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FORMULA class: Qualifying in Assen – Ledermair fastest FORMULA driver

Johann Ledermair on track in Assen 2017.

A start grid of twelve drivers is racing the FORMULA class at the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen (NED) for season races 9 and 10. The « usual suspects » lead the field of the FORMULA drivers at Qualifying.

Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), loosing the overall leading position of the FORMULA class while absent in Zolder (BEL) in July a couple of weeks before, obviously is aiming for getting back to the top position of his class. He performed the fastest lap of the FORMULA class field at Qualifying, with 1:25,192 min in his fifth lap with his Dallara GP2, still improving his best lap time from the free practice session (1:25,829).

Ledermair was sharply followed by Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2), who performed his best lap in lap 4 with 1:26,731. A gap of only 0,375 min behind De Plano, Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) was finishing his best lap at Qualifying in 1:27,106 with his Lola Auto GP, improving his lap time from free practice significantly.

So it’s once more the trio of Ledermair, De Plano and Raghunathan leading the FORMULA field of the BOSS GP after Qualifying and starting from the front positions of the start grid.

 

Qualifying in Assen 2017.

 

They are followed by Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing), who showed a great Qualifying and finished her best lap in her Dallara GP2 with 1:32,604. Armando Mangini (MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2), Marc Faggionato (Zig Zag, Dallara GP2), Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competion, Dallara GP2), Peter Göllner (Speed Center, Dallara GP2), Wolfang Jordan (H&A Racing, Dallara GP2) took the next positions, as well as ‘PETER’ (Ray-Ban), who wasn’t lucky at the free practice with his Dallara World Series by Renault, but finished well at the Qualifying, and Christian Eicke (Speed Center, Dallara GP2).

Karl-Heinz Becker left Qualifying already at first lap, due to technical reasons.

 

These are the results of the Qualifying:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 444 Johann Ledermair AUT Ledermair Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:25,192 5 6 192,48
2 999 Salvatore De Plano ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:26,731 4 1,539 5 189,07
3 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP 1:27,106 5  0,375 6 188,25
4 222 Veronika Cicha CZE H&A Racing Dallara GP2 1:32,604 5  5,498 6 177,08
5 323 Armando Mangini ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:32,920 4 0,316 6 176,47
6 129 Marc Faggionato MC Zig Zag Dallara GP2 1:33,555 4 0,635 6 175,28
7 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2 1:33,615 5  0,060 6 175,16
8 101 Peter Göllner SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:34,152 6 0,537 7 174,17
9 105 Wolfgang Jordan GER H&A Racing Dallara GP2 1:36,181 9 2,029 10 170,49
10 111 ‘PETER’ FRA Ray-Ban Dallara World Series by Renault 1:37,663 4 1,482 6 167,90
11 555 Christian Eicke SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:38,566  4  0,903 9 166,37
12 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Dallara World Series by Nissan

 

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. Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed, OPEN class) once more this season will start from pole position. He is followed by FORMULA class drivers Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport).

This is the starting grid for race 1 at the « Gamma Racing Days »  in Assen 2017:

Start grid of race 1 in Assen 2017.

MORE:

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

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: Qualifying in Assen – Gerstl saves pole position

Ingo Gerstl on track in Assen 2017.

After his awful crash during free practice in the morning, Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari) is out of the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen for this weekend. Luckily the local hero wasn’t injured. Finally two OPEN class drivers were remaining for the Qualifying, since Bernd Herndlhofer (H&A Racing) had to cancel the races due to technical reasons already before just arriving in Assen. It is now a battle between Ingo Gerstl (Team Top Speed) and Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing Team) for the podium.

Apart from Zwarts cancellation of the remaining race weekend, the Qualifying at the « Gamma Racing Days » went smoothly. Drivers had to deal with difficult weather conditions: Sun and light rain alternated. At the beginning of the Qualifying a few drops fell down – a good challenge for teams and driver, finding the best setup for these conditions.

Ingo Gerstl was the first driver on the 4,555 km long track, showing a sovereign and fast performance in his Toro Rosso STR1 and securing the pole position for the race in the evening once more this season. He drove his best lap time in lap 6 with 1:23,228 min. Wolfgang Jaksch followed with quite a gap and a best lap time in 1:31,272 in his Super Aguri SA06, nevertheless improving his lap record from the free practice. Gerstl passed seven laps in total, Jaksch six laps.

