Tag: Race Report

FORMULA class: Ledermair takes second P1 of the weekend – De Plano with P2 after incredible race

Posted on August 6, 2017 by - General

Podium of FORMULA class of race 2 in Assen 2017.

New day, new challenges. Race 2 of the “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen (NED) went more or less smooth in front of an awesome crowd of 94.500 spectators. Twelve drivers started in the BOSS GP FORMULA class. There were no crashes tough as on Saturday, despite early exits of Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing) and Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport).

First trouble occured already before race start. Ingo Gerstl (Team Top Speed, OPEN class), ranked on start position 14 after his early race exit on Saturday, was put on the pole position by a decision of race director and stewards due to safety reasons. “Actually I was surprised about that decision, made by the race management. I didn’t ask for, it was decided because of safety reasons”, Gerstl explained after the race, since there was some trouble about that decision anyway. Finally Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), initially set on pole position, started from position 2 of the start grid, followed by Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport).

Ledermair showed a strong performance, dominating the FORMULA grid as on Saturday again. “The car was brilliant, my team has done a great job – everthing worked out smooth!”, Ledermair was fine with his race after the podium ceremony. “I think I lost some time during the yellow flag phase, since there was a signifcant gap to the other cars before the yellow flag and no gap, when the yellow flags were gone.” Nevertheless the Austrian brougth his second P1 of the weekend home safely, with an gap of 11,673 sec in front of P2, Salvatore De Plano, and driving his fastest lap in 1:25,624 min.

The Italian had have some “tyre trouble” at the first race on Saturday. “Our race went perfect today. Tyres worked out great, race conditions were fine, it was just a perfect race for us, fantastico!”, De Plano smiled widely after the podium ceremony. He had driven his fastest lap in 1:26,726 and in fact sent Mahaveer Raghunathan on P3. The Indian finished with an significant gap of 18,516 seconds behind De Plano.

De Plano preparing for race 2 in Assen 2017.

De Plano preparing for race 2 in Assen 2017.

 

Marc Faggionato (Zig Zag), Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition), Armando Mangini (MM International Motorsport), Peter Göllner (Speed Center), PETER (Ray-Ban), Christian Eicke (Speed Center) and Wolfgang Jordan (H&A Racing) finished on following positions. Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport) had to quit his race after lap 10 due to technical issues. Veronika Cicha spun off the track already in first lap. Peter Göllner had a spun during the start phase too, but managed well and was able to continue the race, as well as Wolfgang Jordan in lap 5.

These are the results of the FORMULA class at race 2 in Assen:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Total time Laps km/h
1 444 Johann Ledermair AUT Ledermair Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:25,624 3 26:41,624 18 184,30
2 999 Salvatore De Plano ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:26,726 2 26:53,130 18 182,97
3 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP 1:27,661 4 27:11,646 18 180,89
4 129 Marc Faggionato MC Team Zig Zag Dallara GP2 1:28,244 9 27:24,519 18 179,48
5 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2 1:33,302 13 26:41,110 17 174,10
6 323 Armando Mangini ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:33,010 3 27:14,320 17 170,57
7 101 Peter Göllner SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:30,698 12 27:24,096 17 169,55
8 111 ‘PETER’ FRA Team Ray Ban Dallara World Series by Renault 1:33,845 10 26:26,226 16 165,40
9 555 Christian Eicke SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:34,142 13 26:26,631 16 165,36
10 105 Wolfgang Jordan GER H&A Racing Dallara GP2 1:36,602 9 27:50,682 15 147,22
11 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Dallara World Series by Nissan 1:34,189 9 17:24,223 10 157,03
12 222 Veronika Cicha CZ H&A Racing Dallara GP2


So at the end of the race weekend in Assen, fifth stage of the BOSS GP championship 2017 overall, the total ranking of the FORMULA class hasn’t changed that much: Mahaveer Raghunathan is keeping the lead of the overall ranking with now 213 points, followed by Salvatore De Plano with 199 points. Johann Ledermair follows sharply behind on third rank with now 197 points.

Since OPEN and FORMULA class have different classifications, but drive together at the same race, the whole start grid of 14 drivers started at the same race. Next stage of the 2017 BOSS GP championship season is Brno (CZ) on 9th/10th of September 2017.

MORE:

Picture gallery of Assen 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/assen-gamma-racing-days

OPEN class: Race 2 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-back-on-p1-in-race-2

FORMULA class: Race 1 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-ledermair-wins-race-and-p1

FORMULA class: Qualifying at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-qualifying-in-assen-ledermair-fastest-formula-driver

FORMULA class: Free practice at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-early-finish-after-a-crash-ledermair-back-on-track-and-top-of-the-field

FORMULA class: Start list at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-start-list-for-the-gamma-racing-days-in-assen-ned-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

06/08/2017

OPEN class: Gerstl back on P1 in race 2

Posted on August 6, 2017 by - General

Podium of OPEN class in race 2 in Assen 2017.

New day, new challenges. Race 2 of the “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen (NED) went more or less smooth in front of an awesome crowd of 94.500 spectators. Two drivers started in the BOSS GP OPEN class. There were no crashes tough as on Saturday, despite Wolfgang Jaksch had to quit two laps before race finish due to technical issues.

Ranked on start position 14 for Ingo Gerstl after his early race exit on Saturday, the race director and stewards decided for safety reasons to put the Austrian on the pole position anyway. “Actually I was surprised about that decision, made by the race management. I didn’t ask for, it was decided because of safety reasons”, Gerstl explained after the race, since there was some trouble about that decision anyway.

