The Prototype Cup Germany is widely regarded by many experts as one of the best racing series for motorsport talents looking to work their way into a factory driver seat. However, it is also a great platform for ambitious amateur drivers, especially in the LMP3 category, which is organized by the ADAC and Creventic. This is the view of Michael Herich, who has competed in several races in the Prototype Cup Germany in 2022 and 2024, and has now signed a contract for the 2025 season. The 47-year-old Bronze-rated driver will share a Duqueine car with rising star Alexzander Kristiansson for the season, under the banner of Gebhardt Motorsport.
“I really enjoy racing in the Prototype Cup Germany,” says Michael Herich. “What I love most is the car itself – it’s a pure-bred race car. The engine is powerful, and the sound is exactly how it should be in motorsport. The concept of sharing the car with another driver keeps the necessary budget relatively manageable, which is great. I also really enjoy the calendar; particularly Spa-Francorchamps and the Red Bull Ring are amazing tracks for the LMP3 cars. And the fact that we will be racing four times alongside the DTM is a real positive in my eyes.”
Herich not only looks forward to another exciting season but also to the challenge of driving a new chassis. “I’ve only driven the Ginetta so far, but now I’ll be behind the wheel of a Duqueine. I really enjoyed the Ginetta; it’s a beautiful race car. However, objectively speaking, the Duqueine has been much more successful, and I hope it will allow me to further improve as a driver.” Additionally, he will have a new teammate, Alexzander Kristiansson, with whom he is looking forward to working. “I don’t know him yet, but I’m confident that we’ll have a great time. Alexzander is an up-and-coming young talent, while I’m the more experienced, calm driver. I think this combination will be very positive. Back in 2022, I was part of a team with a young talent as well – that year it was Jacob Erlbacher – and it worked well.”
Originally, the managing director of a medium-sized business had planned to retire from motorsport and focus on historical racing. However, in mid-2024, an offer came in to return to the Prototype Cup Germany. “Gebhardt Motorsport wanted to reintroduce the Ginetta, and Fritz Gebhardt asked me if I was interested. I couldn’t say ‘no’ to that.” His return to modern motorsport was so enjoyable that he actively worked toward securing a spot for the 2025 season. Herich made it clear that he would only drive a LMP3 for Gebhardt Motorsport. “I was already a test driver for Gebhardt back in 1999, driving a Gebhardt G4 in the Sports Car World Cup. I even got to race at the Nürburgring that year. After the 1999 season, Gebhardt unfortunately ended its motorsport activities, and I couldn’t find enough partners to continue my career. I had a Formula-3-Cup race in 2003, but then I took a break. I started studying and entered the business world, though I remained professionally connected with Gebhardt.”
In 2019, Fritz Gebhardt returned to the motorsport scene, focusing on historic racing with his Group C cars, and Herich was his first point of contact. “In Monza, we presented the Gebhardt C88 on track for the first time, and that was a special moment that brought the team even closer together.” In 2022, Herich took the leap with Gebhardt Motorsport into the then-new Prototype Cup Germany, and in 2024, he returned to the LMP3 category. “I’m very grateful to Gebhardt Motorsport for giving me these opportunities and for sticking with me. The package is perfect, I have a great connection with Fritz, and I trust the team completely. I think such collaborations are rare nowadays, and I can’t imagine driving for another team. After all, I’ve been professionally and personally connected to Gebhardt for over 25 years, and I truly value that partnership.”
Herich’s Loyalty and Aspirations for the 2025 Season
Michael Herich’s commitment to the Prototype Cup Germany reflects not just his love for the sport but also his deep connection to Gebhardt Motorsport, a partnership that has spanned over two decades. Despite his late return to modern motorsport after a hiatus, Herich’s experience and dedication make him a formidable presence in the LMP3 category. His enthusiasm for the new Duqueine car and the positive outlook on the upcoming season show that he is not merely participating but aiming to grow and improve as a driver.
Herich’s pairing with Alexzander Kristiansson adds an exciting dynamic to the team. The combination of his experience and Kristiansson’s youthful potential could be a winning formula in the Prototype Cup Germany. Herich’s ability to adapt to new machinery and his appreciation for the collaboration with a young driver shows his flexibility and maturity as a competitor.
The upcoming season holds plenty of promise for Herich and Gebhardt Motorsport. With the team’s deep-rooted history and Herich’s loyalty, the duo could see great success as they aim for a strong season in 2025. Fans will be watching closely, especially with the addition of the DTM races to the calendar, adding extra prestige to an already exciting competition. Herich’s goals are clearly set, and with his wealth of experience, he is well-positioned to make the most of his time in the Prototype Cup Germany.