Wolfgang Jaksch on track in Assen 2017 with his Super Aguri SA06.

Wolfgang Jaksch on track in Assen 2017 with his Super Aguri SA06.

 

These are the results of the Qualifying:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 1 Ingo Gerstl AUT Top Speed Toro Rosso STR1 F1 1:23,228 6 7 197,03
2 26 Wolfgang Jaksch GER F Xtreme Racing Team Super Aguri SA06 F1 1:31,272 5  8,044 6 179,66

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. So Gerstl once more this season owns the pole position, followed by FORMULA class drivers Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport). Wolfgang Jaksch will start from position 5 at the race (season race 9) in the evening, which will start at 5:59 p.m.

This is the starting grid for race 1 at the « Gamma Racing Days »  in Assen 2017:

Start grid of race 1 in Assen 2017.

MORE:

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

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: Early finish after a crash – Ledermair back on track and top of the field

Johann Ledermair on track in Assen 2017.

13 drivers had registered for the BOSS GP FORMULA class at the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen (NED). Season races 9 and 10 will take place at the circuit in the northeast of the Netherlands. One free practice for the races was scheduled on Saturday (5th of August) at 9:31 a.m. It ended earlier than planned with an horrific crash by Klaas Zwart (OPEN class).

Both BOSS GP classes – OPEN and FORMULA class – went on track together for the practice session. Twelve drivers represented the FORMULA class. Henk de Boer (De Boer Manx) had to step back due to health issues already before the race weekend. Weather conditions were fine in Assen on Saturday morning: 18°, cloudy, but dry.

The practice session started slowly, due to two yellow flag phases in the beginning.  ‘PETER’ (Ray-Ban) spun of the track already in the first lap. Only minutes later, Wolfgang Jordan (H&A Racing Team) spun off the track as well. Then finally drivers tested the circuit at its best. Back on track after absence in Zolder (BEL) on 15th/16th of July was Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport). The Austrian was not only back on track, but also back on top, since he drove the fastest lap of the FORMULA class start grid at the free practice in 1:25,829 min with his Dallara GP2. As might be expected, Ledermair was followed by Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) in the Lola Auto GP with his best lap in 1:31,449. One can expect an exciting battle between Ledermair and Raghunathan on the track at the race, as we already have seen during the whole season.

 

Mahaveer Raghunathan on track in Assen 2017.

Mahaveer Raghunathan on track in Assen 2017.

 

The following drivers showed as well some neck-to-neck-laps, with some really close gaps: Marc Faggionato (Zig Zig), Christian Eicke and Peter Göllner (both Speed Center), Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition), Veronika Cicha (H&A Racing) as well as Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport). Meanwhile Wolfgang Jordan had to quit free practice early, after he spun off the track after five laps driven.

The free practice finally was cancelled after a horrifying crash of Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari) of the OPEN class. There won’t be another training session. The Qualifying will start at 1:04 p.m.

These are the results of the free practice:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 444 Johann Ledermair AUT Ledermair Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:25,829 7 8 191,05
2 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP 1:31,449 7  5,620 8 179,31
3 129 Marc Faggionato MC Zig Zag Dallara GP2 1:34,413 9  1,203 10 173,68
4 555 Christian Eicke SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:35,125 10  0,712 10 172,38
5 101 Peter Göllner SUI Speed Center Dallara GP2 1:35,488 10  0,363 10 171,73
6 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2 1:36,461 6  0,973 8 170,00
7 222 Veronika Cicha CZE H&A Racing Dallara GP2 1:37,373 8  0,912 8 168,40
8 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Dallara World Series by Nissan 1:38,735 10 1,362 10 166,08
9 105 Wolfgang Jordan GER H&A Racing Dallara GP2 1:51,573 5  12,838 5 146,97
10 111 ‘PETER’ FRA Team Ray Ban Dallara World Series by Renault 1 0,00

MORE:

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

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

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: Free practice ends with horrifying crash by Zwart

Four drivers had registered for the BOSS GP OPEN class at the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen (NED). Season races 9 and 10 will take place at the circuit in the northeast of the Netherlands. One free practice for the races was scheduled on Saturday (5th of August) at 9:31 a.m. It ended with an horrifying crash by Klaas Zwart.

