Photo: ADAC

Team Engstler celebrate Zandvoort 1-2

By

Team Engstler’s Luca Engstler and Théo Coicaud finished first and second respectively in Race 2 at Zandvoort, which marked the German teenager’s maiden win in TCR Germany, as his French team-mate took his first podium in the series.

Engstler admits a good getaway off the line was crucial, as he led the race from lights to flag.

“The start was great,” said the German. “I have tried to keep the lead and drop me off at the top. Our strategy was just great, just as Théo and I planned it. We are happy and proud. On Saturday I also had a good start and went up from tenth to fifth, which was amazing, but we did not have the speed to challenge for the very front. I am proud that I was able to win the second race on Sunday with the Hyundai i30 N TCR. I am very satisfied with this weekend and look forward to the next race in three weeks at the Sachsenring.”

Théo Coicaud was equally happy, as he took his first podium finish and completed the team’s 1-2, despite pressure from Niels Langeveld, who strengthened his lead in the championship to nine points after a storming drive from tenth to finish third in his Audi RS 3 LMS.

“I am so happy for the team,” said the Frenchman. “For me it was the first podium finish ever. Many thanks to the team and the sponsors who have made this outcome possible at all. I had a great start from fifth to third. After the restart, I was able to advance to second place. I had a lot of pressure from Langeveld, but I managed to keep him at bay.”

Despite having the best possible outcome on Sunday, Team Manager Andreas Blade admits the team still aren’t where they would like to be in terms of pace with the i30 N TCR, although the Zandvoort weekend showed improvements.

“On Saturday we started to show that we are making good progress with the Hyundai i30 N TCR, but we were not where we wanted to be. Due to the reversed grid on Sunday the result is indeed embellished somewhat, but we have demonstrated in Zandvoort that the cars and the drivers do a good job.”

Engstler’s win keeps him in the frame for the championship battle, as he is now third, 22 points off leader Niels Langeveld and 13 off second-placed Harald Proczyk in his Opel Astra TCR. Mike Halder is fourth in the best-placed Honda Civic, 39 points shy of the lead.