Author: Keke Platzer

Report: Race 1 Brno

Posted on September 8, 2018 by - General

Start Race 1 Brno

The most exciting race of the season did not leave anyone cold: Dominator Ingo Gerstl had to push, and Marc Faggionato drove the race of his life.

The BOSS GP’s brute sound attracted numerous spectators to the Automotodrom in Brno – and nobody regretted it. Exciting position fights wherever you looked. A little bit of touching and wheelbanging were the spice in this afternoon’s program.

That the victory would lead over Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed) was less surprising. The fans liked the fact that the man from Salzburg had to fight his way through the field again after a pit stop and challenged Gerstl more than expected. Although no new lap record was set, with 1:37.751 Gerstl in the Toro Rosso STR1, however, set a speedy time and won in the end sovereign.

Phil Stratford (USA, Penn Elcom Racing) took the lead for four laps, in the end it was only enough to finish in 2nd place. The Benetton driver had to save his tyres on the front axle, Wolfgang Jaksch (DEU, F Xtreme Racing) caught up Stratford in big steps towards the end. The Super Aguri of Jaksch crossed the finish line just a few metres behind Stratford.

Start Race 1 Brno

 

The man of the race comes from the FORMULA class: Marc Faggionato (MCO, ZIG-ZAG Motorsport) could not participate in qualifying with a clutch problem. Only the good practice times helped him to get permission to start in the race. In the first race Faggionato roared furiously from 15th on the grid to 4th on the grid. This meant not only overtaking eleven opponents, but also the victory in the FORMULA class for GP2, Auto GP and similar vehicles.

But it was a tough fight for Faggionato, especially when it comes to the fight for podium and the victory. The positions changed several times, Bernd Herndlhofer (AUT, H&A Racing) in the first race with his own car in the 2018 season could defend himself the longest and led the class at the beginning of the race. Also pole setter Salvatore De Plano (ITA, MM International) countered once. In lap 8, however, Faggionato grabbed both opponents for victory and drove away the pack.

The group behind was led by Armando Mangini (ITA, MM International). He also showed an outstanding performance from 13th position on the grid. Even if Florian Schnitzenbaumer (DEU, Top Speed) had speculated on a podium place, rank 5 in the FORMULA meant the extension of the lead in the points standings to Andreas Fiedler (DEU, Fiedler Racing). Fiedler finished sixth, ahead of Peter Göllner (SUI, Speed Center), who was able to assert himself against an aggressive Nicolas Matile (MCO, ZIG-ZAG Motorsport) in the only Lola Zytec Auto GP.

The 15 drivers did not give away a single meter in the 20-minute race. They also fought for 9th place in the FORMULA until the finish line, as if it were a question of victory. Walter Steding (9th), Thomas Jakoubek (10th), Christian Eicke (11th) and local hero Veronika Cicha (12th) took part in this sensational fight.

Tomorrow, Sunday, a decision can already be made in the championship, both for Ingo Gerstl in the OPEN and for team mate Florian Schnitzenbaumer (both Top Speed) in the FORMULA. The pit lane for race 2 opens at 12:15 local time.

 

Quotes after the race:

Ingo Gerstl (1st place OPEN): “Good for the fans, if they like what we do. The show was great, that’s what we need.”

Marc Faggionato (1st place FORMULA): “That was really good. Sometimes it was pretty close with the others. It’s nice that in the end I could drive faster than the two OPEN cars in front of me. But from the very back I just can’t do more. Tomorrow I have to start from the back again. I hope it works that way again.”

Phil Stratford (2nd place OPEN): “I would have had to lead six more laps, then I would have won. (laughs) In the end, I divided up the pace to stay ahead of Wolfgang.”

Bernd Herndlhofer (2nd place FORMULA): “Good race and good result, but I still can’t manage the car as I want. The set-up of the car is not good enough, I’m sure I can still improve”.

