GT driver loses Nordschleife license for extreme speeding under yellow flags

Porsche driver Oleksandr Kosohov has been excluded from the Nürburgring Qualifiers and had his license revoked after being caught driving at 201 km/h in a double yellow flag zone with a 60 km/h speed limit. His team, Mühlner Motorsport, was also handed a severe 95-second stop-and-go penalty for the next race, abruptly ending their weekend.

Why it matters:

This incident underscores the non-negotiable priority of safety in motorsport, especially on the notoriously dangerous Nordschleife circuit. The stewards' swift and severe punishment—a full license revocation—sends a clear deterrent message about the catastrophic risks of ignoring flag signals, which are in place to protect marshals and drivers attending to incidents.

The details:

• The violation occurred during the first qualifying race of the Nürburgring Qualifiers weekend, a crucial event for teams aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious 24-hour race.
• The Offense: Kosohov's car (#999) was recorded traveling at 201 km/h in a sector where double yellow flags were waving, mandating a maximum speed of 60 km/h and preparation to stop.
• The Penalties: The stewards imposed a triple punishment:
  • Immediate disqualification of the driver from the entire event.
  • A 95-second stop-and-go time penalty for the team to be served in the next race after the first lap.
  • General withdrawal of Kosohov's DPN (DMSB Permit Nordschleife) license.
• The official statement was unequivocal, citing a failure "to respect the double yellow flag signal."

The big picture:

This decisive action reflects the Nürburgring's and the DMSB's (German motorsport federation) ongoing commitment to enforcing strict safety protocols. The 'Green Hell' demands immense respect, and leniency for such a severe breach could set a dangerous precedent. The penalty also highlights the shared responsibility between driver and team in adhering to sporting regulations.

What's next:

For Mühlner Motorsport, the 95-second penalty will be a massive handicap in their next race, effectively ending any competitive result. For Kosohov, regaining his competition license will require navigating the DMSB's reinstatement process, which is unlikely to be swift or straightforward. This case will likely be referenced in future driver briefings as a stark example of the consequences of disregarding safety flags.