Prototype Cup Germany, Hockenheim: Konrad Motorsport still overall leader
After the Netherlands, the Prototype Cup Germany returned to Germany from August 9 to 11 at the Hockenheim circuit. The three-race meeting saw the Frikadelli Racing Team's #30 Ligier JS P320 take victory. With two further podium finishes, Konrad Motorsport and the drivers of the #2 Ligier JS P320, Torsten Kratz and Danny Soufi, consolidated their lead in the overall standings.
- In Saturday's Race 1, Konrad Motorsport's #2 Ligier JS P320 (Torsten Kratz and Danny Soufi) battled with the #14 MRS-GT Racing Ligier JS P320 driven by Antti Rammo. American Danny Soufi was however unable to gain an advantage over the Estonian.
- After the pitstops, the positions remained unchanged.
- In the final minutes, Torsten Kratz battled with Felipe Fernández Laser in the #30 Frikadelli Racing Ligier JS P320 for third place. Torsten Kratz came out on top, giving his Konrad Motorsport and teammate Danny Soufi third place.
“The driving conditions today were very difficult, explained Torsten Kratz. The heat meant that we were all battling with the tyres. I even span at one point. Overall, we are very pleased with the podium. We extended our lead in the overall standings. But it is far from over, the race for the title is still an exciting one.”
- Frikadelli Racing and its drivers Felipe Fernández Laser and Klaus Abbelen finished just off the podium.
- Antti Rammo (#14, MRS-GT Racing), a long-time podium contender, third Ligier JS P320 of the field, finished sixth.
- On Sunday morning, Race 2 saw a superb start from Felipe Fernández Laser in the #30 Ligier JS P320. Starting from fourth on the grid, he was leading by the end of the second lap.
- The compulsory pit stop significantly altered the hierarchy. Antti Rammo and MRS-GT Racing finished the race just off the podium, ahead of the Frikadelli Racing Team car.
- Torsten Kratz and Danny Soufi were unable to defend their chances. A collision early in the race forced the #2 Ligier JS P320 to make an unscheduled pit stop. They finished eighth.
- Race 3 on Sunday afternoon was momentarily interrupted by a red flag. The Frikadelli Racing Team's #30 Ligier JS P320 (Felipe Fernández Laser and Klaus Abbelen) won ahead of the competition and took its first victory of the season.
“I'm speechless, happy, and delighted”, said Felipe Fernández Laser. “Today went perfectly. Klaus improved continuously throughout the race weekend. The red flag worked out well for us. Then I gave it everything in the final phase to overtake the leader. The win is special for everyone in the team.”
“We're delighted with the win,” added Klaud Abbelen. “Everything fell into place today. No doubt we benefitted from the red flag. But Felipe and I put in a strong performance. So, we deserved to get the win. Next up is my home event at the Nürburgring. We're hoping to confirm the result there. Another podium would be great.”
- Second place went to Torsten Kratz and Danny Soufi in Konrad Motorsport's Ligier JS P320 #2, giving Ligier a one-two finish. They extended their overall lead to 27 points. Thanks to their victory, Felipe Fernández Laser and Klaus Abbelen and the Frikadelli Racing Team climbed to fourth place. Antti Rammo and MRS-GT Racing are now sixth.
The Prototype Cup Germany returns to action the following weekend, August 16-18, 2024, at the Nürburgring.
For more information on the Prototype Cup Germany, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Ligier JS P320.
Photo credit : Prototype Cup Germany