VTCS S4 Round 1 - Report
Race Report: Virtual Touring Car Series - Season 4, Round 1
Location: Red Bull Ring - National Layout
Date: 11/09/23
Qualifying:
The opening round of the Virtual Touring Car Series Season 4 kicked off with a thrilling qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring's National Layout. It was an intense battle for pole position, with the top drivers pushing their cars to the limit to secure the best possible starting position for the first race of the season.
Paul Zanettacci showcased his speed and skill by claiming pole position with a blistering lap time of 54.843 seconds. He edged out Platon Kupriyanov by a mere 0.017 seconds, highlighting the competitiveness of the field. Daniel Merchant secured the third position on the grid, just 0.156 seconds behind the leader.
Here's a summary of the top 10 qualifiers:
1. Paul Zanettacci - 54.843
2. Platon Kupriyanov - 54.86
3. Daniel Merchant - 55.0
4. Tamás Asbóth - 55.009
5. James Egan - 55.08
6. David Ward - 55.083
7. Mikko Kuitunen - 55.136
8. Jan Mild - 55.245
9. Evan Henneman - 55.253
10. Damy Herber - 55.311
The grid was set, and anticipation was building for the first race of the season.
Race 1:
The excitement was palpable as the lights went out, and the cars roared off the line for the first race of the season at the Red Bull Ring's National Layout. Paul Zanettacci, starting from pole position, held his nerve and maintained his lead throughout the race, ultimately crossing the finish line in first place.
Platon Kupriyanov, who had started second on the grid, put up a fierce fight but couldn't quite catch Zanettacci, settling for second place. Daniel Merchant, starting third, rounded out the podium positions, securing a solid third-place finish.
Notably, David Ward made a charge from sixth on the grid to finish in fourth place, showcasing impressive racecraft. James Egan, who started in fifth position, completed the top five.
Here are the top 10 finishers in Race 1:
1. Paul Zanettacci
2. Platon Kupriyanov
3. Daniel Merchant
4. David Ward
5. James Egan
6. Mikko Kuitunen
7. Jan Mild
8. Mark Peck
9. Tamás Asbóth
10. Evan Henneman
Race 2:
Race 2 promised even more action, with the grid determined by the finishing positions of Race 1 but with a twist. The top 15 finishers from Race 1 were reversed to set the starting positions for Race 2. This meant that Mark Peck found himself on pole position for the second race.
Mark Peck seized the opportunity and led from start to finish, securing a well-deserved victory. Ayrton Reutemann had a fantastic race, starting from 31st and finishing second, narrowly missing out on the win.
James Egan, who started 11th, continued to impress by finishing in third place, demonstrating his consistency and adaptability. Evan Henneman and Jan Mild completed the top five in Race 2.
Here are the top 10 finishers in Race 2:
1. Mark Peck
2. Ayrton Reutemann
3. James Egan
4. Evan Henneman
5. Jan Mild
6. Mikko Kuitunen
7. David Ward
8. David Buckley
9. Benjamin England
10. Jamie Allen
Championship Standings:
After the first round of the Virtual Touring Car Series Season 4, the championship standings are as follows:
1. Mark Peck - 82 points
2. James Egan - 81 points
3. David Ward - 74 points
4. Jan Mild - 72 points
5. Mikko Kuitunen - 72 points
The championship battle is heating up, and with five more rounds to go, there's no shortage of excitement ahead. Stay tuned for more thrilling racing action in the Virtual Touring Car Series!