Catégorie : General

New game, new rules

The new man of the rules: Rainer Werner become BOSS GPs first permanent race director

With Rainer Werner from Austria, the BOSS GP now has a permanent race director who brings a lot of experience and puts safety first.

Rainer Werner has been working as race director and steward for four decades. He supervised over 200 events in the different categories car, motorcycle and rally. Werner will be on site as race director at all BOSS GP races in 2018. This ensures that the sporting regulations are applied equally at every event – drivers can thus adapt to a consistent interpretation of the regulations.

Big Brother
Werner’s workplace is first and foremost the race control, where he can view the entire race track by video cameras. The tasks of the race control include controlling the traffic lights, coordinating the marshals, using the safety car and the initial assessment of collisions and violations of the rules. As a rule, independent race commissioners who analyse and evaluate disputed actions in detail decide on penalties imposed.

Race Director Rainer Werner in discussion with the drivers Bernd Herndlhofer and Peter Göllner

f.l. race director Rainer Werner in discussion with the drivers Bernd Herndlhofer and Peter Göllner

Clip and Clear
Between sessions, the new race director is accessible to the teams at a central location in the paddock. « A clear line right from the start, » says Werner, should ensure that the rules are observed. Safety is the top priority, overtaking under a yellow flag is dangerous for security personnel and would be punished immediately. Werner makes decisions transparently, a certain distance to drivers is part of the job: « During the races I only see the start numbers, names don’t matter. »

Race Director Rainer Werner with drivers, teams and organisation at the drivers briefing in Hockenheim

Drivers Briefing Friday morning at Hockenheimring 2018

Further rule changes:

  • Only Pirelli racing tyres are permitted. The official tyre supplier will supply the BOSS GP cars at each race and will be available for assembly.
  • Participation in the driver briefing is mandatory for all drivers and team principals. All crew chiefs receive a radio for communication with the race director at each event.
  • A speed limit of 60 km/h applies in the pit lane, overtaking in the pit lane is prohibited.
  • When stopping in the pit lane, the drivers must place themselves in the working lane at a 45-degree angle to the pit lane exit. Driving on the pit lane in the working lane is not permitted.
  • If the race is aborted by means of the red flag, all participants drive slowly into the pit lane to their position, overtaking is prohibited. After reaching the parking position and switching off the engine work on the vehicle is permitted – however refuelling is forbidden.

Ready for the ninth season: The BOSS GP 2018

Europes fastest racing series starts into an exciting year next weekend at the Jim Clark Revival at Hockenheimring with 19 starters.

First stop: classic meets modern
The season for the Big Open Single Seater begins traditionally at Hockenheim in Southern Germany. Next weekend (April 20-22), two races of the spectacular BOSS GP are scheduled in a setting that could hardly be more beautiful: Bosch Hockenheim Historic, in honour of Jim Clark, who died in Hockenheim on April 7, 1968, attracts tens of thousands to the Hockenheimring every year. Jim Clark’s 50th anniversary of his death is commemorated this year with numerous exhibitions and special tours commemorating the Formula 1 legend. In addition, more than 500 cars from all classes and epochs will gather in the Motodrom. Open doors await the spectators everywhere, as the ticket includes free access to the paddock, the exhibition pavilion, the pit roof and the pits themselves.

Podium of race 2 of the OPEN class in Hockenheim.

2017 podium in Hockenheim: f.l. Stratford, race winner Gerstl, Jaksch

 

Entries: BOSS GP
Four Formula 1 cars are listed, all of them eligible to compete in the OPEN Class: BOSS GP Champion Ingo Gerstl from Austria with the very first F1 Toro Rosso, the American Phil Stratford in the light blue and white Benetton from 1997, Bernd Herndlhofer (Austria) with Arrows A22 and the German entrepreneur Wolfgang Jaksch in the popular Super Aguri. There is no engine capacity limit in the open class – ‘anything goes’ is the motto here.

