Volkswagen Motorsport Newsletter 08/2017

May 15, 2017 by Volkswagen

FIA World Rallycross Championship

Maiden victory for the Polo GTI: Kristoffersson wins in Mettet

Success at the fourth attempt: Johan Kristoffersson (S) earned PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden its first victory in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX). Kristoffersson, at the wheel of the 570-hp Volkswagen Polo GTI Supercar, won the fourth round of the season in Mettet (B), narrowly defeating Timmy Hansen (S, Peugeot) in a dramatic finale that came down to the finish straight. 'That is very special. What an incredible feeling,' said Kristoffersson, who had dominated the heats. Petter Solberg (N) started from pole position and crossed the finish line third to help extend PSRX Volkswagen Sweden's lead in the Team competition. In the Drivers' Championship, Kristoffersson made up ground on leader Mattias Ekström (S, Audi). The Volkswagen driver remains second behind his compatriot. The fifth of this season's twelve rounds in the WRX will be held at Lydden Hill (GB) in a fortnight.

TCR International Series

Two top-five finishes: Vernay defends his championship lead

Jean-Karl Vernay (F, Leopard Racing) scored valuable points at the fourth race weekend of the TCR International Series in Monza (I). In doing so, he successfully defended his lead in the Drivers' Championship. The driver from Leopard Racing Team WRT finished fourth in his Golf GTI TCR in the opening race, before coming home fifth in race two. Jaap van Lagen (NL), who stood in for Rob Huff (GB) in the Leopard Racing team at the iconic Formula 1 circuit, crossed the finish line eleventh on Sunday – one place ahead of fellow Volkswagen driver Giacomo Altoè (I, West Coast Racing). Victories at the Autodromo di Monza went to Roberto Colciago (I, Honda) and Stefano Comini (CH, Audi). Round five of the TCR International Series takes place at the Salzburgring (A) on 9 to 11 June

TCR Asia

Another podium for Team Engstler: third place for Moran in Zhuhai

Diego Moran (EC) presented Liqui Moly Team Engstler with another podium finish at the third race weekend of TCR Asia in Zhuhai (CHN). The South American finished third with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR in Saturday's opening race, while team-mate Kantadhee Kusiri (T) crossed the finish line in ninth place. The Thai enjoyed more success in race two. Kusiri overcame the tricky conditions caused by a wet track to come home sixth. In the Drivers' Championship, Moran (89) and Kusiri (85) are second and third at the halfway point of the season. The Bangsaen Street Circuit in Chonburi (T) will host the fourth race weekend of the TCR Asia on 1 and 2 July.

Japanese Formula 3 Championship

Win number five: Takaboshi triumphs in Fuji

Five wins from seven races: Mitsunori Takaboshi (J) continued his impressive run in the Japanese Formula 3 Championship at the third race weekend of the year in Fuji (J). The young driver from Volkswagen customer team B-MAX Racing won race two on Sunday and remains the dominant force in the Drivers' Championship. Ye Hongli (CHN) also had cause to celebrate on the Saturday: the Chinese driver from Volkswagen customer team KRC with B-Max came home third in race one. The next race weekend will be held in Okayama (J) from 26 to 28 May.

Next up:

21/05/2017

Global Rallycross, Louisville (USA)

20/05–21/05/2017

FIA Formula 3 European Championship, Pau (B)

19/05–21/05/2017

TCR Benelux, Zandvoort (NL)

20/05–21/05/2017

British Touring Car Championship, Oulton Park (GB)

20/05/2017

Engen Volkswagen Cup South Africa, East London (ZA)

20/05/2017