Every racing driver has that one event they look forward to all year. For Fabienne Wohlwend, it’s the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Not just because it’s one of the most demanding endurance races in the world, but because it’s an experience unlike any other. The atmosphere, the history, the community—it’s the kind of race that gets under your skin and stays there.
This year, Fabienne returns to the Green Hell, joining the all-female Girls Only by WS Racing team in their BMW M4 GT4 again. Sharing the #146 car with Carrie Schreiner, Janina Schall, and Patricija Stalidzane, she’s once again ready to face the challenge of one of the most legendary circuits on the planet.
Preparation Starts Long Before the Green Flag
The Nürburgring 24H isn’t something you just show up for. It requires months of preparation. From testing the car in various conditions to competing in NLS races, the lead-up is intense. Fabienne also focuses on physical and mental training, as well as countless hours in the simulator.
“You have to be ready in every way. This track doesn’t give you second chances.”
On race day, she sticks to a few personal rituals. A banana or some dates for quick energy, and just before climbing into the car, one cube of dextrose. A small tradition from her ski racing days as a child that still gives her comfort and focus before the chaos begins.
Why This Race Is So Special
There are many endurance races in the world, but none quite like this. Fabienne lights up when she talks about it.
“The fans, the lights, the fireworks… it’s magical. You can’t find this kind of atmosphere anywhere else. And the best part is how open it is. People with regular tickets can get right up close—in the paddock, on the grid, or along the track. My family can come and watch too, and that means a lot to me.”
Her favorite moment? The start.
“Standing on the grid and barely being able to see your car because there are so many fans around. Then the formation lap, when people are still standing on the track waving at us. It gives me goosebumps every single time.”
Racing the Weather as Much as the Clock
If there’s one thing the Nürburgring is known for, aside from its length and difficulty, it’s the unpredictability of the Eifel weather. Rain is common. Rain at night? Even more intense.
“I usually enjoy driving in the rain, but on the Nordschleife, in the dark, that’s another level. It’s not fun—it’s survival,” she says, half-joking. “This year, I’m hoping for clear skies, but you never really know.”
What Comes After 24 Hours in the Green Hell?
The race may be over when the flag drops, but the body and mind take longer to catch up. Fabienne usually gives herself one full day to reset. No training, no appointments—just time at home with her cat Chip and a moment to breathe.
“On Mondays, it almost feels like an adrenaline crash. You’re coming down from so much intensity, it’s like your system doesn’t know what to do.”
To ease the transition, she steps outside for fresh air and does light mobility exercises to release the tension from 24 hours of focus, strain, and vibration.
This time, though, there’s no time for a breather. Right after the race, she’s heading to Spa-Francorchamps for another major event—this time, not as a driver, but as a brand ambassador for ROWE, a key player in the world of endurance racing and high-performance lubricants.
“I’m really looking forward to representing ROWE at Spa. It’s another 24-hour race, just with a different kind of responsibility. A different challenge, but no less exciting.”
More Than Just a Race
At the Nürburgring, nothing is guaranteed — except that the Green Hell will test everything you’ve got. And Fabienne Wohlwend? She shows up ready, focused, and fearless.
Because for her and the Girls Only team, this isn’t just about finishing a race. It’s about proving that there’s no space in motorsport where women don’t belong — and no corner on this planet they can’t take flat-out.
Fast Lane Femme 
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