Starting No
Name Team Nat. Car
1 Ingo Gerstl Top Speed AUT Toro Rosso STR1
7 Phil Stratford Penn Elcom Racing USA Benetton B197
21 Bernd Herndlhofer H&A Racing AUT Arrows A22
26 Wolfgang Jaksch F-Xtreme Racing Team GER Super Aguri SA06

15 cars are competing for points in the FORMULA Class, which has a maximum engine capacity of 4.2 litres: Four World Series racing cars and eleven GP2 racing cars complete the field of participants at Hockenheim, including the GP2 cars from the three BOSS GP rookies Bianca Steiner, Thomas Jakoubek and Manfred Loach from Austria. Loach’s racing machine is probably the most striking car in the field – the Dallara is painted in pink due to the sponsor.

Manfred Loach im pink-lackierten GP2-Dallara beim Vorsaison-Test in Brünn

Pink Panther: Manfred Loach in Brno for the first test in his eye-catching Dallara GP2

In addition to Jaksch, four more Germans will race at this first BOSS GP race weekend 2018: Karl-Heinz Becker, Florian Schnitzenbaumer, Andreas Fiedler and Walter Steding.

Starting No Name Team Nat. Car
100 Thomas Jakoubek Top Speed AUT Dallara GP2
101 Peter Göllner Speed Center SUI Dallara GP2
110 Bianca Steiner Top Speed AUT Dallara GP2
111 « Piter » Ray-Ban FRA Dallara WSbR
181 Manfred Loach Top Speed AUT Dallara GP2
212 John Reaks Speed Center GBR Dallara WSbR
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
411 Karl-Heinz Becker Becker Motorsport DEU Dallara WSbR
430 Martin Kindler Kindler Motorsport SUI Dallara WSbR
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

Schedule: BOSS GP at Bosch Hockenheim Historic
The 4.5-kilometre Grand Prix circuit and the supporting events compete, so to speak, for the spectators’ favour. On each of the three days of the event from 9.00 a.m. on the race track is literally round-the-clock. The BOSS GP series runs two 25-minute training sessions, one half-hour qualifying session and two 20-minute races. Testing takes place on Thursday (April 19) throughout the day.

Friday: April 20, 2018

10:00 am-10:25 am: Free practice 1
16:15-16:40: Free practice 2

Saturday: April 21, 2018

10:35 am-11:05 am: Qualifying
17:00-17:20: Race 1

Sunday: April 22, 2018

13:20-13:40: Race 2

The schedule featuring all racing series can be found under this link

Phil Stratford im 1997er-Benetton in Hockenheim 2017

Phil Stratford in his 97′ Benetton drives around a corner in the famous Motodrom

 

Tickets for fans: Bosch Hockenheim Historic
There’s an introductory offer for ten euros on Friday. A day ticket for Saturday or Sunday costs 30 euros each, 45 euros for the weekend. Wheelchair users and children up to 14 years have free entry – paddock and free choice of seats included.

Tickets can be ordered on site, via the online ticket shop or by calling the hotline +49 6205 950-222.

 

Night of Champions 2017

December 2nd, Flachau/Austria, 1.520 metres above sea level, surrounded by snow…

‘Lisa Alm’ one of the most popular party location in Austria was the perfect spot for the 2017 BOSS GP ‘Night of Champions’ powered by Pirelli!

An amazing evening where the 2017 BOSS GP Champions of both classes and the placed were honoured, entertaining 20min season highlight movie, excellent food and drinks, included by the performance of a international top DJ. What a night it has been to end this season..!

Pictures of today’s practice sessions available here:

Night of Champions 2017

 

OPEN class: Van Kalmthout wins last season race

Van Kalmthout wins last season race 2017 in the OPEN class.