Both BOSS GP classes – OPEN and FORMULA class – went on track together for the practice session. Ingo Gerstl (Team Top Speed), Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing Team) and Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari) represented the OPEN class,  Bernd Herndlhofer (H&A Racing) had to step back due to technical issues already before the race weekend. Weather conditions were fine in Assen on Saturday morning: 18°, cloudy, but dry.

The practice session started slowly, due to two yellow flag phases in the beginning (‘PETER’ (Team Ray Ban) and Wolfgang Jordan (H&A Racing Team) spun off the track). But finally drivers tested the circuit with Ingo Gerstl finally racing the fastest lap of the start grid on the 4.555 km long track with an 1:18,263 min with his Toro Rosso STR1. This insane time meant new track record in Assen by the Austrian – previous track record was a time of 1:18,765. Since official track records only count during races, but not during practice or Qualifying sessions, Gerstls time stays an inofficial record. Wolfgang Jaksch showed his best lap in 1:33,210 with his Super Aguri SA06, having a clear gap to leading Gerstl.

 

Klaas Zwart (r.) on track in Assen 2017.

Klaas Zwart (r.) in front of Ingo Gerstl (l.) on track in Assen 2017.

 

It was not a good day for Klaas Zwart in front of his home audience. While overtaking Marc Faggionato (Zig Zag, FORMULA class) with still seven minutes of the practice session to go, the Dutch flew off the track, crashed into the wall at the beginning of the curve to the home stretch at high speed with his car catching fire. Luckily the Dutch wasn’t injured at the heavy crash, but his Jaguar R5 suffered serious damage. « I feel pure frustration », Zwart told us after the crash. « I overtook him, probably he didn’t see me. I felt a hit and catapulted of the track. Luckily I’m fine, no injuries. I hope, we can fix the car. »

The free practice finally was cancelled after the crash of Zwart. There wont be another practice session. The Qualifying will start at 1:04 p.m.

These are the results of the free practice:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 1 Ingo Gerstl AUT Top Speed Toro Rosso STR1 F1 1:18,263 9 10 209,52
2 26 Wolfgang Jaksch GER F Xtreme Racing Team Super Aguri SA06 F1 1:33,210 6  14,947 8 175,93
3 66 Klaas Zwart NED Team Ascari Jaguar R5 F1 2:00,994 2  42,731 6 135,53

 

MORE:

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

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

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

OPEN class: Start list for the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen (NED ) is set

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

In just a few days the fifth station of  the BOSS GP Championship season 2017 takes place. The circuit in Assen (NED) will be host for the season races 9 and 10 on the weekend from 5th to 6th of August. The start list for the event in Assen is now set. 

17 drivers in total (FORMULA and OPEN class) signed up for the event in Assen. Fans and specatators can look forward to some interesting and exciting duels on track. Four drivers will compete in the FORMULA class in Assen. Back on track will be current leader of the OPEN class, Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) as well as Wolfgang Jaksch (F Xtreme Racing Team), currently ranked on position 4 in the overall ranking. As well we will see again Klaas Zwart (Team Ascari), who won his first P1 of the season a couple of weeks ago in Zolder (BEL). Bernd Herndlhofer (H&A Racing Team) will have his first appearance for BOSS GP this season. So BOSS GP fans can look forward to interesting battles between the OPEN class starters in Assen.

This is the start list for the OPEN class at the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen:

Start-No. Name Team Nat. Make Type
1 Ingo Gerstl Top Speed AUT Toro Rosso STR 1 F1
21 Bernd Herndlhofer H&A Racing AUT Arrows A22 F1
26 Wolfgang Jaksch F Xtreme Racing Team GER Super Aguri SA06 F1
66 Klaas Zwart Team Ascari NED Jaguar R5 F1

 

BOSS GP will compete at seven different European venues in 2017, holding 14 races in total. Hockenheim (GER) in April, Zandvoort (NED) in May, Paul Picard (FRA) in June and Zolder (BEL) in July are done. Assen will set season races 9 and 10. Remaining tracks are Brno (CZE, September) and Imola (ITA, September/October).

