AMG-Team ZAKSPEED races to victory in OscherslebenJunior-Team impressive with stunning race resultsMercedes-AMG GT3 competitive and reliable
It was the perfect start for the AMG-Team ZAKSPEED at the season opener in Oschersleben: The reigning driver champions stormed to victory in the first race of the ADAC GT Masters with their new Mercedes-AMG GT3. The Junior-Team also impressed with great finishes. For the team based in Niederzissen in support with BKK Mobil, the mission to defend their title is in full swing.
The AMG-Team ZAKSPEED set their first milestone in the first qualifying session. Sebastian Asch set the second-best lap time and started into the first race of the ADAC GT Masters from the front row. Following a good start, the AMG-Team ZAKSPEED was able to attack right at the front. The one-hour race speeded-up towards the end, when Luca Ludwig charged past two competitors to take the front spot, crossing the finishing line in first place.
All sights were set on a start-to-finish victory on Sunday. Luca Ludwig placed the #1 racing car on Pole Position and dominated the race straight from the beginning. But the dream of a second win was not to come true, after a penalty was given after the race due to misconduct during a Safety-Car period.
“It is a real shame, that we could not bring home the second victory, but we stand together as a team”, says Peter Zakowski, Team Principal AMG-Team ZAKSPEED. “But I am very pleased with the performance of all our drivers. We won the first race and showed the great potential of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3. I am also very happy with the junior drivers, Nikolaj Rogivue and Felix Rosenqvist, who really impressed me the whole weekend.”
The Junior-Team with Nikolaj Rogivue and Felix Rosenqvist absolved a top-job throughout the entire weekend and finished in 11th in the first race and a fantastic fourth place on Sunday.
Driver Quotes:
Sebastian Asch:"Luca did a really great job on Saturday, especially the last move was really hot. I didn´t expect to win, therefore I am even more pleased for all of the team. Everyone gave their best the entire weekend and we worked really well together. This is reflected in the results.”
Luca Ludwig:"Saturday is a day that will be in our memories for a very long time. It was a great victory. We were running a good strategy and the pit-stops worked well, too. I was able to show some good overtakings and our car was very good under breaking and towards the end of the race. It is a real shame that we received the penalty on Sunday, but we were still able to show our performance and we will be right back up there.”
Nikolaj Rogivue:"I am quite satisfied with my performance this weekend. The flying start on Saturday was something totally new to me. It also felt much larger than in Formula 4 and the cars touch as well. The races were very exciting for me and I am excited about the coming races at the Sachsenring.”
Felix Rosenqvist:"It was a truly great weekend for us. I think, I got the best out of the car. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 ran very well and felt great, especially towards the end of the race it picked-up pace. If the races had been longer, I am sure we could have improved on a few positions. It was my first time running in this championship and the races in the ADAC GT Masters were a lot of fun.”