As expected the Austrian dominated the grid from the start, showing a confident race, securing as well the win of the total grid as the P1 of the OPEN class. Gerstl drove his fastest lap in lap 10 with 1:22,277 min, being significant slower than in free practice and Qualifying. “I did what I had to do, but actually didn’t drive faster than necessary. Now I’m happy, that the race and the race weekend are done without any further problems”, the Austrian explained after the podium ceremony. In fact some the trouble about the decision about the start position had affected the focus on the race, as well as the duel against Klaas Zwart, which lots of BOSS GP fans and spectators had hoped and waited for, was heavily missed, due to the crash of the Dutch in the free practice session on Saturday morning. “This was really a crazy race weekend. We hope for a better one at the next stop in Brno”, Gerstl explained.

The gap between Gerstl and second OPEN class driver at the grid, Wolfgang Jaksch, was significant, Gerstls P1 was never in question. Jaksch drove his best lap in 1:27,167 min (lap 7) and finished on position 9 with a total time of 24:07,081, finishing 16 laps. Due to technical reasons the German quit earlier than planned, two laps before the finish of the race.

Wolfgang Jaksch quit two laps before race finish.

Wolfgang Jaksch quit two laps before race finish.

 

At the end of the race weekend in Assen, fifth stage of the BOSS GP championship 2017 overall, the total ranking of the OPEN class hasn’t changed that much: Gerstl leads the grid dominantly with 125 points reached in six attended races. Jaksch on second rank as runner up has a total of 107 points out of six races attended.

This is the result of the OPEN class at race 2 in Assen:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Total time Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 1 Ingo Gerstl AUT Top Speed Toro Rosso STR1 F1 26:13,529 1:22,277 10 18 187,58
 2 26 Wolfgang Jaksch GER F Xtreme Racing Team Super Aguri SA06 F1 24:07,081 1:27,167 4 2 laps 16 181,30

 

Since OPEN and FORMULA class have different classifications, but drive together at the same race, the whole start grid of 14 drivers started at the same race. Next stage of the 2017 BOSS GP championship season is Brno (CZ) on 9th/10th of September 2017.

MORE:

Picture gallery of Assen 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/assen-gamma-racing-days

FORMULA class: Race 2 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-ledermair-takes-second-p1-of-the-weekend-de-plano-with-p2-after-incredible-race

OPEN class: Race 1 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-wolfgang-jaksch-winning-his-first-ever-p1-at-boss-gp 

OPEN class: Qualifying at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-qualifying-in-assen-gerstl-saves-pole-position

OPEN class: Free practice at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-free-practice-ends-with-a-horrific-crash-by-klaas-zwart

OPEN class: Start list at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-start-list-for-the-gamma-racing-days-in-assen-ned-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

06/08/2017

FORMULA class: Ledermair wins race and P1

Posted on August 5, 2017 by - General

Ledermair wins race and P1 in Assen 2017 at race 1.

After a free practice session, which ended with an horrifying crash of OPEN class driver Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari) and a smooth Qualifying with Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport) finishing as fastest driver of the FORMULA class, teams and spectators finally experienced quite a strange race at the end of the day at the “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen.

Race started with quite a long safety car phase. Wolfgang Jordan (H&A Racing) collided and crashed on the start/finish straight just when the race was started. As a result drivers had to stay behind the safety car for the next four laps. When the track was released, Johann Ledermair had the lead, kept the lead and finished as overall leader of complete race (both classes) as well as P1 of the FORMULA class. The Austrian performed his best lap in 1:25,655 min. “I’m very satisfied with our performance this weekend so far”, Ledermair explained after the race. “We managed to solve a technical problem, which improved the performance of the car significantly. I had a good feeling and good performance already during Qualifying, so I’m happy, that I managed to repeat this performance at the race. I love racing in Assen, it is always a highlight of the race calendar. I look forward to the second race on Sunday and hope for for a good performance again.”

Ledermair was followed by Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport), who finished the race on P2 and raced his best lap in 1:28,825. The Indian was overtaken by Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) directly after the start, but stepped back to position 2 of the grid in lap 5. “I’m fine with the result. Due to the long safety car phase in the beginning of the race, I wasn’t able to attack and push as I actually would have wanted to”, Raghunathan told us after the race.

 

Mahaveer Raghunathan before the start of race 1 in Assen 2017.

Mahaveer Raghunathan before the start of race 1 in Assen 2017.

First podium position this season claimed Marc Faggionato (Zig Zag), who finished the race on position 3. Not only at the FORMULA class, but in total as well. Faggionato performed his best lap in 1:31,966 min. He was followed by Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport), who was set back by a spun in lap 4 (from position 3 back to position 10). De Plano showed a great catch-up and finally finished on position 4, still managing to overtake OPEN class driver Wolfgang Jaksch during the last lap. So De Plano, current runner up of the overall FORMULA class ranking, missed his next podium of the season really close. The Italian performed his best lap in 1:30,761 – actually a top-3 time.

Armando Mangini (MM International Motorsport), Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition), Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing), Peter Göllner (Speed Center), Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport), Christian Eicke (Speed Center) and ‘PETER’ (Ray-Ban) followed on the next positions.

