Improved pace demonstrated in ETCR
Our team demonstrated a competitive performance at the second round of the FIA ETCR, Race HU, this weekend (June 10-12).
“This weekend has been a remarkable improvement compared to our last visit to the Hungaroring with PURE ETCR,” said our Director of Marketing and PR, Stefan. “Each of our drivers were able to fight at the front and apply pressure to the cars around them.”
Making gains in the title fight
Mikel and Kevin both secured places in Pool Fast first Quarter Final. Mikel was able to overtake for the lead of the race, but lost the victory on the final lap. He came back fighting to win Sunday’s Semi Final and claim pole position for the final race of the weekend. His promising weekend ended in bitter disappointment, as he dropped down the order and finished fourth. However, he moves up in the drivers’ standings to third place.
“Qualifying was very good for us, we were close to getting pole position but I was disappointed, I lost some time with a mistake on one of my laps,” summarised Mikel. “There were some intense battles in the Quarter Final and it was fantastic to win the Semi Final. Overall the car has been very competitive.”
After his impressive Qualifying lap, Kevin attacked hard in his Quarter Final but had to settle for third place. The Italian was running in second in the Semi Final, but was pipped to second place on the start/finish straight. He started the Super Final in sixth place and gained a position on the opening lap, claiming a fifth-place finish to end his weekend.
“The Race HU started off with a great Qualifying,” said Kevin. “In the Semi Final it was a shame we could not do more with my pole position as I had an average standing start; we also saw others struggle when starting on the inside gate.”
Hungry for more
Jean-Karl was disappointed not to qualify for his Pool’s first Quarter Final, but he went on to take a comfortable victory in his race, putting him in the fight for the top-three in the Super Final. The Frenchman battled to defend against a charging pack throughout the race, but was forced to retire after contact broke one of his rims, causing him to spin.
“Overall, our performance in Hungary was a huge improvement compared to last season,” concluded Jean-Karl. “It was unfortunate to retire from the Super Final, but now I’m focusing on being King of the Weekend at the Race in Spain.”
Home hero Norbert displayed improved performance in front of his local crowd, running in second place in his Quarter Final until a last-gasp pass. He gained two positions in the Super Final following Jean-Karl’s incident, but was unable to move any further before the end of the race and he finished in fourth.
“It was quite an exciting race weekend for me, and I felt I learned a lot during each session,” said Norbert. “I was faster and stronger in the Veloster N ETCR than I was last time out in France.”
The next FIA ETCR round, Race SP, will take place on June 17-19.