Heavy change of the weather conditions im Imola over night lead to another exciting race on Sunday morning. The last race of the BOSS GP season 2017 brought another face on the P1 than Ingo Gerstls – young Dutch Rinus van Kalmthout won his second podium of the season.

Just two OPEN class drivers were left in the start grid of the BOSS GP season final: Rinus van Kalmthout (Mansell Motorsport) and Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing). Ingo Gerstl, who actually had secured his Championship title 2017 already a couple of races ago, stepped back from the race and didn’t compete. « There are technical issues related to these weather conditions. I don’t wanna risk driving the race without the necessary technical tests », Gerstl told us.

So it was a free lane for van Kalmthout. And the young Dutch did very well, driving his sixth race in his BOSS GP debut season in Imola. Van Kalmthout left no doubt about his sovereignty and aimed a start-finish-victory. « It was a good race and a good weekend, I really like the track here in Imola », van Kalmthout said after the podium ceremony. « I’ve never driven that car before in rain, so it felt different and much slower. So I gained a lot of experience this weeekend, which is good for the future. »

Phil Stratford drove a souveign rain-race as well and even managed to overtake FORMULA class driver Florian Schnitzebaumer after lap 3. The gap between van Kalmthout and Stratford indeed was 1:22,972 min, so P1 for the Dutch was never questioned.

Final of the season 2017.

 

Finally Ingo Gerstl defended the BOSS GP Championship 2017 more than successful with eight P1 out of nine races and 200 points in total. A victory, that was never questioned. Runner up – in his first BOSS GP season and making his debut in this car – is Rinus van Kalmthout with a total of 116 points. He is followed from third ranked Phil Stratford with a total of 111 points. Find the full standings of the whole grid on our ranking table.

Results of race 2 of OPEN class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Time Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 11 Rinus van Kalmthout NED Mansell Motorsport Dallara GP2 Evo 25:59,057 1:44,209 8 13
2 7 Phil Stratford USA Penn Elcom Racing Bennton B197 F1 27:22,029 1:50,717 12 1:22,972 13
3 1 Ingo Gerstl AUT Top Speed Toro Rosso STR1 F1

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

OPEN class: Race 1 in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-clear-win-for-gerstl-in-imola

OPEN class: Qualifyfing in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-chasing-new-track-record-again

OPEN class: Second free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-van-kalmthout-improves-time

OPEN class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-set-the-speed-at-first-free-training

OPEN class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

01/10/2017

FORMULA class: Golden weekend for Raghunathan

Mahaveer Raghunathan - double-winner of the weekend and winner of the FORMULA class Championship 2017.

It was a golden weekend for Indian driver Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport), who didn’t just win the race on Saturday in Imola, but also claimed the victory of the very last race of the season in Imola on Sunday again. With this result, Raghunathan not only won both races, but also the Championship 2017 of the BOSS GP FORMULA class.

As already reported, former leader of the FORMULA class, Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), had to cancel his participation of the two last season races due to technical problems on early Saturday morning, as well as PETER, who stepped back from both races as well due to technical issues. So a thrilling battle was left between local hero Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Raghunathan for the overall victory of this years Championship.

After winning season race 13 on Saturday in Imola, Raghunathan started the race on Sunday highly motivated again. Weather conditions in Imola had turned over completely during the night. So rainy, wet weather awaited the grid on the track. After two safety car laps the grid finally started into the race and was – despite the rain – on fire.

It was indeed not a good weekend for Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport). The Italian, as well as Raghunathan, had good chances, to win the Championshiop after Ledermairs cancellation of the weekend. But De Plano dropped out of the track in the beginning of fourth lap, which meant – all Championship chances were gone for him. So it was Raghunathans – holding position 2 of the overall grid – turn, to bring this race home safely.

 

Team "PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport" celebrating the Championship of Mahaveer Raghunathan.

Team « PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport » celebrating the Championship of Mahaveer Raghunathan.

