In the most spectacular race of the current season René RAst wins the Porsche Carrera World Cup at the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. In a thrilling fight against his team mate Norbert Siedler, the German finally crossed the finish line first. Guest starter Lance David Arnold became third in fron of Sean Edwards, who leads the both now, the Supercup as well as the German Carrera Cup.
Good start in all three groups
Pole-Setter Norbert Siedler won the start of the Porsche Carrera World Cup. The Austrian turned as the leader into the first corner ahead of his team mate René Rast. Further back Kuba Giermaziak dropped back behind Nick Tandy, who immediately closed up the gap to the two leaders.
Despite the huge number of starters no accidents happened in all three groups in the initial phase of the race. All 97 starters made it through the first corners without remarkable incidents, only some of them spun. One of the victims who spun was the American guest starter Melanie Snow, who was turned around by another opponent.
The battle for the victory
Team boss Walter Lechner surely will keep June, 25th 2011 in his mind for ever. It is the day at which two of his drivers won the biggest Porsche makes cups race of the world. Right from the start René Rast and Norbert Siedler set the pace of a thrilling race.
The only driver who could keep the pace and fight for the top with the Lechner-boys was Nick Tandy. However, at one of his attempts to pass Siedler, he lost his car at the quick Aremberg passage, and crashed into the barriers. Siedler, who had to back off for a moment immediately managed to close the gap to René Rast again.
Two became three
Within the last two laps it was not only a fight between two drivers. The former Porsche-Junior Lance David Arnold, who participated in the race as a guest starter, with really quick lap times closed the gap to the leaders, but at least only endangered Siedlers second rank. Siedler, who was under strong pressure of Arnold almost lost his car at one attack of the German. The Austrian had to go over the gras, almost hit the barriers, but managed to get back on the track again.
However, Arnold could not take profit off the mistake and finally had to settle with third rank, while Rast and Siedler could clinch a double-victory for the Lechner Team. It was a moving moment for team boss Walter Lechner. 'When the cars crossed the finish line it was an emotional moment for the team. I am very thankful to René Rast, Norbert Siedler and my complete crew", the Austrian tried to hide his tears.
Final Station – Crash Barriers
In the second lap the Aremberg curve became a big parking lot for some of the favourites drivers. At first it was Nick Tandy who crashed. The Brit was just out of his car, when also Patrick Huisman and Stefan Rosina ended up in the gravel. Both had better luck than the Brit. They could get out and managed to continue with the race.
Tandy, who until his crash could set the Lechner drivers under pressure, lost not only his chances for another podium finish, but a lot more: The Brit lost his lead in the driver standings of both, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as the Porsche Carrera Cup to his compatriot Sean Edwards. In the Supercup Tandy even drops back to third position behind Edwards and Rast.
The new championship leader – Sean Edwards
The Englishman, who is regarded to be one of the best drivers in the rain, felt confident with the wet conditions and also belonged to the quickest on the track. However, in the first laps he could keep pace with the top, but later he had to let them go. 'A pity, it would have been great, to finish on the podium, but I did my best", says the Brit. 'The first laps were difficult, because I couldn't see anything because of the spray. Later, Arnold was quicker than me and I had to let him pass. After Nick (Tandy) was out of the race, I concentrated on finishing fourth to take over the lead in both championships. An almost perfect day for me and the tolimit team."
A great performance was also delivered by Supercup Rookie Kevin Estre. Started 13th, the Frenchman finally crossed the finish line sixth, having reason to rejoice. 'It was unbelievable. At the beginning I couldn't see a lot, then I slid some times and now I am really happy that I finished the race with such a good result."
Behind the Frenchman twofold Supercup champion Jeroen Bleekemolen crossed the line on seventh position, followed by Patrick Huisman and Stefan Rosina, who were in the gravel at the beginning. 'After the incident I thought the race would be over for me, now I am really happy about the good result", reported Stefan Rosina.