Boutsen Energy Racings Dimitri Enjalbert and McGregor by Equipe Vershuurs Mike Verschuur finished first and second in the first Eurocup Mgane Trophy race of the weekend at Nrburgring, taking advantage of a retirement by TDS Racings Jonathan Hirschi, and making headway in the overall points.
In third place, TDS Racings Pierre Thiriet fought hard for his third podium of the season. Starting from pole position, Mike Verschuur missed his chance and was caught out by Dimitri Enjalbert. Verschuur held off Jonathan Hirshi on the first corner, closely followed by Team Lompechs Fabrice Walfisch and Boutsen Energy Racings David Dermont.
The first corner went well, but the second was a different story! Enjalbert and Verschuur made it through without incident, but Walfisch, Tech 1 Racings Nick Castsburg, along with Dermont and Hirschi werent so lucky. While Hirschi limped back to the pits, Walfisch and Catsburg were forced to retire, as was the leader of the Eurocup Mgane Trophy, who also had to call it a day. David Dermont stayed on track, but with heavily modified bodywork he eventually had to throw in the towel.
After this altercation, it was Enalbert who led the dance ahead of Mike Versschuur, Thiriet, TDS Racings Jean-Philippe Madonia and Tech 1 Racings Matthieu Chruy. Enjalbert and Verschuur made a break for it, while the two TDS Racing Mgane Trophys were left to fight over third place. Neither driver was giving anything away.
Madonia finally saw his chance on the fourth lap. Up until the mandatory refueling stop, Mike Verschuur was right behind Dimitri Enjalbert. Enjalbert was the first of the leaders to pit. Madonia followed suit two laps later, followed shortly after by Mike Verschuur. The race order stayed the same, with Enjalbert leading Verschuur and Madonia. Pierre Thiriet and Matthieu Chruy opted for a different strategy, refuelling later than the leaders. This played into the hands of Thiriet, who left the pits ahead of teammate Madonia. Chruy lost one place in the maneuver, to the advantage of Verschuur Autosports Hoevort Vos.
A cool character to the last, Enjalbert won for the sixth time this season. Finishing in second place for the 7th time this season, Mike Verschuur was rewarded for his efforts and takes the lead back in the overall standings of Eurocup Mgane Trophy, with a 12 point lead over Jonathan Hirschi. Despite the return of his teammate, Pierre Thiriet mounts the podium for the second time this season.
In fourth, Jean-Philippe Madonia comes closer to the title in the Gentlemen Drivers class, even though his closest rival finished right behind him.
Quote, Dimitri Enjalbert: Its a circuit Im very happy on, so Im delighted with this win. I got off to a good start which allowed me to get past Mike Verschuur. I pushed hard at the start of the race to put some space between us. I had to be extra careful towards the end of the race as there was a lot of gravel on the track. Its my sixth win, well see what happens tomorrow, but I have even higher hopes for the championship now!
Mike Verschuur: My start was nothing special. I lost one place, but thankfully I managed to keep the others at bay. After that, I took advantage of a great car. Ive got a twelve-point lead now with three races left to run. Let's see what happens tomorrow."
Pierre Thiriet: Its a very good track for me. Thanks to a good strategy I was able to leave the stands ahead of Jean-Philippe. Its a great result for me and for the TDS Racing team who are now even closer to the teams title.