 

Due to ongoing rain, conditions for all drivers were challenging. « I liked the rain and the wet track », Raghunathan indeed explained after the race. « I love driving during such weather conditions. » The Indian, well known as a good rain-driver, showed a souvereign performance and finally finished on first position of the FORMULA class. « I am really happy with that win and todays race. It was a lot of fun, and I’m absolutely happy, that I could make it P1 and finally the Championship as well. This is amazing. I want to give a huge thank you to my team at PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport, who did a great job », Raghunathan said after the podium ceremony.

Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed), having had some trouble at Saturday’s race, showed a great performance in Sunday’s race and secured P2. « I’m not really satisfied with my lap times today », the German wasn’t totally happy despite his podium position. « It was not a good racing year for me at all. But I tick it off, next year will be better », Schnitzenbaumer said.

 

Martin Kindler racing to P3 in Imola 2017.

Martin Kindler racing to P3 in Imola 2017.

 

For the first time this season, Martin Kindler (Jenzer Motorsport) raced onto the podium with P3, despite a significant gap to Raghunathan and Schnitzenbaumer. « We got along with the rainy weather conditions very well. It was a great race and driving to P3 with this car compared to the other cars of the grid is just amazing. I’m really happy with this result », Kindler told us after the podium ceremony. « I wonder, what it could have turned out, if I wouldn’t have rotated on the track twice. »

Veteran Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport), René Kouwenberg (De Boer Manx) and Nicolas Matile (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) completed the grid.

Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition), who seemed to race for his first season spot on the podium (P3) for a long time finally was disqualified for rule violation (passing through the pit lane) and turned into the box after nine laps, actually owning the P3 spot at this time of the race.

 

Final of the season 2017.

Final of the season 2017.

 

So in the end it is Mahaveer Raghunathan, who is the new Champion 2017 of the BOSS GP FORMULA class. The young Indian, who finished 2016 season on fifth place with a total of 118 points, performed a constant season 2017. 16 points separate Raghunathan from runner up Johann Ledermair, who finishes the season on second position. The gap to third ranked Salvatore De Plano is little: Ledermair leads over the Italian only by four points. Find the full standings of the whole grid on our ranking table.

Results of race 2, seasonrace 14, of FORMULA class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Time Fastest lap (min) In Gap (s) Laps km/h
1 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Dallara Lola 27:13,847 1:50,481 4 13 253,3
2 888 Florian Schnitzenbaumer GER Top Speed Dallara GP2 26:11,863 1:54,942 6 1 lap 12  247,0
3 430 Martin Kindler SUI Jenzer Motorsport Nissan World Series  26:29,257 1:54,636 10 1 lap 12 251,0
4 323 Armando Mangini ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 26:43,699 1:54,846 12 1 lap 12 255,7
5 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Super Nissan World Series 27:12,990 1:59,503 12 1 lap 12 247,6
6  139 René Kouwenberg NED De Boer Manx Dallara GP2 26:03,186 1:59,944 10 1 lap 11 209,2
7 116 Nicolas Matile SUI PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP 26:34,226 2:08,699 11 2 laps 11 207,2
Not classified 999 Salvatore De Plano ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2  08:29,172 1:58,373 3 10 laps 3 230,7
Disqualified 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2  20:25,959 1:56,462 4 4 laps 9 258,8

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

FORMULA class: First race Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-raghunathan-catches-win-in-the-last-lap

FORMULA class: Qualifying Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-florian-schnitzenbaumer-drives-to-the-top

FORMULA class: Second free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-de-plano-chasing-best-lap-time

FORMULA class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-fastest-lap-at-first-free-practice-for-raghuanthan

FORMULA class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

01/10/2017

OPEN class: Clear win for Gerstl in Imola

Podium ceremony of OPEN class in Imola 2017.

It was a well known picture at the end of the race in the OPEN class: Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) on top of the grid. The Austrian was followed by Rinus van Kalmthout (Mansell Motorsport) and Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing). 