 

Results of race 1 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Total time Laps km/h
1 444 Johann Ledermair AUT Ledermair Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:25,655 8  21:18,537 10 128,25
2 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP 1:28,825 9 21:36,289 10 126,49
3 129 Marc Faggionato MC Zig Zag Dallara GP2 1:31,966 9 21:57,247 10 124,48
4 999 Salvatore De Plano ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:30,761 10 22:02,473 10 123,99
5 323 Armando Mangini ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:34,869 10 22:10,336 10 123,26
6 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2 1:34,175 10 22:10,910 10 123,20
7 222 Veronika Cicha CZ H&A Racing Dallara GP2 1:34,875 8 22:11,446 10 123,15
8 101 Peter Göllner SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:35,045 10 22:12,323 10 123,07
9 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Dallara World Series by Nissan 1:36,459 9 22:22,583 10 122,13
10 555 Christian Eicke SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:37,723 8 22:34,632 10 121,05
11 111 ‘PETER’ FRA Ray-Ban Dallara World Series by Renault 1:36,068 7 21:39,869 9 133,53
12 105 Wolfgang Jordan GER H&A Racing Dallara GP2 10:41,203 1  10:57,220 1 24,95

 

Since OPEN and FORMULA class have different classifications, but drive together in the same race, the whole start grid of 14 drivers will start at the same race on Sunday at race 2 again. It starts at 2:19 p.m (duration: 25 min).

This is the starting grid for race 2 at the “Gamma Racing Days”  in Assen 2017:

Start grid of race 2 in Assen 2017.

Start grid of race 2 in Assen 2017.

MORE:

Picture gallery of Assen 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/assen-gamma-racing-days

OPEN class: Race 1 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-wolfgang-jaksch-winning-his-first-ever-p1-at-boss-gp

FORMULA class: Qualifying at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-qualifying-in-assen-ledermair-fastest-formula-driver

FORMULA class: Free practice at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-early-finish-after-a-crash-ledermair-back-on-track-and-top-of-the-field

FORMULA class: Start list at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-start-list-for-the-gamma-racing-days-in-assen-ned-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

05/08/2017

OPEN class: Wolfgang Jaksch winning his first ever P1 at BOSS GP

Posted on August 5, 2017 by - General

Wolfgang Jaksch winning race 1 in Assen 2017.

After a free practice session, which ended with an horrifying crash of OPEN class driver Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari) and a smooth Qualifying with Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) setting up the pole position, teams and spectators experienced quite a strange race at the end of the day at the “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen.

Two OPEN class drivers where left on track, after Zwarts exit: Ingo Gerstl and Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing Team). While Gerstl started on pole position with his Toro Rosso STR1, Wolfgang Jaksch started with his Super Aguri SA06 from position 5 in start grid of 14 drivers in total.

For the first time this season current leader of the OPEN class overall ranking Ingo Gerstl didn’t finish his race. He spun off the track already in the warm up lap. “I passed an oil spill and twisted from the track”, Gerstl explained later. “Everything is fine, the car is totally flawless. It was just not possible, to return on track.” The Austrian now will set full power at the second race of the weekend on Sunday afternoon.

Twisted from the track in the warm up lap: Ingo Gerstl.

Spun from the track in the warm up lap: Ingo Gerstl.

So Wolfgang Jaksch was the only remaining OPEN class driver at the grid. And he managed well. After passing a safety car phase for four laps, due to a crash and twister of Wolfgang Jordan (H&A Racing) on the home straights, Jaksch overtook Marc Faggionato (Zig Zag) in lap 5 and the overall position 3 of the grid for the next three laps. While temporarily leaving the track due to an driving error, Jaksch fell back to position 4 in lap eight and even was overtaken by Salvatore De Plano in the last lap. The German finished on position 5 of the overall start grid, but made it to P1 of the BOSS GP OPEN class.

“It’s the first ever P1 in the BOSS GP, since I started racing here three years ago”, Jaksch told us after the race. “Actually I don’t feel that overwhelmed about the way, the result was achieved. Yes, I am happy about P1 and the points for the championship, but honestly it wasn’t a nice race for spectators as well as drivers”, Jaksch pointed to the long safety car phase, which affected the race significantly. “After the strange free practice in the morning with the crash of Klaas Zwart and the crash at the beginning of the race itself, my main focus was, to bring that race and the car home safely.” Now on position 2 of the overall OPEN class ranking, Jaksch is excited about a much better race on Sunday: “I look forward very much to the race on Sunday. There will be a huge amount of spectators, that’s always a lot of fun and great atmosphere for the drivers. I hope, that all drivers of the grid will finish the race – that’s great entertainment for fans and spectators as well.”

This is the result of the OPEN class at race 1 in Assen:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 26 Wolfgang Jaksch GER F Xtreme Racing Team Super Aguri SA06 F1 1:34,584 10 10 123,67

Since OPEN and FORMULA class have different classifications, but drive together at the same race, the whole start grid of 14 drivers will start at the same race on Sunday at race 2 again. It will start at 2:14 p.m. (duration: 25 min).

This is the starting grid for race 2 at the “Gamma Racing Days”  in Assen 2017:

Start grid of race 2 in Assen 2017.

Start grid of race 2 in Assen 2017.

