Nicky Catsburg hails “fantastic race” at the Nürburgring

Volvo’s Nicky Catsburg has hailed a fantastic race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, after winning the main race and moving into the lead of the drivers’ standings.

The Dutchman took the lead from second on the grid, taking his first win at Volvo, and the second of his career, holding off Norbert Michelisz’s Honda for the first lap before sailing away to win the race by three seconds.

“It was a fantastic race,” said Catsburg “We learned the car in Race 1 for Race 2, as that was our focus. On the second lap, I managed to pull a little gap, and after that it was just bringing it back to the flag.

“It was awesome to be out in front at the Nordschleife. I saw a lot of fans on the track, it was really enjoyable.”

With Honda’s Tiago Monteiro scoring no points after a puncture in Race 1, with the damage forcing him to start from the pit lane for Race 2, Catsburg was able to capitalise in the championship, moving into the lead by just two points.

“The punctures are not a very nice thing to have, we saw that last year and this year again,” said Catsburg to TouringCarTimes.

“We went very conservative with the set-up, as there are a few things you can do to stress the tyres less. Also, there are a few things you can do on the first lap such as avoid the kerbs, so I didn’t have any issues.”