A great performance during Qualifying in the morning made us think, the leader of the OPEN class and designated Champion of the 2017 season, Ingo Gerstl, would chase a new track record in Imola. With a great lap time of 1:21,703 min the Austrian came close to the current track record of 1:20,411. However, starting from pole position Gerstl drove a start-finish-victory – not for the first time this season – on the legendary track in Imola. He didn’t repeat his super fast laps from Qualifying. But with a gap of 17,270 sec of the second ranked Rinus van Kalmthout it was a sovereign race for the experienced Top Speed driver.

« The race went well. I am super happy with the great lap time, I raced in Qualifying », Gerstl explained after the race. About van Kalmthout, who drove to P2, Gerstl said: « He drove a great race. One can see – he knows, how to drive. He’s not a sleeping pill. »

Van Kalmthout, starting from position 2 of the overall start grid, showed a souvereign race as well, despite quite a gap to leading Ingo Gerstl. His P2 was never challenged. Phil Stratford as third OPEN class driver finished the race on overall position 5, what meant P3 in his class for him. The American as well drove a souvereign race, starting from position 5 and finishing on position 5 as well.

 

Rinus van Kalmthout on track in Imola 2017.

Rinus van Kalmthout on track in Imola 2017.

 

On Sunday drivers will go on track for the very last season race. The final will start at 11:00 a.m. Find our live coverage and updates not only on our website, but also on our social media channels:

www.facebook.com/bossgp2010

www.instagram.com/bossgp2010

www.twitter.com/bossgp2010

 

Results of race 2 of OPEN class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Time Fastest lap (min) In Gap Laps km/h
1 1 Ingo Gerstl AUT Top Speed Toro Rosso STR1 F1  20:44,446 1:27,068  4 14 312,7
2 11 Rinus van Kalmthout NED Mansell Motorsport Dallara GP2 Evo  21:02,166 1:28,027 4 17,720 14 309,1
3 7 Phil Stratford USA Penn Elcom Racing Bennton B197 F1  22:43,452 1:31,626 4 1:41,286 14 306,5

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

OPEN class: Qualifyfing in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-chasing-new-track-record-again

OPEN class: Second free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-van-kalmthout-improves-time

OPEN class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-set-the-speed-at-first-free-training

OPEN class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

30/09/2017

FORMULA class: Raghunathan catches win in the last lap

Podium ceremony of seasonrace 13 in Imola 2017.

What an exciting race at the « Peroni Race Weekend » in Imola. After the exit of Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport) before Qualifying, an exciting duel on top of the FORMULA class between Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) was expected. 

Due to technical problems FORMULA class leader Ledermair had to exit the race-weekend, before it even had begun. So all eyes were set on runner-up Salvatore De Plano and Mahaveer Raghunathan. With a successful completion of their races, the Championship decision of the FORMULA class could get a completely new drive.

Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed), who had performed a strong Qualifying with aiming startposition 3 for the race, dropped out of the race already in lap 1, due to technical problems with the engine. It can be assumed, that Schnitzenbaumer will compete in second race of the weekend on Sunday (start: 11:00 a.m.).

While Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) and Rinus van Kalmthout (Mansell Motorsport, both OPEN class) drove in their own league on top of the field (both classes, FORMULA and OPEN, start in the same race), there was a strong battle behind the two leading drivers of the grid. Raghunathan kept the lead against De Plano sharply behind him, beating off the attacks of the Italian. In sixth lap De Plano finally overtook the Indian and defended the overall position 3 of the grid massively, driving his Dallara GP 2 to the limit. But – two laps before finish, the brake-disc of De Plano broke down, he had to let pass Raghunathan and finished the race finally on FORMULA position 2, overall position 4 of the grid.

 

De Plano (l.) versus Raghunathan (r.) in Imola 2017.

De Plano (l.) versus Raghunathan (r.) in Imola 2017.