 

Pictures: Michael Jurtin/BOSS GP

Report: Qualifying Brno

Posted on September 8, 2018 by - General

Ingo Gerstl (Toro Rosso STR1)

Ingo Gerstl heats up to the unofficial lap record in the Automotodrom with over 200 km/h average speed. Salvatore De Plano was the fastest FORMULA pilot on his return to BOSS GP.

Sixth qualifying, sixth pole position: Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed) is on his way to the next championship title. The fact that he doesn’t slow down despite his dominance is proven by the qualifying best time of 1:35.155 min. Since the engagement of tyre supplier Pirelli the lap records have tumbled, but a possible new track record (1:36.065; Ingo Gerstl last year) only counts during the race.

In addition to Gerstl, Phil Stratford (USA, Penn Elcom Racing) will start the 20-minute first race from the front row this afternoon (starting time: 14:50 local time) in the 1997 Benetton. Wolfgang Jaksch (DEU, F Xtreme Racing) in the Super Aguri had to start in Q2 once again, but still managed a strong time despite traffic. In the race a duel for 2nd place with Stratford is quite possible.

Salvatore De Plano (MM International)

Salvatore De Plano (MM International)

 

Salvatore De Plano (ITA, MM International) makes his racing comeback after a five-month break and has lost nothing of his speed. The fast Italian with a time of 1:45.751 is only three tenths behind the slowest OPEN car. Florian Schnitzenbaumer (DEU, Top Speed) is the leader of the FORMULA standings. Schnitzenbaumer qualified ahead of his fiercest competitor for the title Andreas Fiedler (DEU, Fiedler Racing). Bernd Herndlhofer (AUT, H&A Racing) is a former BOSS GP champion De Plano and the two Germans. A thrilling four-fold fight for the podium places in the FORMULA is to be expected for the races.

Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing)

Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing)

 

The two Speed Center drivers Christian Eicke and Peter Göllner will follow in positions 8 and 9. Local Veronika Cicha made it into the Top Ten. Nicolas Matile (MCO, ZIG-ZAG) finished behind her. Like his team mate Marc Faggionato (no time in qualifying due to clutch damage), he also participates in a BOSS GP weekend for the first time this year.

Nicolas Matile (ZIG-ZAG)

Nicolas Matile (ZIG-ZAG) and Bernd Herndlhofer (H&A Racing)

 

The fast and technically demanding track in the Czech Republic claimed its victims in qualifying, with Armando Mangini, Walter Steding, Nicolas Matile and others spinning. However, all drivers were able to continue the qualifying without damage.

 

Pictures: Michael Jurtin/BOSS GP

Race Guide Brno

Posted on September 7, 2018 by - General

Grid Girl on BOSS GP starting grid

The Masaryk Racing Days Brno are one of the favourite events in BOSS GP. Our race guide helps you through the event with all the information you need.

Live Timing

Practice-, Qualifying- and Raceresults

Results, sector analysis and starting grids

Breaking News on Instagram @bossgp2010 and Facebook @bossgpoffical

BOSS GP standings 2018

Up to date pictures in our gallery

 

Timetable: BOSS GP at Masaryk Racing Days

Friday, September 7, 2018

11:35–12:05: Free Practice 1
16:00–16:25: Free Practice 2

Saturday, September 8,2018

10:00–10:30: Qualifying
14:50–15:25: Race 1 (distance: 20 minutes)

Sunday, September 9, 2018

12:15–12:50: Race 2 (distance: 20 minutes)

Full racing line-up: BOSS GP in Brno

Posted on September 5, 2018 by - General

Fastest woman in BOSS GP

At the Masaryk Racing Days almost everything that has wheels is on the track. The main event in the Czech Republic are the Big Open Single Seaters.

With a track length of 5.403 kilometres, Brno is the longest challenge in the BOSS GP 2018 racing calendar. The track is most famous for the MotoGP Grand Prix every year, nevertheless the track is also popular for drivers in Monoposti. On the one hand, it offers many smooth and fast corners that alternate with a technically demanding part, and on the other it is one of the safest race tracks on the calendar. Engine power is also important at the penultimate stop of the BOSS GP 2018, as the Czech roller coaster (9 right and 6 left turns) climbs steeply in the last third of the track.