MORE:

Picture gallery of Assen 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/assen-gamma-racing-days

FORMULA class: Race 1 at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-ledermair-wins-race-and-p1

OPEN class: Qualifying at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-qualifying-in-assen-gerstl-saves-pole-position

OPEN class: Free practice at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-free-practice-ends-with-a-horrific-crash-by-klaas-zwart

OPEN class: Start list at “Gamma Racing Days” in Assen 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-start-list-for-the-gamma-racing-days-in-assen-ned-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

05/08/2017

FORMULA class: De Plano chases his first ever P1 at the BOSS GP championship in Zolder

Posted on July 16, 2017 by - General

Double-podium for MM International Motorsport again in Zolder 2017.

What a crazy race again. Just four out of seven cars of the FORMULA class made it to the finish line on the track of Zolder at the “Zolder Superprix”.

Henk de Boer (NED, De Boer Manx, Dallara GP2 Me cachrome 4.0 V8) and Walter Steding (GER, Inter Europol Competition, Dallara GP2 Me cachrome 4.0 V8) already dropped out the race before the start due to technical problems. Wolfgang Jordan (GER, HA Racing, Dallara GP2 Me cachrome 4.0 V8) spun off the track shortly after the start. So four drivers of the FORMULA class were left on track and showed an intense battle for the podium anyway.

So it was Salvatore De Plano (ITA, MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2 Mecachrome 4.0 V8), starting from position 4, who overtook Mahaveer Raghunathan (IND, PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport, Lola Auto GP Gibson Tech 3.4 V8) directly after the start. The following safety car phase during the first three laps, due to Jordans twister off the track, was a challenge for drivers and cars (“We managed that well”, De Plano).

 

De Plano (l.) and Raghunathan (r.) chasing the track at Zolder 2017.

De Plano (l.) and Raghunathan (r.) chasing the track at Zolder 2017.

 

When the track was opened up for the grid in lap 4, De Plano and Raghunathan, following with a gap of just around two seconds, showed a great battle for the top podium position of season race 8. De Plano managed to keep the lead of the FORMULA class grid and winning his first ever BOSS GP P1 until he crossed the finishing line in lap 17, taking the lead with 2,735 seconds up in front of second ranked Raghunathan on P2. Driving his best lap (8th) in 1:20.974 min, the Italian showed a great result, coming very close to the lap record of leading OPEN class driver Phil Stratford with 1:20,215. Also Raghunathan performed his record in 8th lap with 1:21,238.

As on Saturdays race (season race 7) Armando Mangini (ITA, MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2 Me cachrome 4.0 V8) made the podium-double for MM International Motorsport-team perfect, wenn he finished on P3, having a significant gap of 55,487 seconds to FORMULA class winner De Plano. His lap record was a 1:24,113.

Karl-Heinz Becker finished as fourth and last of the remaining FORMULA class grid with a total of 16 laps and a lap record of 1:30,376.

 

Podium of the FORMULA class in Zolder 2017.

Podium of the FORMULA class in Zolder 2017.

 

“Fantastico! This is just amazing. My first ever P1 at the BOSS GP championship. I hardly can describe my emotions, I feel so happy. I always dreamed of standing on top of this podium. So the race went perfect for me. Key to success was overtaking Raghunathan shortly after the start”, said an elated De Plano after the podium ceremony. “I want to thank my team for a great race weekend in Zolder. I look forward to the next races in Assen in August. We will attack again then!”, De Plano promised.

Looking at the overall Championship 2017 ranking of the FORMULA class, De Plano moved on to the second rank, passing the previous leader of the FORMULA class, Austrian Johann Ledermair, with a total of 159 points now. Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), who didn’t attend the “Zolder Superprix”-races, is set on the third rank now with a total of 147 points. Mahaveer Raghunathan is leading the FORMULA class with 171 points.

Results of race 2 in Zolder 2017:

Results of race in Zolder 2017.

 

MORE:

Picture gallery of Zolder 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/zolder-superprix

OPEN class: Race 2 at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-first-ever-p1-for-phil-stratford-in-boss-gps-open-class

FORMULA class: Race 1 at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-race-1-at-zolder-superprix-mahaveer-raghunathan-winning-his-first-ever-p1

FORMULA class: Qualifying at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-qualifying-at-zolder-superprix-raghunathan-and-de-plano-battle-for-fastest-lap

FORMULA class: Practice day at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-practice-day-at-zolder-superprix-2017-raghunatan-taking-the-lead

Schedule for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-zolder-superprix

Start list for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/start-list-for-the-zolder-superprix-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

OPEN class: First ever P1 for Phil Stratford in BOSS GPs OPEN class

Posted on July 16, 2017 by - General

Podium of race 2 at Zolder 2017.

What a crazy race again. As on Saturday finally there was just one driver at the OPEN class finishing the race on the track of Zolder. But – luckily – for Stratford that meant his first ever P1 in his personal five years history of BOSS GP.

Both drivers, who took part at the races in Zolder in the OPEN class, were leading the start grid of the second race of the weekend. Klaas Zwart (NED, Team Ascari) on pole position with his Jaguar R5 Cosworth 3.0 V10, followed by Phil Stratford (USA, Penn Elcom Racing) with his Benetton B197 Judd 4.0 V10 on position 2.

Zwart again was dominant right from the beginning of the race, leading the grid with a significant gap to the second ranked Stratford; despite following a safety car phase for the first three laps after a spin off the track in lap 1 by Wolfgang Jordan (GER, HA Racing, Dallara GP2 Me cachrome 4.0 V8).