 

« I am really disappointed », De Plano told us after the race. « It was a great race in the beginning, I overtook Raghunathan and everything went well. Imola is a great track, driving in your home country is always special. So I was very happy, to race up in front of Raghunathan. But when the brake disc broke down, the ultimate chance for the Championship broke down as well. I can’t be happy with the P2 right now », he resumed right after the podium ceremony.

Meanwhile Mahaveer Raghunathan was more than happy about his P1. « The race was good. Now I hope, tomorrow I win again. I am very happy, winning here in Imola and I will try everything, to win the second race in Imola again », Raghunathan told us ofter the race. His ambitions for winning the Championship 2017 of the FORMULA class got new drive by todays race-day.

 

Imola 2017.

Battle for the P3 between Walter Steding (l.) and Armando Mangini (r.) Imola 2017.

 

Another thrilling duel was the battle between Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition) and Armando Mangini (MM International Motorsport) on position 6 and 7 of the overall start grid, meaning position 3 and 4 of the FORMULA class. While Steding started from position 6, he was overtaken by Mangini in lap 6. Both cars kept close together, having only a little gap between the two of them for the rest of the race. Mangini finally made it to the P3 of the race.

René Kouwenberg (De Boer Manx) improved his performance over the race weekend and finished on position 6 in front of Martin Kindler (Jenzer Motorsport) on position 7. Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport) on position 8 and Nicolas Matile (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) on position 9 followed. PETER had exited the race already before starting the engine, due to technical issues, which caused him quite a bit of trouble during free practices and Qualifying.

It will be an exciting second race day on Sunday. Cars will be on track for the very last season race on 11:00 a.m. Find live coverage and updates not only on our website, but also on all our social media channels:

www.facebook.com/bossgp2010

www.instagram.com/bossgp2010

www.twitter.com/bossgp2010

Results of race 1, seasonrace 13, of FORMULA class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Time Fastest lap (min) In Gap (s) Laps km/h
1 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Dallara Lola 21:57,218 1:31,644 3 14  278,1
2 999 Salvatore De Plano ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2  22:39,654 1:31,618  5 42,436 14 295,6
4 323 Armando Mangini ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2  21:28,231 1:37,129  7 1 lap 13 293,2
5 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2  21:33,999 1:37,474 13 1 lap 13 291,6
6  139 René Kouwenberg NED De Boer Manx Dallara GP2  21:35,576 1:37,220 12 1 lap 13 294,0
7 430 Martin Kindler SUI Jenzer Motorsport Nissan World Series  22:00,765 1:39,686 10 1 lap 13 273,2
8 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Super Nissan World Series  22:05,020 1:39,414 10 1 lap 13 279,5
9 116 Nicolas Matile SUI PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP  20:50,441 1:42,153 10 2 laps 12 276,0
10 111 ‘PETER’ FRA Ray-Ban World Series by Renault
11 888 Florian Schnitzenbaumer GER Top Speed Dallara GP2

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

FORMULA class: Qualifying Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-florian-schnitzenbaumer-drives-to-the-top

FORMULA class: Second free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-de-plano-chasing-best-lap-time

FORMULA class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-fastest-lap-at-first-free-practice-for-raghuanthan

FORMULA class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

30/09/2017

OPEN class: Gerstl chasing new track record again?

Ingo Gerstl on track in Imola 2017.

It was a well known picture, when Qualifying was finished: Ingo Gerstl (Top Speed) on top of the grid. The Austrian was followed by Rinus van Kalmthout (Mansell Motorsport) and Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing). 

Is Gerstl aiming for the next track record? After setting up a new best lap time on the track in Brno three weeks ago at the « Masaryk Racing Days », the Austrian showed some super fast laps on the track in Imola as well. With his best lap in 1:21,703 min he improved his time from practice session significantly (1:23,168). Current track record is set with 1:20,411  – it will be exciting to see, whether Gerstl can improve his speed furthermore and come close to the lap record in afternoon’s race (start: 3:40 p.m.). Definitely Gerstl will start the race from pole position.

