Race four of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland in Austria’s Spielberg was clinched by Frenchman Kévin Estre (Attempto Racing). Sharing the podium with him on spots two and three were local hero Norbert Siedler (A/Aust Motorsport) and last year’s winner here Sean Edwards (GB/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1). After a change in schedule due to repairs of a faulty track barrier, a palpable tension could be felt amongst the 32 drivers. “Luckily for me I managed to completely harness my concentration again. I’m thrilled with my third win of the season,” said Estre after the podium ceremony.
The race over 14 laps (60.564 km) was packed with gripping fights for positions, paint-swapping duels and successful overtaking manoeuvres. Right in the first corner after the start, Estre managed to sweep past pole-sitter Siedler in his 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The Austrian tried repeatedly to catch the 24-year-old Attempto pilot, but ultimately had to settle for second place. Taking up the race from position three on the grid, Nicki Thiim (DK/Attempto Racing) retired after a collision in the first lap, leaving the way clear for Sean Edwards and Jaap van Lagen (NL/FE Racing by Land – Motorsport).
The 19-year-old Porsche Junior Alex Riberas (E/Attempto Racing powered by Motorvision) performed well with ninth in both qualifying and the race. “I managed to fight my way up two positions when suddenly I lost my front spoiler. This led to problems with my vehicle’s balance and I became slower. Luckily I was able to hold onto ninth,” stated Riberas. His Junior colleague Connor de Phillippi (Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport) also delivered an impressive performance in the world’s most-built sports car. Hampered by technical problems, he only started from 20th on the grid but managed to see the finish line in 13th place. “That was one of the toughest races of my life. The duels were incredibly intense, but to their credit it was all very fair,” said de Phillippi.
With his latest win, Estre could extend his advantage at the top of the points’ table, currently holding 74 points. Edwards in second has 62 points. Trailing just four points behind sits van Lagen. On the hilly 4.326 kilometre circuit, Estre coped best with the changing conditions. In heavy rain and cool temperatures, the Porsche pilots carried out the free practice on Friday. The qualifying on Saturday afternoon took place in bright sunshine. Six hours later, dark clouds hung low over the Red Bull Ring in Styria, but contrary to expectations stayed dry. However, heavy rain is predicted for race five on Sunday (10.00 hrs).
Result race 4:
1. Kévin Estre (F/Attempto Racing)
2. Norbert Siedler (A/Aust Motorsport)
3. Sean Edwards (GB/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
4. Jaap van Lagen (NL/FE Racing by Land – Motorsport)
5. Christian Engelhart (D/Konrad Motorsport)
6. Marko Klein (A/ZaWotec Racing)
7. Elia Erhart (D/Aust Motorsport)
8. Luca Stolz (D/Land-Motorsport)
9. Alex Riberas (E/Attempto Racing powered by Motorvision)
10. Jeffrey Schmidt (CH/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
Points standings after 4 of 17 races:
Driver classification
1. Estre, 74 points
2. Edwards, 62
3. van Lagen, 58
4. Engelhart, 53
5. Siedler, 52
Team classification
1. Attempto Racing, 116 points
2. Konrad Motorsport, 75
3. Team Deutsche Post by Project 1, 71
Amateur classification
1. Daniel Allemann (CH/Team GT 3 Kasko), 64 points
2. Rolf Ineichen (CH/Konrad Motorsport), 54
3. Dominic Jöst (D/Attempto Racing), 48