Salvatore De Plano is back on track

Salvatore De Plano is back on the track in Brno

 

The fastest boys and girls
Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) holds the lap record on the largest Czech racetrack. The Austrian and three-time BOSS GP champion drove round the track last year in only 1:36.065 min, faster than any other driver in the 30 years since the opening of the circuit. Gerstl (Toro Rosso STR1, 3 litres, 10-cylinder Cosworth) could already secure his third consecutive OPEN title in Brno: If he scores four points more than his opponent Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing), he will already be champion before the final in Spielberg (21-23 September 2018). The US-American Stratford delivers consistently good performances this year and makes hardly any mistakes. The technique of his Benetton B197 (4 litres, 10-cylinder Judd) works better and better, which increases the driving pleasure and extends the driving time.

As third starter in the faster OPEN class Wolfgang Jaksch drives a Super Aguri SA06 (3 litres, 10-cylinder Cosworth). The German with Swiss license was the only one who could win a race this year except Gerstl. However, several retirements in the championship threw him far back, good individual placings are now the goal.

In the FORMULA class all eyes are on Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing). The Czech racer is currently the only woman in the BOSS GP and most recently took her first podium in Assen. The former hill climb racer has been driving in the BOSS GP since 2015, and many guests will support the Czech at her home race.

The FORMULA is also about the championship and a possible preliminary decision. 34 points separate leader Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed) from rival Andreas Fielder (Fiedler Racing). Both had a DNF at the last event in the Netherlands. Everything is still undecided, 25 points are awarded for a victory, four races are still on the calendar.

You should also keep an eye out for the comeback of Salvatore De Plano (MM International). In the first race of the season he injured himself in an accident in the fight for victory. After a long-forced break, the fast Italian is back in the race car. Marc Faggionato and Nicolas Matile (both ZIG-ZAG Motorsport Service) are also back after a long BOSS GP break. Matile starts with a Lola-Zytec from the Auto GP, making him the only non-GP2 pilot.

Masaryk Racing Days in Brno 2017.

Brno has produced many good BOSS GP races throughout the last years

 

Masaryk Racing Days: Quite busy
The race days in September are the second largest circuit racing event in the Czech Republic after the Motorcycle Grand Prix. In addition to the headliner BOSS GP, other racing series will run from Thursday to Sunday: FIA Central Europe Zone for sports cars, touring cars and formula cars, ESET V4 Cup with TCR, Suzuki Swift Cup Europe, Chevrolet Cruze Eurocup, Renault Twingo Cup and various historic racing classes (HAIGO).

The weekend ticket costs 300 Czech crowns (=13 Euro), at the entrances to the race track there are ticket counters. Children under 14 and seniors over 67 have free entry. The BOSS GP cars are in the pits between 2-11, Andreas Fiedler is placed behind them in the paddock.

 

Timetable: BOSS GP at Masaryk Racing Days

Friday, September 7, 2018

11:35–12:05: Free Practice 1
16:00–16:25: Free Practice 2

Saturday, September 8,2018

10:00–10:30: Qualifying
14:50–15:25: Race 1 (distance: 20 minutes)

Sunday, September 9, 2018

12:15–12:50: Race 2 (distance: 20 minutes)

 

Participants: BOSS GP

The OPEN class is for type Formula 1 car built from 1997, Champ Car and IndyCar built from 1997. Engine is free; numbers from 1 to 99.

Starting No.
 Name Team Nat. Car
1 Ingo Gerstl Top Speed AUT Toro Rosso STR1
7 Phil Stratford Penn Elcom Racing USA Benetton B197
26 Wolfgang Jaksch F Xtreme Racing Team DEU Super Aguri SA06

 

FORMULA is open to GP2/Formula 2, GP3 (13/16), Auto GP, A1GP, Formula Acceleration 1, Superleague Formula, World Series by Renault, World Series by Nissan, F3000 cars build from 2002. Only the original engine is allowed, organisation committee can make an exception in the classification of a car according to the performance data of the car; Numbers from 100 to 999.