Gerstl was followed by Rinus van Kalmthout. The young Dutch showed a great performance in his Dallara GP2 Evo as well and performed his best lap in 1:27,270, which means further improvement from the practice session. With not only the second best time in Qualifying, but also second best time of the overall grid (FORMULA and OPEN class), van Kalmthout will start from position 2 into the race on afternoon.

 

Rinus van Kalmthout during Qualifying on track in Imola 2017.

Rinus van Kalmthout during Qualifying on track in Imola 2017.

 

The OPEN class driver trio was completed by Phil Stratford. The American performed his best lap in 1:32,213, which means position 5 of the overall start grid. Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed) as well as Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport, both FORMULA class) performed faster laps than the OPEN class driver. So it is start position 5 at the first race of the weekend in Imola for Stratford.

Phil Stratford on track in Imola during Qualifying in Imola 2017.

Phil Stratford on track in Imola during Qualifying in Imola 2017.

 

Drivers and crews now look forward to the first race of the weekend, which will start at 3:40 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

Results of second free practice of OPEN class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) Gap Laps km/h
1 1 Ingo Gerstl AUT Top Speed Toro Rosso STR1 F1 1:21,703 6 318,2
2 11 Rinus van Kalmthout NED Mansell Motorsport Dallara GP2 Evo 1:27,270 5,567 5 305,6
3 7 Phil Stratford USA Penn Elcom Racing Bennton B197 F1 1:32,213 10,510 3 299,7

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

OPEN class: Second free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-van-kalmthout-improves-time

OPEN class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-set-the-speed-at-first-free-training

OPEN class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

30/09/2017

FORMULA class: Florian Schnitzenbaumer drives to the top

Florian Schnitzenbaumer during Qualifying in Imola 2017.

Qualifying for the races on the « Peroni Race Weekend » in Imola brought an interesting result for the FORMULA class.

First surprise already before first cars went on track: Johann Ledermair (Ledermair Motorsport), currently leading the FORMULA ranking, exited his race weekend due to technical problems. « We have some issues, we currently can’t solve. Going on track would be to dangerous, that’s why we decided, to exit the race weekend on this point. We will leave still today and solve the technical problems of the car after returning home », Johann Ledermair explains.

The exit of Ledermair for the last two races of the season brings new thrill for the final Championship decision of season 2017. Salvatore De Plano (MM International Motorsport) and Mahaveer Raghunathan (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) will fight for the title now, as long as both of them complete their races successfully.

But first – Florian Schnitzenbaumer (Top Speed) rolled up the grid with a great performance at the Qualifying. Staying nine laps on track, the German drove his best lap in 1:30,008 min – fastest driver of the FORMULA grid, overall third fastest time of the whole grid (FORMULA and OPEN class), which means start-position 3 for the race in the afternoon (start: 3:40 p.m.).

Close behind the Top Speed driver was Mahaveer Raghunathan. The young Indian, currently ranked in position 3 of the overall ranking of the FORMULA class, arrived with high ambitions in Imola and will definitely fight with a high attitude for the Championship title 2017. With his best lap in 1:30,341 he finished Qualifying as second fastest driver of the FORMULA class with a sharp gap to Schnitzenbaumer, but on position 4 of the overall grid.

But where was De Plano? The Italian – racing on his home track – is as well highly ambitious and aiming for the title of the Champion 2017. He performed his best lap time in 1:32,754, which means third fastest driver of the FORMULA class in Qualifying, sixth fastest driver of the overall start grid. So De Plano will start from position 6 into the race on the afternoon.

Qualifying in Imola 2017.

Qualifying in Imola 2017: Salvatore De Plano (r.) in front of Rinus van Kalmthout and Ingo Gerstl (both OPEN class).

