Friday, May 6, 2011

Biomethane-Powered Scirocco R-Cup Season Opens

Volkswagen’s one-brand motor racing season is underway again, with the first event of the 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup having been completed at Hockenheim last weekend. Driving VW Scirocco GT24s powered with biomethane, young Polish driver Mateusz Lisowski won his first race in front of Daniel Lloyd from the UK, with third place going to  the 1993 DTM champion Nicola Larini.
Winner Lisowski flying under biomethane power
At the race that was marked by numerous duels Lisowski managed to overtake pole sitter Daniel Lloyd shortly after the start. Afterwards, the 20 year-old would not relinquish the lead again through to the finish. Maiken Rasmussen, who is supported by the FIA “Women & Motor Sport” programme for young talents finished in ninth place. Last year’s overall runner-up, Jann-Hendrik Ubben, was struck by misfortune as problems with the gearbox forced him to retire.

After congratulating Lisowski on contesting and winning his first Scirocco R-Cup race, Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director remarked, “The Scirocco R-Cup in its second season is again showing that it is a successful mix of great racing action, renowned legends and talented young drivers.”

Third place-getter Larini (Lido di Camaiore) said, “I’m surprised how well the bio natural gas principle is working out. This is a really great thing, which will hopefully be copied by others in future. The car handles in a very neutral way with just slight oversteer. The push-to-pass button is simply great. It should definitely be used in other racing series as well.”

The push-to-pass system, which makes for more thrilling races, was set at 15 uses, each lasting ten seconds. Between the uses a ten-second block is active.

The second race of the season will be run at the Spielberg Circuit in Austria, from June 3-5.

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