Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least two manufacturers and one tyre company have opted out of the industry pool that use the Nürburgring as a test facility. If true, this would be the first tangible sign that concerns over the controversial plans by the Nürburgring’s private managers to increase costs have come to fruition.

In basic terms there is a fee charged to the industry pool each year and manufacturers and associated parties involved share the cost. According to a recent post on twitter it appears Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and Pirelli may have pulled out.

In Aston Martin’s case, it’s not all that long since they opened a purpose-built facility close to the Ring, so it would highlight the gravity of the situation if this information proves correct.

[Pic: Pistonspy]

UPDATE 12 January: German website volksfruend.de is running a report confirming Pirelli has left the Nürburgring industry test pool.