 

Armando Mangini (MM International Motorsport), Walter Steding (Inter Europol Competition), Martin Kindler (Jenzer Motorsport), René Kouwenberg (De Boer Manx), Karl-Heinz Becker (Becker Motorsport) and PETER (Ray-Ban) completed the grid, while Nicolas Matile (PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport) spun of the track, his Lola Auto GP had to be recovered.

Drivers and crews now look forward to the first race of the weekend, which will start at 3:40 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

Results of Qualifying of FORMULA class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) Gap (s) Laps km/h
1 888 Florian Schnitzenbaumer GER Top Speed Dallara GP2 1:30,008 9  296,4
2 115 Mahaveer Raghunathan IND PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Dallara Lola 1:30,341 0,333 2  276,7
3 999 Salvatore De Plano ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1:32,754 2,746 5 288,5
4 323 Armando Mangini ITA MM International Motorsport Dallara GP2 1.34,810 4,802 8 287,7
5 505 Walter Steding GER Inter Europol Competition Dallara GP2 1:36,761 6,753 9 288,5
6 430 Martin Kindler SUI Jenzer Motorsport Nissan World Series 1:37,096 7,088 10 262,6
7  139 René Kouwenberg NED De Boer Manx Dallara GP2 1:38,480 8,472 11 285,4
8 411 Karl-Heinz Becker GER Becker Motorsport Super Nissan World Series 1:41,981 11,973 9 267,8
9 111 ‘PETER’ FRA Ray-Ban World Series by Renault 1:52,840 21,832 2  236,2
10 116 Nicolas Matile SUI PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport Lola Auto GP

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

FORMULA class: Second free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-de-plano-chasing-best-lap-time

FORMULA class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-fastest-lap-at-first-free-practice-for-raghuanthan

FORMULA class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

30/09/2017

OPEN class: Van Kalmthout improves time

Second free practice in Imola 2017.

Just two OPEN class drivers entered the track for the second free practice session on the circuit in Imola on Friday afternoon. Ingo Gerstl stayed in the box, but will start at the Qualifying on Saturday. Weather conditions fit well in the afternoon again: 22°, sun, no clouds and no rain.

Both BOSS GP classes – OPEN and FORMULA class – went on track together for the practice session. Due to two spin offs of the track by FORMULA class drivers, to red flag phases cooled the speed of the grid down in the beginning of the session. But once, the track was released for all drivers again, Rinus van Kalmthout killed the asphalt in Imola.

With his best lap in 1:28,455 min the Dutch not only performed the best lap time of the overall grid. He improved his time from morning session for almost a second (1:29,027). Van Kalmthout was followed by Phil Stratford (Penn Elcom Racing), who performed his best lap in 1:32,313 min. The American drove a slower time than in first free practice of the day. But he will definitely go faster at the Qualifying on Saturday morning.

 

Second free practice in Imola 2017.

Second free practice in Imola 2017.

 

Next step of the race weekend is the Qualifying, which will start at 10:05 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Results of second free practice of OPEN class at « Peroni Race Weekend »:

Position No. Name Nat. Team Car Fastest lap (min) Gap Laps km/h
1 11 Rinus van Kalmthout NED Mansell Motorsport Dallara GP2 Evo 1:28,455 10 309,1
2 7 Phil Stratford USA Penn Elcom Racing Bennton B197 F1 1:32,313 3,858 11 305,6

MORE:

Picture gallery of Imola 2017: bossgp.com/gallery/imola-boss-gp-superprix

Schedule Imola 2017: bossgp.com/timetable-for-the-peroni-race-weekend-in-imola-ita

OPEN class: First free practice in Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-gerstl-set-the-speed-at-first-free-training

OPEN class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/open-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

FORMULA class: Start list Imola 2017: bossgp.com/formula-class-start-list-for-boss-gp-superprix-in-imola-ita-is-set

Standings of season 2017: bossgp.com/standings

29/09/2017