SPORTSCAR

For the second time in the history of the series, the ADAC GT Masters entourage descended on the Czech town of Most. And of course, among the teams present were BWT Mücke Motorsport who arrived at Autodrom Most with very fond memories of the venue. One year ago, the team celebrated its first pole position and first victory since entering the Super Sports Car League with the Audi R8 LMS. The illustrious Berlin-based outfit were intent on a repeat performance at the circuit located approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Prague. Their hopes were pinned on the three regular partnerships of Nikolaj Rogivue and Stefan Mücke in the number 26 BWT Audi R8 LMS, Jeffrey Schmidt and Christopher Haase in the number 25 BWT Audi R8 LMS, and Mike David Ortmann and Markus Winkelhock in the number 24 kfzteile24 Audi R8 LMS.

In pleasant early summer weather, the Corvette C7 GT3-R pairing of Markus Pommer (28, GER) and Marvin Kirchhöfer (25, GER, both Callaway Competition) outclassed the rest of the field to win Sunday’s ADAC GT Masters race and notch up a second victory of the season. Second place went to Rolf Ineichen (40, CH) and Franck Perera (34, FRA, both Orange1 by GRT Grasser) in the best of the Lamborghini Huracáns. In third place were David Jahn (28, GER) and Sven Barth (38, GER, both RWT Racing) in the second of the two Corvettes. “I am very happy,” said winner Kirchhöfer. “I can certainly live with two wins from the first four races.”

Patric Niederhauser (27, CH) and Kelvin van der Linde (22, ZA) in an Audi R8 LMS won Saturday’s ADAC GT Masters race at Autodrom Most. It was a maiden victory for their team, HCB Rutronik Racing, on only its third race in the series. The runner-up spot went to the Lamborghini pairing of Christian Engelhart (32, GER) and Mirko Bortolotti (29, ITA, both Orange1 by GRT Grasser), Max Hofer (19, AUT) and Christopher Mies (29, GER, both Montaplast by Land-Motorsport) subsequently being awarded third place in a Audi R8 LMS. “Getting the first win for our new team is obviously a very special moment,” said a delighted Kelvin van der Linde. “I am very happy to be a part of it. I’m also happy for Patric – he likewise more than deserves this maiden win.”

Superb start to first day of the ADAC GT Masters at Most with four brands occupying the top four positions. Jeroen Bleekemolen (37, NL, Team Zakspeed BKK Mobil Oil Racing) set the pace in first practice in a Mercedes-AMG. He was followed home by drivers in Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini sports cars.