André Kursim made in-roads in to José Rodrigues’ Promoter’s Cup standings lead on his home turf of Nürburgring last weekend.
André Kursim made in-roads in to José Rodrigues’ Promoter’s Cup standings lead on his home turf of Nürburgring last weekend.
The young Tankpool24 Racing driver scored two category victories as he enjoyed his best FIA ETRC weekend to date.
Kursim took his Mercedes-Benz truck to wins in race two and race three to ensure he now stands just five points behind Rodrigues. 25-year-old Kursim was close to scoring a hat-trick as he led the majority of race one but was demoted to second by a late Rodrigues move.
“It was a really good, almost perfect weekend for us,” said Kursim. “Nürburgring is not only the biggest race of the series, it is also the only one on home soil, so that’s always very special for me. Friends, family and all the sponsors paid us a visit this weekend and I’m really happy that I could give back something to them with a good performance in the races.”
“For exactly one year now I am in the same truck, which is a big constant for me, because in the past times I’ve always had different race trucks. Working for a longer time with the same truck gives me trust to the vehicle and the chance to steady improve my performance on the race track.”
While Kursim tasted success at the ‘Ring, round three of the FIA ETRC was a mixed one for current cup leader Jose Rodrigues in his Reboconorte MAN.
“This was a very difficult and hard weekend for me because I’ve had many problems with the truck,” said the Portuguese ace. “But besides the racing, I have to say that this was a great weekend here at the Nürburgring. A lot of spectators, good atmosphere and I think this year the organisation was really good at Nürburgring.”
Jeremy Robineau, who replaced his brother Thomas in the #21 MAN, experienced a solid weekend awarded with two podiums in the cup recorded in races two and three. “I’m satisfied with my two podium spots in the Promoter’s Cup this weekend. I really enjoyed racing here at Nürburgring, as it is a really special and big event with a huge number of fans and all the partners from the industry,” stated the Frenchman.
Rookie Steffen Faas, who made his first foray into truck racing teaming up with vastly experienced Gerd Körber in Team Schwabentruck, put together a very solid performance that resulted in a second and a third place.
“It was always a childhood dream. When I was a kid we always visited the Truck Grand Prix at Nürburgring,” said Faas. “To be really honest, I was expecting a little bit more (from the results). Having said that, I don’t want to complain either. The trend is clearly upwards. But, I also realised that it takes a little bit more practice and some more experience to get used to the driving behaviour of the truck.”
Check out the Promoter's Cup standing HERE.