 

Klaas Zwart (r.) leading the grid for the first rounds at race 2 (Zolder 2017).

Klaas Zwart (r.) leading the grid for eight rounds at race 2, before leaving the track due to tyre problems (Zolder 2017).

 

Due to problems with his front tyres, Zwart had to leave the track in lap 8 and didnt’t return. His best lap time so far was a 1:16,254 min. This record stayed the overall best lap time of the race. So it was Phil Stratford, who took the lead in lap eight and kept it until crossing the finish line in lap 17.

The American was more than pleased after winning the race and didn’t forget, to “thank first of all my amazing team, who did a great job the whole weekend. It was a long night, fixing the problems, which occured during Saturdays race. My team was awesome. Winning the race and my first ever P1 at the BOSS GP wouldn’t have been possible without their effort.” It was no easy race for Stratford anyway: “It was a though start with the safety car in front of us for the first laps, keeping tyre and brake temperatures. But everything worked out well and it was a great race then.” For the first time in his personal BOSS GP history Stratford led the grid, after Zwart stepped out the race: “I remember finishing my very first BOSS GP race in 2012 on P22; I ended up last of the grid. Winning todays race and winning my first ever P1 at BOSS GP is a great feeling and I feel very, very happy. It has been an amazing journey over the last years”, Stratford was smiling widely after the podium ceremony.

 

Phil Stratford and his team in Zolder 2017.

Phil Stratford and his team in Zolder 2017.

 

Looking at the overall Championship 2017 ranking of the OPEN class, Stratford moved on to the second rank, equally with Rinus van Kalmthout, both having 69 points. Four season races, three podiums – quite a good season balance so far for the American. Still leading the OPEN class is reigning champion Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed), who didn’t attend the “Zolder Superprix”. Nevertheless the Austrian has a comfortable advantage with a total of 100 points over the second ranked Stratford and van Kalmthout with their 69 points.

Overall results of race 2 in Zolder 2017:

 

Results of race in Zolder 2017.

 

MORE:

Picture gallery of Zolder 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/zolder-superprix

FORMULA class: Race 2 at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-de-plano-chases-his-first-ever-p1-at-the-boss-gp-championship-in-zolder

OPEN class: Race 1 at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-race-1-at-zolder-superprix-stratford-losing-drive-zwart-losing-tyre

OPEN class: Qualifying at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-qualifying-at-zolder-superprix-zwart-leaving-the-track-early

OPEN class: Practice day at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-practice-day-at-zolder-superprix-stratford-and-zwart-back-on-track-with-boss-gp

Schedule for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-zolder-superprix

Start list for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/start-list-for-the-zolder-superprix-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

FORMULA class: Race 1 at “Zolder Superprix” – Mahaveer Raghunathan winning his first ever P1

Posted on July 15, 2017 by - General

Podium of the FORMULA class at race 1 in Zolder 2017.

Full of action was the first race of the weekend at the “Zolder Superprix” in Belgium. The two leading drivers of the FORMULA class showed a thrilling battle for the top podium spot. Meanwhile two others had to finish the race early.

18 years young, but very ambitious – this is Indian driver Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport). Starting from overall position 3 (FORMULA and OPEN class cars start in one grid), Raghunathan showed a strong performance over 16 laps with his Lola Auto GP Gibson Tech 3.4 V8 and a great battle with Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) with his Dallara GP2 Mecachrome 4.0 V8. At the end it was a neck-to-neck-finish, with De Plano just finishing 2,719 seconds behind Raghunathan at the overall race-time. The best lap time at the FORMULA class was performed by De Plano in 1:22,229 min, while Raghunathan raced his best lap in 1:22,447.

Finishing first meant the first ever P1 for Raghunathan at a BOSS GP race – the young driver was more than pleased with his victory. Overall the Indian has a great outcome this season – seven races, seven podiums (1x P1, 2x P2, 4x P3). Meanwhile De Plano secured his second P2 of the season, his fourth overall season podium (2x P2, 2x P3).

Raghunathan (m.), chased by De Plano (l.) and de Boer (r.) at the start of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

Raghunathan (m.), chased by De Plano (l.) and de Boer (r.) at the start of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

 

The first podium of the season was achieved by Armando Mangini (MM International Motorsport) with his Dallara GP2 Mecachrome 4.0 V8 on the P3. The gap between team mate De Plano and Mangini was significant (2:18,557 min). But excitement and enthusiasm of the MM International Motorsport team about the podium-double nevertheless was huge. Even a penalty of 30 seconds for Mangini, due to overtaking under yellow flag, didn’t disturb the good mood; the penalty didn’t change the final result anyway.

Unfortunately two drivers finished the race way to early. Wolfgang Jordan (H&A Racing) spun off the track already in the first lap with his Dallara GP2 Mecachrome 4.0 V8. Henk de Boer (De Boer Manx) had to finish the race in lap 9, due to technical reasons with his Dallara GP2 Mecachrome 4.0 V8. The Dutch had shown a good performance so far. Making it to the podium could have been possible for him. De Boer performed his best lap time in 1:23,425, before he had to leave the track.

Armando Mangini waiting for the start signal of the race in Zolder.

Armando Mangini waiting for the start signal of the race in Zolder.

 

“It was a good start and the race went really well. This is my first ever win, so I dedicate this to my grandfather”, Raghunathan told us after the podium ceremony. “For the whole race I had some problems with the brakes. De Plano was right behind me all the time, so this was really tough. But at the end I am very, very happy about making it to the P1.” For the second race of the weekend, the young driver “wants to repeat winning again”.