Starting No.
 Name Team Nat. Car
100 Thomas Jakoubek Top Speed AUT Dallara GP2
101 Peter Göllner Speed Center SUI Dallara GP2
116 Nicolas Matile ZIG-ZAG Motorsport Service MCO Lola Auto GP
129 Marc Faggionato ZIG-ZAG Motorsport Service MCO Dallara GP2
221 Bernd Herndlhofer H&A Racing AUT Dallara GP2
222 Veronika Cicha H&A Racing CZE Dallara GP2
321 Andreas Fiedler Fiedler Racing DEU Dallara GP2
323 Armando Mangini MM International ITA Dallara GP2
505 Walter Steding Inter Europol Competition DEU Dallara GP2
555 Christian Eicke Speed Center SUI Dallara GP2
888 Florian Schnitzenbaumer Top Speed DEU Dallara GP2
999 Salvatore De Plano MM International ITA Dallara GP2

 

Photos: Michael Kavena/BOSS GP

The Heroes of Racing on TV

Posted on August 24, 2018 by - General

Heroes of Racing

This series is full of exciting characters and stories. What unites them is their passion for motorsport and their slogan: Full throttle! A new documentary series makes the BOSS GP a television event.

In the leading roles of the new docutainment series are top star Ingo Gerstl, team boss Markus Lehmann and the fastest couple in the world: Wolfgang Jaksch and Veronika Cicha. Ex-racing driver Sebastian Stahl reveals interesting facts about the technique behind, explained in an understandable language for non-experts and nevertheless a rare insight for freaks.

The new series tells the stories of success and suffering of the protagonists on and off the race track in seven episodes with up to four repetitions per day on the television station auto, motor und sport TV – available throughout Europe as Pay TV via cable or IPTV. From October, the episodes will also be available on Amazon Prime.

Das Paar hinter der Idee zur Fernsehserie: Christian Effer und von der 7 Berge Filmwerkstatt

The duo behind the idea of the TV series: Christian Effer and Christina Hermanns from 7 Berge Filmwerkstatt

 

Premiere on auto, motor und sport TV:

1st episode: August 17

2nd episode: August 31

3rd episode: September 14

4th episode: September 28

5th episode: October 12

6th episode: October 26

7th episode: November 9

 

Photos: 7 Berge Filmwerkstatt (poster), Michael Kavena/BOSS GP

Report: Race 2 Assen

Posted on August 19, 2018 by - General

Ingo Gerstl (Toro Rosso STR1)

Roy Glaser wins the FORMULA class with a dominant performance, win number 2 for the Suiss; Gerstl ahead of Stratford in the OPEN.

It was the weekend of the comebacks: Roy Glaser (SUI, Speed Center) was the fastest driver of the FORMULA class yesterday, but two spins prevented a top result. Today, however, Glaser did not give his competitors the slightest chance. The Swiss won his class superiorly, in the overall rankings he thus made it to rank 3.

In front of him classified the fastest pilots of the OPEN class. Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed) clinched season’s victory number 8, allowing the Salzburg-born racing driver to crown himself BOSS GP Champion 2018 at the penultimate race weekend in Brno (September 7-9).

Phil Stratford (USA, Penn Elcom Racing) climbed on the podium for the seventh time this year, and for the seventh time in second place – for Stratford with his Benetton B197 it was the smoothest weekend of the whole year. In contrast to last year’s Assen winner Wolfgang Jaksch (DEU, F Xtreme Racing), who already had to retire his 2006 Super Aguri at the end of the race, a technical problem forced him off the track several times before.

In front of full stands with enthusiastic Dutch fans the duels in the midfield were especially worth seeing. Peter Göllner (SUI, Speed Center) was the big surprise of the weekend. The Swiss drove the best race weekend of his BOSS GP career, despite an accident in free practice. With second place in the FORMULA class he confirmed his performance of the previous day.

