Volkswagen driver Rob Huff (GB) claimed a victory at the penultimate race weekend of the TCR International series in Zhejiang (CHN). Driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR for the Leopard Racing team, the Briton came home ahead of fellow Volkswagen driver Gianni Morbidelli (I) and Seat driver James Nash (GB) to win race two.
“In my opinion, that was the toughest and most aggressive race I have ever driven in,” said Huff, who passed Nash to take the lead with just three laps remaining. “However, it was also one of the most pleasing, because we ultimately crossed the finish line as winners! It has been an excellent weekend for the team. The car was extremely strong.”
Team-mate Jean-Karl Vernay (F) also enjoyed a successful weekend. The Frenchman did have to settle for twelfth place in race two, following a collision, but second place behind guest starter Gabriele Tarquini (I) was enough to earn him maximum points in the opening race. Huff was third. In the championship, Vernay holds a 21-point lead over second-placed Attila Tassi (H/Honda) going into the season finale.
“The weekend went well for us, and I am very happy,” said Vernay. “The car was fantastic, and it was incredibly important to bag the maximum points in race one. We knew that the track would suit the Golf GTI TCR. We took our opportunity and that result gives us a lot of confidence. However, the job is not yet done!” The final race weekend of the TCR International series will take place in Dubai on 17 and 18 November.
TCR Asia
Kusiri claims the title in a Golf GTI TCR
Mission accomplished: Kantadhee Kusiri (T) secured the TCR Asia title in his Volkswagen Golf GTI, courtesy of a win and a third place at the season finale in Zhejiang (CHN). Liqui Moly Team Engstler had two reasons to celebrate: the team from the Allgäu region of Germany also picked up the title in the Team competition – for the second time in a row.
“My goal for the final two races was to score as many points as possible towards the championship,” said Kusiri after his title win. “Victory in race one did took a bit of pressure off me. A third place, and with it the title, in the final race was more than I had hoped for from this season, which was full of highs and lows. I would like to thank the team for this great year.”
“We are very proud to have been crowned TCR Asia champions again,” said Kurt Treml, Sport and Managing Director at Liqui Moly Team Engstler. “It has not been an easy season. The opposition was immense, but our outstanding teamwork and the fantastic support we received from our partners are ultimately what made this success possible.”
VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring
Leuchter and Gülden take the title
Benjamin Leuchter (D) and Andreas Gülden (D) of Volkswagen customer team Mathilda Racing wrapped up the title in the TCR class with races to spare at round eight of the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring (D). The German duo, at the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, first clocked the fastest time in the TCR class in practice, before taking second place behind the Opel pair of Hannu Luostarinen (FIN) and Volker Strycek (D) in the four-hour race to secure the title. The penultimate round of the VLN will take place on 21 October.
24h TCE Series
The Lestrup Racing team finished 15th with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR at the 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (B). At the wheel of the Golf was the Swedish quartet of Mats Olsson, Peter Fahlström, Jesper Nilsson and Carl Thunberg. The race was won by the Red Camel-Jordans.nl (Seat) team.
Volkswagen Fun Cup Europe
The JAC Motors and Allure teams won the two Volkswagen Fun Cup Europe races at the Adria Raceway (I). This was the maiden victory for JAC. The team won race one, ahead of Allure and 8KS Corse. In race two, Allure was first across the finish line, followed by 8KS Corse and JAC Motors.
Next up:
14/10/2017
Global Rallycross, Los Angeles (USA)
14/10–15/10/2017
Super Taikyu Endurance Series, Okayama (J)
14/10–15/10/2017
FIA Formula 3 European Championship, Hockenheim (D)
15/10/2017
Chinese Touring Car Championship, Ningbo (CHN)
14/10/2017