It’s the same for Salvatore De Plano, who wants to attack for the top-position of the podium: “Of course I am very, very happy with finishing as second. It was such a close race, I was directly behind Raghunathan. At the second race on Sunday I will attack again for making it to the P1”, the Italian promised.

Armando Mangini, winning the P3, was more than happy, making it onto the podium: “Fantastico! I am very, very happy!”, the Italian was overwhelmed.

Double-podium for MM International Motorsport at Zolder 2017.

Double-podium for MM International Motorsport at Zolder 2017: Salvatore De Plano (l., P2) and Armando Mangini (P3).

 

Due to the absence of so far leading Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport) the podium of the FORMULA class looked quite different compared to the first six races of the 2017 Championship. Winning the P1 and achieving a total of 25 points, Raghunathan took over the lead of the overall FORMULA class ranking and has a two-points-advantage now over Ledermair. Will De Plano pass the Austrian after the second race in Zolder too? BOSS GP will be on the track at the “Superprix” again at 12:25 p.m. on Sunday.

The complete result of race 1 at Zolder 2017:

 

Results of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

MORE:

Picture gallery of Zolder 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/zolder-superprix

OPEN class: Race 1 at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-race-1-at-zolder-superprix-stratford-losing-drive-zwart-losing-tyre

FORMULA class: Qualifying at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-qualifying-at-zolder-superprix-raghunathan-and-de-plano-battle-for-fastest-lap

FORMULA class: Practice day at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-practice-day-at-zolder-superprix-2017-raghunatan-taking-the-lead

Schedule for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-zolder-superprix

Start list for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/start-list-for-the-zolder-superprix-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

OPEN class: Race 1 at “Zolder Superprix” – Stratford losing drive, Zwart losing tyre

Posted on July 15, 2017 by - General

Klaas Zwart on the track at Zolder 2017.

Full of action was the first race of the weekend at the “Zolder Superprix” in Belgium. Both drivers of the OPEN class struggled on the track.

Despite struggling with technical issues during the Qualifying, the lap times Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari) had raced in the morning as well as Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing) promised an exciting race at the afternoon. Starting from Pole Position (Zwart) and position 2 (Stratford) both OPEN class drivers lead the start grid in Zolder (OPEN and FORMULA class start in one grid at the race).

Zwart kept the lead with his Jaguar R5 Cosworth 3.0 V10 for 15 laps and showed without any doubt a dominant performance on the Belgian track. He achieved his best time in lap 3 with 1:16,002 min. Only a burst tyre finally stopped the Dutch in lap 16, shortly before the finish of the race. Having 15 laps completed, Zwart was classified without any problems and won the podium of the OPEN class as well as his first 25 points of the Championship 2017.

 

Phil Stratford preparing for the race at Zolder 2017.

Phil Stratford preparing for the race at Zolder 2017.

 

Unfortunate went Phil Stratfords race. Ranked as second of the OPEN class for an overall amount of ten laps, the American had to return with his Benetton B197 Judd 4.0 V10 to the box in lap eleven: “I lost the drive”, he explained, “but that’s racing. It can happen.” Stratford had performed the best time in lap 4 with 1:21,624 min.

 

Klaas Zwart overall winner of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

Klaas Zwart overall winner of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

 

So at the end of the day Zwart was the only finisher of the OPEN class at race 1 in Zolder at the “Superprix”-weekend. Hopefully both OPEN class drivers will start at race 2 on Sunday morning (start: 12:25 a.m., duration: 20 minutes).

Results of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

Results of race 1 at Zolder 2017.

MORE:

Picture gallery of Zolder 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/zolder-superprix

FORMULA class: Race 1 at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/formula-class-race-1-at-zolder-superprix-mahaveer-raghunathan-winning-his-first-ever-p1

OPEN class: Qualifyig at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-qualifying-at-zolder-superprix-zwart-leaving-the-track-early

OPEN class: Practice day at “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/open-class-practice-day-at-zolder-superprix-stratford-and-zwart-back-on-track-with-boss-gp

Schedule for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-zolder-superprix

Start list for “Zolder Superprix 2017”: bossgp.com/start-list-for-the-zolder-superprix-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

Gerstl dominating again, van Kalmthout and Ledermair compete head-to-head

Posted on June 11, 2017 by - General

Podium race 2 at Paul Ricard 2017.

Another heated race under French sun at Paul Ricard brought a clear winning Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed, OPEN class) with a head-to-head competition following on position 2 and 3 between the youngsters Rinus van Kalmthout (Mansell Motorsport, OPEN class) and Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport, FORMULA class). 

It was a clear start-finish-victory for Ingo Gerstl, who dominated the track also in the second race of the weekend in France. After winning the first race at Saturday, the Austrian repeated a successful performance on Sunday, racing his best lap in 1:46,605 min. “I’m happy with the race”, Gerstl recapped his performance. “Especially since I reached my goal, to improve the best lap compared to Saturdays race.”

Start of race 2 at Paul Ricard 2017.

Start of race 2 at Paul Ricard 2017.