Florian Schnitzenbaumer (DEU, Top Speed), who had a tough race, also made it on to the podium today. After yesterday’s accident, he had to switch to a spare car in the second race. Without power steering and with the consequences of an operation, the German went to his physical limits – with rank 3 he extended his championship lead. One reason for this was the retirement of Andreas Fiedler (DEU, Fiedler Racing), who was in the second place when he was forced to stop the car due a technical failure.

Looking ahead: Next, the BOSS GP will be the headliner of the Masaryk Racing Days at the beginning of September (7-9) in Brno, Czech Republic. The season finale will take place two weeks later in Spielberg (21-23 September), as part of the DTM weekend.

 

Quotes after the race:

New track record holder and double winner Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed): “Of course, the record was great, now it counts. I was even faster in qualifying. The second race was smooth, but the 25 minutes of racing time are really long in a Formula 1 car.”

FORMULA winner Roy Glaser (SUI, Speed Center): “Two race weekends, two wins – what more could you ask for? In the end, I drove without risk today. Unfortunately I can’t be at any more races this year because of my job.”

3rd FORMULA Florian Schnitzenbaumer (DEU, Top Speed): “After the accident yesterday I had to change the car. Once you drive a car with power steering, you’ll never drive anything else. I was about to give up halfway through the race. In the end I had to slow down, I couldn’t hold it anymore.”

 

Photos: Michael Kavena/BOSS GP

Report: Race 1 Assen

Posted on August 18, 2018 by - General

f.l. Veronika Cicha and FORMULA winner Andreas Fiedler

Ingo Gerstl sets lap record and wins for the seventh time this season. Andreas Fiedler wins the FORMULA classification for the first time and makes up ground in the championship.

GAMMA Racing Day attracted tens of thousands of spectators to the beautiful race track in Assen on the first day of racing. The highlight for many of them have been the races of the BOSS GP for years. So probably also this year, because the grandstands were well filled just in time for the first race at 4:30 pm – with light wind and cloudy sky (22 degrees outside temperature).

It had already been promised in qualifying, and Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) made it official in the race: The Austrian not only won the race and the OPEN class for the seventh time this season, but also set a new lap record at the TT Circuit Assen with 1:18,298 min. After Gerstl had already driven the fastest lap ever in qualifying (1:17,157), the record only became official in the race. Gerstl’s old record was 1:19,371 from 2016.

Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing) finished second behind Ingo Gerstl. The US-American complained about wearing down tyres on his Benetton B197, but was never pressed by the pursuers – all in all a problem-free race.

Unlike Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing), who had his hands full throughout the race. With Andreas Fiedler, Wolfgang Jaksch and partner Veronika Cicha as well as Peter Göllner and towards the end of the race Roy Glaser formed an exciting fighting group. Jaksch was not only involved in all kinds of action, but also drifted in Fast and Furious style in the Super Aguri in the first lap to stay on track. Despite all the chaos, he became third overall.

Even before the start of the race there was an accident: Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed) spun so hard into the barriers during the tyre warm-up that the broken car had to be lifted. The German could leave the car on his own, but lost valuable points in the championship. In return Andreas Fiedler (Fiedler Racing) made a considerable leap forward. After the injury-related non start at Hockenheim in July, he won the FORMULA class at the comeback. Now he is only 14 points behind Schnitzenbaumer.

Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing) climbed the podium with Fiedler. The Czech was on the podium for the first time this year. A flawless race enabled her, as did Peter Göllner (Speed Center), to take a champagne shower. Göllner started after a practice accident in the spare car, and had to get used to the circumstances.

The fastest lap of the FORMULA drivers went to Roy Glaser (Speed Center), but the Swiss pole setter can’t buy anything for that. Glaser spun at the restart of the race, and was left behind by the rest of the field. After a furious chase to catch up, Glaser exaggerated his attempt to attack third-placed Jaksch. A shame: A spin ended his race shortly before the end.

Christian Eicke (Speed Center) started from the pits, he became inconspicuous seventh. Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition), who couldn’t get away at the restart, should also be unhappy. He also chased the field with a delay. Too bad, because the German had shown a good pace so far this weekend.

