HTP Motorsport driver Maximilian Buhk has suffered a major blow to his Blancpain GT title bid, after being suspended from racing at the Slovakia Ring this weekend.

Multiple sources have confirmed to Sportscar365 that Buhk has been suspended after an incident during the second race of the ADAC GT Masters at the Slovakia Ring two weeks ago.

The German driver was forced to retire his Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, but failed to comply with the instructions of the Slovak race marshals to move the stranded car, resulting in the deployment of the safety car.

The stewards of the meeting reported the incident to the disciplinary committee of the German motorsport federation DMSB.

Due to the severity of this violation the DMSB has suspended Buhk’s license. Until the disciplinary hearing has taken place Buhk will not be allowed to race.

The HTP Motorsport driver is the current Blancpain GT Series and Blancpain Sprint Series points leader, but with 32 points at stake in Slovakia, his rivals could drastically cut into his title lead or even overtake him.

Nico Verdonck has confirmed he will replace Buhk at the Slovakia Ring. The 28-year-old Belgian driver is Buhk’s teammate in the No. 84 HTP Motorsport Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 in the Blancpain Endurance Series.