 

The gap between Gerstl and the closest rivals on track, Rinus van Kalmthout (+ 1:00,865 min) and Johann Ledermair (+ 1:10,978 min) on position 2 and 3, was significant. “There was no chance against Ingo (Gerstl) today”, van Kalmthout showed respect to the winner. The both youngsters, Rinus 16 years old, Johann 25 years old, showed a decent battle. At the end best lap times were more than close, with a 1:50,616 min by van Kalmthout in his GP2 Evo Dallara and a 1:50,643 by Ledermair in his Dallara GP2. Quita a remarkable performance by the Austrian Ledermair, if you notice, that he competes in the FORMULA class, while van Kalmthout starts at the OPEN class. “It was a good race, tyre management went well again”, van Kalmthout was satisfied with his race. “Ingo was really quick, I had no chance, keeping up with him. Finally we got out the most of what was possible today, so I’m happy with the result”, the Dutch was satisfied with reaching the P2 again.

Johann Ledermair on track at Paul Ricard 2017.

Johann Ledermair on track at Paul Ricard 2017.

 

Meanwhile Johann Ledermair, finishing on grid position 3, making the P1 of the FORMULA class, was not pleased overall, but struggled with himself. “I’m totally not satisfied. The whole weekend was running a kind of weird. Initially I assumed tyre-problems due to their conditions after the race in Zandvoort. I was absolutely convinced, that the tyres caused some problems, we had to deal with. So we changed tyres, but I noticed immediately during the warm up lap, that something still is wrong. We checked everything and I got an okay by my chief mechanic. But I felt strong vibrations at the steering wheel during the race and took out some speed due to security reasons. Finally I just aimed to finish the race considering these circumstances. Most of all I’m angry with myself about hanging up on a tyre problem which turned out to be wrong”.

Finishing fourth was Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing Team, OPEN class) with his best lap in 1:56,507 min. As on Saturday Jaksch made it to the P3 of the OPEN class and was absolutely satisfied with his performance after some struggles at the race the day before: “Despite being on the same place, the race itself felt totally different for me. I’m absolutely satisfied and happy about the result and especially how it came. The car run smoothly, I got faster each round coming closer to the finish; to me that shows, each round strengthens the confidence in the car, which improves my lap times.”

Wolfgang Jaksch (l.) overtaking Mahaveer Raghunathan at Paul Ricard 2017.

Wolfgang Jaksch (l.) overtaking Mahaveer Raghunathan at Paul Ricard 2017.

 

Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) rounded the podium of the FORMULA class off, finishing on position 5 and 6. Got overtaken by Jaksch couple of laps before the finish, the gap between best lap times of the Italian (1:56,651 min) and the Indian (1:56,625 min) nevertheless was tight. “I totally didn’t expect to make it to the podium, so I am really really happy”, De Plano smiled widely. Having big issues on Saturdays race (“The car was terrible!”), De Plano changed his tyre management for Sundays race and was absolutely pleased: “The car run perfect, conditions were great, I loved the hot weather; it was a perfect race day for me.” Meanwhile P3 Mahaveer Raghunatan was happy, having reached a podium position as well, but struggled with the track layout. “The problem were the long straights. I lost a lot of time on these straights, actually I lost too much time there”, he summed up.

The remaing grid (all FORMULA class) either performed best lap times close to the podium drivers. David Moretti (Griffith’s, FORMULA class), getting overtaken by even seven drivers in the early stage of the race, started a great fight and made it from position 13 in round 2 up to position 7 while crossing the finishing line (best lap: 1:56,900 min). Wolfgang Jordan (8., H&A Racing, 1:59,784), Henk de Boer (9., De Boer Manx, 1:59,115) and Armando Mangini (10., MM International Motorsport, 1:58,225) also performed their best lap under two minutes. Christian Eicke (11., Speed Center, 2:01,327), Martin Kindler (12., Jenzer Motorsport, 2:02,586) and Bruno Navarrete (13., Griffith’s, 2:03,357) were close by.

Race 2 at Paul Ricard 2017.

Race 2 at Paul Ricard 2017.

 

Four out of the starting grid of 17 cars were not classified because of early exits, due to various technical problems. While Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed, FORMULA class) had problems with the gearbox of his GP2 Dallara in lap 11, Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing, FORMULA class) had to exit the race due to tyre-problems as well in lap 11. Already in lap 5 Patrick D’Aubreby (Griffith’s, OPEN class) exited the race with technical problems. Peter Göllner (Speed Center, FORMULA class) spun off the track in lap 4.

Results race 2 Paul Ricard 2017.

Results race 2 Paul Ricard 2017.

 

More:

Photo Gallery Paul Ricard 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/paul-ricard-gt-open-euroformula-open/

Race 1 Paul Ricard: bossgp.com/ingo-gerstl-leads-the-grid-chased-by-youngsters-rinus-van-kalmthout-and-johann-ledermair/

Qualifying report Paul Ricard: bossgp.com/qualifying-at-paul-ricard-with-some-strange-failures/

Practice day Paul Ricard: bossgp.com/practice-day-at-paul-ricard-results/

Ingo Gerstl leads the grid, chased by youngsters Rinus van Kalmthout and Johann Ledermair

Posted on June 10, 2017 by - General

Podium of race 1 at Paul Ricard 2017.

Hunting the reigning champion and current leader of the OPEN class Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed), youngsters Rinus van Kalmthout (Mansell Motorsport, OPEN class) and Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport, FORMULA class) did a great job. At the end of race 1 on Circuit Paul Ricard in France the experienced driver made quite clear, that he wouldn’t let go his pole position of the grid.

