped entirely.
These changes mark a significant shift from the stricter regulations of the 2010s, when drivers had to produce two results within a specific percentile and complete 18 laps. While these rules improved safety, they often left drivers in a frustrating waiting loop, forcing teams to make driver changes for the 24-hour race. One of the most vocal critics of this system was none other than Valentino Rossi. The MotoGP legend expressed his desire to race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours but lamented the time-consuming permit requirements. “Yes, it's in the plan, I like to make the Nürburgring, but for racing the Nürburgring you have to get the permit by doing other races, so I don't know if I will have the time next year,” he told Autosport.
The most striking change is the inclusion of sim racing as a pathway to Permit B. Drivers with an International D circuit license or higher can now count their participation in virtual races, specifically by finishing three of the four rounds of the Digital Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) without penalties. This can partially replace the requirement to start in an RCN race, the second league below the NLS. Sim racing is now one of three routes to Permit B:
- Completing the standard DPN B course, as Max Verstappen did before his NLS7 debut.
- Completing two RCN races with a driver change, or one as a solo driver.
- New: One RCN race with a driver change combined with three penalty-free DNLS races.
However, drivers holding a National A license are excluded from this new option and will still need three classified RCN races to obtain Permit B.
Max Verstappen’s influence on this decision cannot be overstated. His standout performance at NLS9 in an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3, despite having no real-world multi-class racing experience, showcased the value of sim racing. “Since the launch of the DNLS in 2020, we have known that sim racing is far more than casual entertainment. It reproduces reality in a highly accurate way,” said VLN sporting director Christian Vormann. “Verstappen’s participation in an NLS race demonstrated how crucial virtual preparation can be, especially on the demanding Nordschleife. His secret is sim racing. He’s completed countless laps on iRacing in the Green Hell, including DNLS events. It was no surprise that he immediately felt comfortable.”
Robin Strycek, DMSB coordinator for sport, added, “The new Permit B regulations reinforce the unique link between real and digital motorsport. With Porsche’s involvement through the PEETN and active participation from marshals and officials, this connection is stronger than ever.”
This decision reflects how seriously the German ASN takes virtual motorsport. Back in 2018, they made headlines by recognizing sim racing as an official motorsport discipline. Allowing DNLS participation to count toward license qualification is unprecedented in international motorsport, and the FIA will undoubtedly watch these developments closely. Could this be the future of motorsport licensing?
What do you think? Is sim racing a legitimate pathway to real-world racing, or does it undermine the traditional route? Let us know in the comments below!
