Gerstl secures OPEN title, Brenier celebrates at Dorrbecker win
The BOSS GP Super Prix at Brno has decided the 2016 championship: Ingo Gerstl is the new OPEN Class Champion, while Christopher Brenier has won the FORMULA Class
The OPEN Class has a new champion: Ingo Gerstl won the race at the Automotodrom Brno single-handedly and has succeeded Klaas Zwart as OPEN Class champion. « Winning the title in the OPEN class in a F1 car has always been my dream. And now it has come true! All I want now, is get home quickly and celebrate with all my mechanics. »
Peter Milavec placed his ChampCar on P2 further consolidating his runner-up spot in the championship. Wolfgang Jordan crowned his comeback after his heavy shunt in Monza with a podium finish, overtaking Hans Laub in the final lap, when the German’s Forti FG03 rolled out with a dry tank. « There was simply not enough petrol in the car. Pity », Laub was devastated. « When I saw Hans retired, I thought, why is he not pushing the car across the line? No, seriously, I am really delighted to have finished on P3 », Jordan said.
Already the start was exciting, because when the lights went on green, several cars were banging wheels in the fight for top spot. Christof von Grünigen took the lead, but when he battled with Frits van Eerd, they crashed. The Dutchman’s Benetton suffered a massive gearbox failure and abruptly slowed down in a corner. Von Grünigen showed great skill avoiding a heavy shunt, but spun off and had to retire. « The start was hectic and there was a lot of pressure in the grid. Christof was very strong and really unfortunate at the crash », team boss Michael Zele said.
Chris Höher jumped into the lead, but was shown the black flag. Höher had stalled his car in the warm up lap, but regained all spots for the start, which is not allowed. He missed the Drive Through penalty and was consequently disqualified. « That’s really annoying, because I didn’t know that rule. It cost me the win, because my pace was good. Really annoying. » Luis Michael Dorrbecker seemed the only driver keeping his cool in the heat of Brno and took his maiden BOSS GP win. « It’s a great feeling. Yesterday was pretty bad for me, so this win is even better. Let’s go celebrate! »
India’s Mahaveer Raghunathan finished a strong weekend on P2, dedicating his first podium to his grandfather, « as he has always supported me from my first Karting days. » Christopher Brenier crowned a great run after having started from far down the grid with P3, which meant winning the FORMULA Class title. « I am gobsmacked and just happy. The title means so much to me. Tonight will be big party. Now we can take it easy in Imola, but we also want to finish on the podium there. »