Christian Engelhart (D/Konrad Motorsport) won round five of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. At the circuit on the outskirts of Budapest, the 27-year-old German relegated Austria’s Michael Ammermüller (QPOD Walter Lechner Racing) and Porsche junior Connor de Phillippi (Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport) from the USA to the second and third podium spots. At the wheel of his 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, based on the lightweight 911 GT3 production sports car, Engelhart scored his second win of the season. “This is the first time the Carrera Cup has raced in Budapest and I achieved a crucial victory. I’m thrilled about my win,” said a cheerful Engelhart.
Round five of the series was unable to start on schedule due to damage caused to a guardrail during another race series. “At 7.30pm the sun was already quite low over the race track. Early on in the race we all experienced a bit of sun strike,” stated second-placed Ammermüller. After the delayed start, the 4.381 kilometre circuit with its 14 tight corners posed yet another challenge, allowing the 37 pilots very little chance to overtake. Pole-sitter Engelhart got away well at the start and controlled the race from the first to the last lap. Behind him, Pieter Schothorst (NL/Mc Gregor powered by Attempto Racing) missed the braking point in lap two. While battling for fourth place, Schothorst collided with Philipp Eng (A/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1) and the pair was forced into retirement. Behind the top three pilots, Nicki Thiim (QPOD Walter Lechner Racing) won the fight for fourth place against Porsche Scholarship driver Earl Bamber (NZ/Team 75 Bernhard) and Robert Lukas (PL/Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport).
Porsche junior Alex Riberas (E/Attempto Racing powered by Häring) swept through the field from twelfth on the grid to finish in eighth. “My start was good. I was faster than the others particularly in the first laps, but I just couldn’t get past them. Eighth is okay,” said the 20-year-old. After a difficult qualifying that allowed Porsche junior Sven Müller (D/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1) only one flying lap for the grid line-up for Sunday’s race, the German managed to battle his way up the order from the back. “For Saturday’s race, the second quickest qualifying time is important. I had bad luck and had to push through from 28th. Position 19 is not so great, but I’m starting from fourth on the grid for Sunday’s race,” Müller explained.
After the fifth of 18 races, Engelhart holds the overall lead with 71 points. Behind him is de Phillippi with 69 points and Bamber in third with 60 points. Bamber said, “The competition in this series is particularly tough. I reckon there are ten drivers here who are good for a win. I’m pleased to rank third in the championship.” Race six of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland starts on Sunday at 9.50am. De Phillippi and Eng take up the sprint from the first grid row. “I’d like to finally climb to the top of the podium on Sunday. I’ve laid the foundations with pole position,” stated de Phillippi. The race over 19 laps (83.239 km) is broadcast via Livestreaming on www.porsche.de/carreracup and www.n-tv.de/Sport.
Result race 5:
1. Christian Engelhart (D/Konrad Motorsport)
2. Michael Ammermüller (A/QPOD Walter Lechner Racing)
3. Connor de Phillippi (USA/Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport)
4. Nicki Thiim (DK/QPOD Walter Lechner Racing)
5. Earl Bamber (NZ/Team 75 Bernhard)
6. Robert Lukas (PL/Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport)
7. Sean Johnston (USA/Team Deutsche Post/Pole Promotion by Project 1)
8. Alex Riberas (E/Attempto Racing powered by Häring)
