Motorsport History Comes Back to Life
When the touring cars from motorsport’s golden era take to the track at the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, goosebumps are guaranteed. This year, however, fans can look forward to a particularly special highlight: Uwe Alzen is returning to active historic motor racing and will share the cockpit of a true crowd favourite with Gerd Füller.
They will be driving the legendary Paulaner Opel Vectra STW with starting number 4 from the 1998 season. It was in this very car that Uwe Alzen once made motorsport history. In 1998, he finished third in the Super Touring Car Cup championship behind Johnny Cecotto and Laurent Aïello. His spectacular appearance at the Hockenheimring also remains unforgettable, when he completed the race without the driver’s door following a collision.
Alzen is now returning to one of his former racing cars. Together with Gerd Füller, he will take on a demanding programme at the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix: four races over the course of one weekend. Two races in the Tourenwagen Goldene Ära and two in the highly competitive Super Touring Revival.
For fans of classic touring cars, this is an event with exceptional appeal. For the drivers, it means maximum concentration, physical resilience and a great deal of experience.
The Challenge: Four Races, a Historic Touring Car and Maximum Physical Demands
Historic motorsport may appear nostalgic to spectators, but on the track it is anything but leisurely. Cars such as the Opel Vectra STW demand a great deal from their drivers. Its two-litre Spiess engine produces almost 300 horsepower. Combined with the suspension technology developed by Holzer Motorsport, the result is a precise and direct racing car that requires complete attention.
During a programme involving four races in a single weekend, driving skill is not the only deciding factor. Physical condition also plays an important role. The neck, shoulders, arms and back are placed under considerable strain by high cornering forces, braking manoeuvres, vibrations and constant muscular tension. Drivers must also cope with heat inside the cockpit, mental pressure and the need for rapid reactions during close battles on the track.
For Uwe Alzen and Gerd Füller, there is another important factor. Both drivers bring a wealth of experience, but they will also be competing in a highly intense historic racing environment. The cars are valuable, the races are emotionally charged and the field is strongly contested. Around 20 original STW racing cars from various countries are expected to take part in the Super Touring Revival, joined by other well-known names and vehicles from touring car history.
In brief, this weekend will not be a demonstration run. It will be genuine motorsport.
Medical Clearance and Support from Rennarzt.de
To ensure that a race weekend of this intensity can be approached safely and professionally, a medical assessment in advance is an important part of the preparation. Dr. Karl Schuster of Rennarzt.de granted Uwe Alzen medical clearance to compete.
Such clearance does not simply mean that there are no immediate medical concerns. It also reflects responsible preparation. In motorsport in particular, physical resilience, concentration and possible risk factors must be assessed realistically. Anyone sitting behind the wheel of a racing car must be able to react within fractions of a second and maintain their performance throughout the entire race distance.
Rennarzt.de has supported Uwe Alzen for many years. It is therefore especially pleasing that this partnership is now continuing in historic motorsport. When Alzen returns to his former racing cars, sporting history is combined with modern medical support.
The focus is not limited to the individual event. Long-term support is equally important. How does the body respond to the physical demands? Are there any complaints after the races? How can recovery between races be optimised? And how can the driver prepare as effectively as possible for future events?
These are all important aspects of medical support that truly understands motorsport.
Uwe Alzen: A Career Defined by Speed, Precision and Passion
Uwe Alzen is one of Germany’s most distinguished touring car and sports car drivers. His career ranges from one-make racing series and the DTM, ITC and STW to major international endurance races.
He celebrated significant success in the Porsche Carrera Cup and Porsche Supercup as early as the beginning of the 1990s. This was followed by appearances in the DTM and ITC, achievements as the leading privateer and later as a factory driver. During the STW era, Alzen became one of the defining figures in German touring car racing.
He also made his mark in endurance racing. His achievements include overall victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, podium finishes and class victories at Le Mans, as well as overall victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. To this day, his name represents uncompromising commitment, outstanding driving ability and a special connection to the Nordschleife.
For many fans, his return to historic racing cars is therefore far more than simply a comeback. It is a living piece of motorsport history.
Gerd Füller: An Experienced and Fair Competitor
Alongside Uwe Alzen is Gerd Füller, an experienced and passionate driver. The master roofer from Stadtallendorf is well known and highly regarded throughout the paddock. His motorsport roots include the Ford Escort one-make racing series. He later gained valuable experience in the Tourenwagen Goldene Ära and made a lasting impression there.
Füller is regarded as a tough but fair competitor. His driving style is close, direct and spectacular, which makes him particularly exciting to watch for many fans. At the same time, he enjoys considerable respect in the paddock because, despite the intensity of the racing, sporting fairness always remains the priority.
The combination of Füller, Alzen and the Opel Vectra has already proven successful. In 2021, Uwe Alzen and Gerd Füller won the championship title in the STW vehicle class as part of the Tourenwagen Goldene Ära.
Looking Forward to a Special Race Weekend
Preparations for the Oldtimer Grand Prix are already underway. During an intensive preliminary meeting in Montabaur, technical details, organisational procedures and important improvements were discussed. The objective is clear: the team wants to make the most of this exceptional four-race programme.
Despite all the sporting ambition, one important principle remains: the cars should be driven hard, but with respect. Or, as was said with a smile during the meeting: “We’ll keep everything in one piece.”
For the fans, the weekend at the Nürburgring will be a true touring car spectacle. The sound of the STW cars, famous names, original racing vehicles and the special atmosphere of the Oldtimer Grand Prix will make this event one of the highlights of the season.
Rennarzt.de is delighted to continue providing medical support to Uwe Alzen and wishes him, Gerd Füller and the entire team a successful, fair and healthy race weekend.
Because motorsport history does not live through memories alone. It lives through the people who continue it with passion, experience and responsibility.
Images courtesy of Motobox Kremer