Casiraghi provides for more spectacular actionHot favourite Jordan Lee Pepper produced an impressive display to secure a brace of wins on the opening weekend of the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup season. The 17-year-old South African triumphed in bright sunshine on Sunday afternoon, crossing the finish line at the Hockenheimring just 1.2 seconds ahead of Manuel Fahnauer. The best-placed German in the field swapped places with the runner-up from race one, Sweden’s Victor Bouveng, who had to settle for third place this time round.
As well as the captivating action at the head of the field, guest starter Pierre Casiraghi (MC) once again thrilled the crowds in the grandstands with another impressive performance. After finishing 22nd in race one, the son of Princess Caroline of Hannover came home 20th in only his second race. Casiraghi, who had enjoyed the support of legendary racing drivers Jacky Ickx (B) and Stéphane Ortelli (MC) in Hockenheim, again impressed the spectators with his spectacular driving style. As in the opening race, he was involved in another overtaking manoeuvre that saw contact made between two cars. This time it was not with former playmate Doreen Seidel (D), but Michael Müller (D). Away from the Scirocco R-Cup, Casiraghi was treated to another great experience when fellow racing driver Daniel Abt (D) took him out for a flying lap of the Hockenheimring.
The four ladies in the field of 24 more than held their own again. Swede Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky, who finished fifth in race one, crossed the finish line in ninth place. France’s Lucile Cypriano, who earned her start in the Scirocco R-Cup by winning a talent competition held by the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, claimed the final place in the top ten. Jasmin Preisig (CH) came home 18th. Doreen Seidel (D), 2008 Playmate of the Year, ended the race in a respectable 19th place. Moritz Oberheim (D) was the top rookie in the one-make cup, finishing fifth in race two. Victory in the Junior class went to Denmark’s Nicolaj Møller Madsen.
The next race weekend in the world’s only one-make cup featuring natural gas-powered cars takes place in two weeks’ time, 16th to 18th May, in Oschersleben. Pepper, who also dominated free practice and qualifying, travels to Volkswagen’s home event as the championship leader with a maximum 50 points. Good starts from Fahnauer and Bouveng see them tied in second place on 40 points.
Quotes after the second race of the season in Hockenheim
Manuel Reuter, mentor to the Scirocco R-Cup: “That was an excellent race weekend, with some thrilling battles out on the track. Furthermore, the guys and girls put on a superb display of fair motor racing. Respect! A huge compliment goes to our 17 newcomers, including our guest from Monaco, who treated the crowds to two great races. The more experienced drivers may have taken the podium spots this time, but the juniors are asking questions and will put them under pressure. We will certainly see that at the next race in Oschersleben.”
Stéphane Ortelli, Le Mans winner: “Pierre produced a great race debut here in Hockenheim. I am really proud of him. He improved continuously over the course of the weekend, from free practice and qualifying to the two races on Saturday and Sunday. The fact that was seven or eight tenths faster in parts of the race than he was in qualifying shows he has some talent. And he also demonstrated genuine racing driver qualities at the start. He did not shy away in either of the races, but also avoided taking too many risks. I obviously also really enjoyed the weekend, and am impressed with the professional way the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup is run.”
#26 Pierre CasiraghiQualifying: 21 – Race 20: “I am so happy. That was a fantastic weekend. My first outing in the cockpit of a racing car was amazing fun, but also very tiring. I am obviously pleased to have made it through the two races without any major incidents – minor contact and scratches aside. On Saturday I thanked Jacky Ickx and Stéphane Ortelli, who helped me a lot during preparations and here at the circuit. However, I would also like to say a big thank you to the drivers, mechanics and the entire Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup team for making a rookie like me feel so welcome.”
#17 Jordan Lee PepperQualifying: 1 – Race 1: “A double victory to start the season. The start of the Scirocco R-Cup season could not have gone any better for me. I feel very comfortable in the car. It goes without saying that the championship is my main goal this year. I said that even before this weekend. At least I now know that I am in good form – but there are still another eight races to come. At the moment I am just pleased to have the points in the bag, and am looking forward to the next race in Oschersleben in two weeks. Compliments again to Pierre Casiraghi: when you consider that he had never before sat in a racing car, that was an extremely impressive display on both days.”
#20 Manuel FahnauerQualifying: 3 – Race 2: “Wow, what a great start to the season. I am really happy. If anyone had predicted that during the tests in Oschersleben, I would have sent them straight to the doctor. Nothing seemed to be working back then. To finish third and second here is a huge relief. I made another great start in race two and was then involved in a tough battle with Jordan until shortly before the end, but the win was not quite meant to be.”
#23 Victor BouvengQualifying: 4 – Race 3: “It is my grandfather’s 70th birthday this week, and I will go and visit him in Spain. Now we have another reason to celebrate – namely my two podiums this weekend. I am extremely happy and already looking forward to Oschersleben.”