MORE:

Find detailed statistics of current standings here: bossgp.com/standings/

Find all informations about the Circuit in Assen on this website: www.ttcircuit.com

31/07/2017

FORMULA class: Start list for the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen (NED ) is set

Zandvoort 2017.

In just a few days the fifth station of  the BOSS GP Championship season 2017 takes place. The circuit in Assen (NED) will be host for the season races 9 and 10 on the weekend from 5th to 6th of August. The start list for the event in Assen is now set. 

17 drivers in total (FORMULA and OPEN class) signed up for the event in Assen. Fans and specatators can look forward to some interesting and exciting duels on track. 13 drivers will compete in the FORMULA class in Assen. Current leader of the class, Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport), will be on track as well as runner up Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport). Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), leading the FORMULA class for the first six races, will be back in the start grid as well. Since he didn’t race in Zolder (BEL) on 15th/16th of July, he dropped back in the ranking to position 3. It can be assumed, that Ledermair wants to reclaim the top-position of the FORMULA class in Assen.

This is the start list for the FORMULA class at the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen:

Start-No. Name Team Nat. Make Type
101 Peter Göldner Speed Center SUI Dallara GP2
105 Wolfgang Jordan H&A Racing GER Dallara GP2
111 ‘PETER’ Ray Ban FRA Dallara World Series by Renault
115 Mahaveer Raghunathan PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport IND Lola Auto GP
129 Marc Fagionatti Zig Zag MC Dallara GP2
136 Henk de Boer De Boer Manx NED Dallara GP2
222 Veronika Cicha H&A Racing CZE Dallara GP2
323 Armando Mangini MM International Motorsport ITA Dallara GP2
411 Karl-Heinz Becker Becker Motorsport GER Dallara World Series by Nissan
444 Johann Ledermair Ledermair Motorsport AUT Dallara GP2
505 Walter Steding Inter Europol Competition GER Dallara GP2
555 Christian Eicke Speed Center SUI Dallara GP2
999 Salvatore De Plano MM International Motorsport ITA Dallara GP2

 

BOSS GP will compete at seven different European venues in 2017, holding 14 races in total. Hockenheim (GER) in April, Zandvoort (NED) in May, Paul Picard (FRA) in June and Zolder (BEL) in July are done. Assen will set season races 9 and 10. Remaining tracks are Brno (CZE, September) and Imola (ITA, September/October).

MORE:

Find detailed statistics of current standings here: bossgp.com/standings/

Find all informations about the Circuit in Assen on this website: www.ttcircuit.com

31/07/2017

Registration for « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen ends tonight

Zandvoort 2017.

The fifth station of the BOSS GP championship 2017 will be the « Gamma Racing Days » in Assen (NED) on 5th and 6th of August 2017. Registration deadline for teams ends tonight on 27th of July. 

Assen Circuit, located in the north of the Nethederlands, owns an 4.555 km long track. It it host especially for lots of different motorcycle races like motorcycle world championships and superbike world championships. On the weekend from 4th to 6th of August 2017, the « Gamma Racing Days »-weekend will host the BOSS GP crew for their fifth season step. About 100.000 spectators are expected to join the weekend on the circuit – a promising atmosphere for drivers and crews. The crowd will see lots of spectacular series, filling the books with howling and roaring engines and battling out for every centimetre of the asphalt in Assen, like NEC Formula Renault 2.0, Supercar GT & Prototype Challenge, Supercar Challenge, CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship, Yamaha R125 Cup, Yamaha R3-Cup, FIM Sidecar World Championship just to name some of them. BOSS GP season race 9 is scheduled for Saturday (5/08/2017), race 10 for Sunday (6/08/2017).

The deadline for driver registration for both races in Assen (Netherlands) is set on Thursday, 27th of July 2017. Registration can be done online on this link: bossgp.com/registration/assen-2017.

Assen is the fifth station of the Championship 2017 season. Seven race-events all over Europe with stations in Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Czech Republic and Italy will make up the complete 2017 BOSS GP Championship.

Eight season-races are done so far. Currently leading the FORMULA class is Mahaveer Raghunathan (IND, PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) with 171 points, leader of the OPEN class is Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Team Top Speed) with 100 points. Latest results can be found on our website here: bossgp.com/standings/, details overview about the races done until now can be found here: bossgp.com/races/.

27/07/2017

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

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

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

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