The race started – at boiling, southern French heat – with a crash of Peter Göllner (Speed Center, FORMULA class) in round 1. During overtaking, Göllner had trouble to keep his GP 2 Dallara on the lane and crashed. The following safety car phase challenged drivers and cars due to the danger of overheating and “really didn’t suit the plans”, winner Gerstl grumbled after the race. When the track was released for the grid, drivers took off and stepped on the gas. Gerstl as well as his hunters van Kalmthout and Ledermair, soon established the Top 3, who kept the following field on distance.

“Of course I’m pleased by the win. With the expection of some details we had a great race”, Ingo Gerstl was happy about his win with a best lap time of 1:48,420 min. “The duel with Rinus (van Kalmthout) on position 2 was interesting. I wasn’t too sure about a direct, close battle with him on the track. It’s not yet too easy, to estimate his experience. I mean – he his just 16 years old. He showed a great performance and made it a really good race; guess how he will drive with a couple more years of experience. So actually we can look forward to further races with and against him”, Gerstl was pleased.

Race 1 at Paul Ricard 2017: Leading Ingo Gerstl (r.) sharply followed by Rinus van Kalmthout.

Race 1 at Paul Ricard 2017: Leading Ingo Gerstl (r.) sharply followed by Rinus van Kalmthout.

 

By Gerstl much praised, Rinus van Kalmthout himself was not only happy about making it to P2 with a best lap time of 1:50,847 min, but also with his personal fast growing learning curve: “It was a good race. First round was pretty close with Ingo (Gerstl), so I could stayed with him. Then we had the safety car phase; it was something to learn from – warming the tyres, warming the brakes. So that’s why actually I was happy about this experience. The race felt really good, even if driving between Ingo Gerstl with one second gap in front and Johann Ledermair with one second gap behind was just like a little bit driving alone. I learned a lot about tyre management during that race, since the driving with Pirelli is a totally new experience for me.” In particular the final stage of the race pleased van Kalmthout: “It’s nice to see that at last lap I was quicker than Ingo (Gerstl). That really gives me a confidence boost.” Goal of the 16 years old Dutch for race 2 at Paul Ricard on Sunday?: “Getting closer to Ingo (Gerstl)”. So quite a nice challenge waits for van Kalmthout, since Gerstls target for Sundays race is “to drive some really fast laps at the second race, after being five seconds slowler at race 1 than at Qualifying”.

Ingo Gerstl (l.) and Rinus van Kalmthout (r.) talk-shopping after the race.

Ingo Gerstl (l.) and Rinus van Kalmthout (r.) talk-shopping after the race.

 

Sharply following the two fastest OPEN class drivers was once more FORMULA class driver Johann Ledermair with his best lap in 1:51,967 min. His team had won the race against time already before the actual race started. After dropping out at the Qualifying due to a technical problem (fatigue fracture), Ledermairs team had worked non-stop and finally fixed the car by five minutes left until race start. “Huge thanks and appreciation to my team for fixing the problem”, Ledermair was more than pleased with the performance of his technical crew. “The car felt well. But actually there were some slight vibrations by the front tyres and I had some trouble with understeering”, he summed up his race. “All in all the race went well, I made the most out of it. Now we will work on getting everything fixed again until tomorrows race. The motto is, to fully attack at the second race again and getting the car faster anyway.”

Johann Ledermair on track at Paul Ricard 2017.

Johann Ledermair on track at Paul Ricard 2017.

 

The podium of the OPEN class was completed by Wolfgang Jaksch, who raced onto overall position 7 with his Super Aguri SA06 (best lap: 1:58,177 min). “Second race this season, second podium. I’m absolutely happy about this result”, Jaksch smiled widely after the podium ceremony. Especially, since “it was a really difficult race. The grip level was totally different from the grid level during Qualifying. So the car was quite unstable and it was hard work, to bring my car home and take it to the finish. Lap times could have been better; despite of course I’m very happy with the P3, but not, how the race went.” Jaksch was self-critical as well: “I have to work on myself, to get along better with such difficult race conditions.” For second race on sunday “we will work on the setup and will do some finetuning. Making it again to the podium would be great”. Jaksch sets position 4 of the overall OPEN class ranking with 40 points, behind Ingo Gerstl on position 1 (75 points), Rinus van Kalmthout (47) and Phil Stratford (44).

Podium of the FORMULA class was completed by Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed) with a best lap time of 1:55,823 min, finishing on position 4 and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport), finishing on position 5 with a best lap time of 1:57,226 min. While Raghunathan keeps the overall position 2 at the FORMULA class with now 104 gained points, behind Johann Ledermair with a total of 122 points, Schnitzenbaumer and Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) follow on third rank (both 90 points),

A great catch up on the track of Paul Ricard showed David Moretti (Griffith’s). Starting from position 10 at his first BOSS GP race at season 2017, he made it to position 6, overtaking couple of drivers with his GP 2 Dallara. Definitely less satisfied was Veroninka Cicha (H&A Racing). After a great performance at Qualifying in the morning, her car showed technical problems sharply before finishing the race, during lap 9.

After recurring technical problems, as well during practice as at Qualifying, Karl-Heinz Becker retired from the race already after dropping out of the Qualifying, just racing one single round.

Complete results of race 1 at Paul Ricard:

Results race 1 at Paul Ricard 2017.

Results race 1 at Paul Ricard 2017.