This year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour race will kicked off by a legendary driver lapping the track, for the first time since 1954, in a modern Silver Arrow Formula 1 race car. It’s Michael Schumacher returning behind the wheel of a Mercedes F1 car for a celebratory lap of the ‘Ring.

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion will hit the track on Sunday 19th May 2013 before the start of the 24-hour race in a MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W02. This will be Schumi’s ‘thank you’ to his fans for their years of loyal support during his F1 career, even when he wasn’t doing so good.

Last time a Silver Arrow was driven on the Nordschleife in proper manner was on 1st August 1954 and Juan Manuel Fangio’s Grand Prix victory. Each year the Nurburgring 24 Hour race attracts thousands of fans to the track, where they camp, cook, drink, party, and basically have a good time throughout the event. This year, and because of Schumi, Nordschleife officials may see a surge in the number of spectators.

Michael Schumacher: “I have a lot of fond memories of the Nürburgring and am really looking forward to giving fans and friends from my home town of Kerpen, which is quite close to the Nürburgring, something to remember as they see me drive by. But it will be a fantastic experience for me too, driving along the Nordschleife in a state-of–the-art Formula 1 Silver Arrow, particularly in view of the fact that the Silver Arrow’s legend began here. Posting a lap in a modern Silver Arrow on the most beautiful and most testing circuit in the world, what a brilliant mix – it’s every motor racing driver’s dream!”