Tomorrow’s second race starts at 16:06 CET +1 and a live stream is available at www.podium.tv

 

Quotes after the race:

FORMULA winner Andreas Fiedler (DEU, Fiedler Racing): “My mechanic said I should slow down at the beginning and only push at the end – but that didn’t work out like this anymore. I was almost certain that Roy would make another mistake, he was eager to get Jaksch. I just didn’t want to make a mistake, take the points home. I had the championship in mind the whole time.”

2nd OPEN Phil Stratford (USA, Penn Elcom Racing): “The race was difficult because the track is so demanding. I’ve never been here before, six laps in practice and then right into qualifying. I’m certainly not at the limit yet.”

2nd FORMULA Peter Göllner (SUI, Speed Center): “A sensation! This podium was expensive to buy after the accident in the morning.”

 

Photos: Michael Kavena/BOSS GP

Report: Qualifying Assen

Posted on August 18, 2018 by - General

Roy Glaser (Dallara GP2)

Ingo Gerstl broke the lap record at the TT Circuit in Assen on the first day with a 1:17.157 min under optimal conditions. Stratford in the Benetton in row 1, Glaser and Schnitzenbaumer start from row 2.

The Austrian Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) was the first to qualify. Right at the beginning Gerstl used the free track in his Toro Rosso STR1, already in the second lap he managed a 1:17.2 min, shortly afterwards he improved the best time again to 1:17.157. In the following laps he improved in sector 3, but it was not enough for another record time. Nevertheless he set the fastest lap ever driven in Assen – an official lap record (currently: 1:19.371 by Gerstl in 2016) is only valid in the race.

Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing) will start the races (starting time 1st race: today at 16:30 GMT +1) next to Gerstl. The American in the 1997-Benetton had to go into Q2 and was long on rank 3, late (in his 9th lap) he could improve to rank 2. Roy Glaser (Speed Center) held this position until shortly before the end. The FORMULA winner from Hockenheim started in Q1 and improved lap by lap. Finally, Florian Schnitzenbaumer, leader of the FORMULA standings, had nothing against the Swiss. In the end, the Top Speed driver was a second behind Glaser. Thus the two fastest FORMULA drivers were ahead of Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing). However, last year’s winner in the Super Aguri SA06 is a hot tip for the race.

Andreas Fiedler (Fiedler Racing) achieved a respectable result on his return to BOSS GP: The German had injured himself in a crash in Monza, and is making his comeback this weekend in Assen – he starts from 6th place.

Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition) proved to be really quick this weekend. In the meantime, Steding was even placed 5th. During the session he had to park his Dallara-GP2, so he dropped back to 7th place towards the end.

Peter Göllner and Christian Eicke (both Speed Center) were on the track for a while in a row. The Swiss Göllner had an accident in free practice. The car spun and the GP2 Dallara hit the tyre stacks with its tail. The Speed Center crew managed to set up the spare car in the shortest possible time and get it ready for the following qualifying session. Göllner thanked them and finished eighth. The Speed Center duo blasted Veronika Cicha, who achieved her best qualifying result of the year with 9th place.

Flat curbs and a wide track promise a lot of overtaking possibilities for the afternoon. According to current weather forecasts, it should remain dry despite overcast.

Assen race guide and live stream

Posted on August 18, 2018 by - General

BOSS GP at GAMMA Racing Day: Our guide provides up-to-date information at the race track or via live stream at home.

Live stream on Podium.TV

Live timing

Practice, qualifying and race results

Breaking news on Instagram @bossgp2010 and Facebook @bossgpoffical

Results in detail and starting grids

BOSS GP standings

Gallery of this weekend’s event

Assen – Gamma Racing Days 2018

 

Timetable BOSS GP

Saturday, August 18, 2018

10:08–10:38: Free Practice
13:12–13:42: Qualifying
16:30–16:50: Race 1 (distance: 20 minutes)

Sunday, August 19, 2018

16:06–16:31: Race 2 (distance: 25 minutes)