Dirk Schouten strengthens his championship position, gaining a valuable 21.5-point lead over his closest rival.
Dréke Janssen makes a statement with an outstanding weekend performance, earning him the 'Michelin Star of the Weekend' award.
Red Bull Ring, September 15, 2024 - The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux delivered an intense and weather-affected fifth meeting of the season at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Despite the challenging conditions, Kalle Rovanperä and Sacha Norden emerged victorious, each securing a win over the weekend. The series also highlighted emerging talents, with rookie Dréke Janssen putting on an impressive performance, earning the 'Michelin Star of the Weekend' award. The championship now moves to its thrilling finale, scheduled for October 11-13 at Circuit Zolder, where two sprint races of 30 minutes and one lap will decide the season’s outcome.
Stormy start to the weekend
The weekend began with Benjamin Paque (D’Ieteren Luxury Performance) securing a double pole position, earning him the Tag Heuer Pole Position Award. However, Saturday's race was cut short due to extreme weather, with race officials halting it before the halfway point. "A tough but necessary decision," said race director Olivier Aerts, as only half points were awarded.
In the difficult conditions, Finland’s Kalle Rovanperä (RedAnt Racing), a two-time world rally champion, claimed his second victory of the season. He beat Niels Langeveld (Q1 Trackracing) and rookie Dréke Janssen (RedAnt Racing), who showcased his skills by completing the podium in third and winning the rookie battle.
Championship leader Dirk Schouten (Q1 Trackracing) finished fourth, extending his lead despite the half points. Sam Jongejan (Team RaceArt) took fifth overall and second among rookies, while Paul Meijer (Hans Weijs Motorsport) came in sixth. In PRO-AM, Jani Käkelä (39 Racing) took the win, ahead of Maik Rosenberg (Team GP Elite) and Jules Grouwels (Team RaceArt).
Sacha Norden secures maiden victory
Sunday saw calmer weather, but the damp track forced drivers to start on rain tires, which struggled as the asphalt dried. Tire management became crucial as the race unfolded.
Dirk Schouten made a strong start, while Kalle Rovanperä found himself in the gravel early on but fought his way back to finish sixth. The race belonged to 2023 PRO-AM champion Sacha Norden (JW Raceservice), who claimed his first-ever Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux victory. Schouten, mindful of the championship, finished second, gaining valuable points, followed by Paque in third.
Dréke Janssen continued his stellar weekend with another fourth-place finish and a second rookie win. He outpaced Kobe Pauwels (D’Ieteren Luxury Performance), the current rookie standings leader, while Jurriaan de Back (JW Raceservice) took third among the rookies. Pauwels maintains a narrow lead in the rookie championship with 203.5 points, ahead of Sam Jongejan with 176.
In the PRO-AM category, Käkelä secured another win, solidifying his lead in the class standings with 193.5 points, ahead of Jules Grouwels and Ziad Geris (PG Motorsport).
Championship standings heading to Zolder
As the season heads into its final races at Circuit Zolder, Dirk Schouten holds a strong lead in the overall standings with 159.5 points, followed by Paul Meijer (138 points) and Benjamin Paque (125 points). In the team standings, Q1 Trackracing leads with 259.5 points, ahead of D’Ieteren Luxury Performance with 223.5 points.
The season finale promises to be an exciting showdown as drivers and teams battle for the top places on October 11-13.
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