FIAWTCR – Hungaroring – 26/28 April 2019. The Hungaroring proved to be what it was expected : not the most favorable track to the Audis RS 3 LMS and the weather as well: changing constantly! Despite those factors, Leopard Racing Team Audi Sport was able to extract many positive things out of in Hungary.
In the FIA WTCR races, where the Belgian WTR squad is present under the colours of Leopard Racing Team Audi Sport, Jean-Karl Vernay scored points in all races, taking a superb podium in Race 2, while Gordon Shedden suffered a difficult weekend in a series that is extremely competitive.
Team WRT Principal Vincent Vosse summed up the weekend: “We knew it was not going to be easy, and it wasn’t, but the team produced many good things. First of all, I want to thank everybody for their hard and excellent work, and for the extraordinary focus showed. In FIA WTCR, Jean-Karl Vernay once again brought home the maximum of points, including a podium finish, after knowing exactly when to attack and when to be cautious. It was, unfortunately, a more difficult weekend for Gordon Shedden since qualifying, which on a track like this is crucial.”
Like in Marrakesh, gaps were extremely close since free practice. Vernay qualified 8thfor Race 1 and managed to finish 4th, not an insignificant achievement on this track, after suffering a contact, while Shedden, starting from P24, could not finish the race, suffering suspension damages after a contact from Tom Coronel.
Having qualified 10thon Sunday, Vernay used his usual race skills to take a final P2 in Race 2, while Shedden, starting from P25, raised up the field up to P11 until a tough maneuver from a competitor left him away from the points zone.
In Race 3, Vernay made it again into the points, taking P10, with Shedden stuck in the second half of the group and finishing 21st.
Jean-Karl Vernay:“A very good weekend, I couldn’t expect better. We took a lot of points and another podium. I could have tried to go for victory, but given the conditions, it was better not to take risks. I am happy, we need to continue like this, working well and improving the car, and I look forward to next races.”
Gordon Shedden: “Clearly, it hasn’t been a good weekend for me, despite all the effort put by everybody, but it’s over. Now let’s look forward to Slovakiaring.”
Race 1 results:
1 – N. Girolami / ARG / All-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport / Honda Civic / 12 Laps
2 – Y. Muller / FRA / Cyan Racing Lynk & Co / Lynk & Co 03 / +0.475
3 – E. Guerrieri / ARG / All-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport / Honda Civic / +0.926
4 – JK. Vernay / FRA / Leopard Racing Team Audi Sport / Audi RS3 LMS / +1.846
5 – A. Panis / FRA / Comtoyou DHL Team Cupra Racing / Cupra TCR / +2.265
Race 2 results:
1 – N. Girolami / ARG / All-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport / Honda Civic / 12 Laps
2 – JK. Vernay / FRA / Leopard Racing Team Audi Sport / Audi RS3 LMS / +2.529
3 – D. Haglöf / SWE / PWR Racing / Cupra TCR / +3.507
4 – M. Azcona / ESP / PWR Racing / Cupra TCR / +5.260
5 – E. Guerrieri / ARG / All-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport / Honda Civic / +12.822
Race 3 results:
1 – G. Tarquini / ITA / BCR Hyundai N Squadra Corse / Hyundai i30 N / 17 Laps
2 – N. Michelisz / HUNG / BCR Hyundai N Squadra Corse / Hyundai i30 N / +0.739
3 – Y. Ehrlacher / FRA / Cyan Performance Lynk & Co / Lynk & Co 03 / +1.535
4 – M. Azcona / ESP / PWR Racing / Cupra TCR / +1.785
5 – T. Björk / SWE / Cyan Racing Lynk & Co / Lynk & Co 03 / +2.112
…
10 – JK. Vernay / FRA / Audi Sport Leopard Lukoil / Audi RS 3 LMS / +6.582
WTCR driver’s standing:
1 – N. Girolami / 100 p.
2 – E. Guerrieri / 90 p.
3 – T. Björk / 81 p.
4 – G. Tarquini / 79 p.
5 – JK. Vernay / 68 p.
