Stunning comeback from Volker in Q4
After a disastrous third qualifier in which his car suffered heavy damage, Ronald Volker made a stunning comeback to TQ the last qualifier of the day here at the Muchmore sponsored Euro Touring Series finale ahead of Viktor Wilck. The German driver had his work cut out to get his BD5 rebuilt in time for the run, having damaged the front spool and suspension mounts, but he got it done to put in a run that denied Wilck from taking overall TQ honours. The result means we will have to wait till the final qualifier in the morning to see whether its Wilck or Volker that claims the No.1 spot on the grid. Volker said his car did not get tweaked in the accident and other than slight understeer in the left hand corners it was perfect. Due to his two DNF rounds, the World Championship runner up said he wont be challenging for TQ in the fifth and final qualifier, as he must drive safely needing to bag decent points to ensure an overall Top 10 placing and a spot on the A Main grid. We will see in the morning.
The winner of the second qualifier Marc Rheinard saw his chances of TQ honours ended as he could only manage the third fastest time suffering with a loose car. The World Champion thinks the rear diff was the cause of the problem and plans to build a new unit for tomorrow. Defending Champion Jilles Groskamp and Kyosho pairing Christopher Krapp & Patrick Gassauer completed the Top 6. After a strong run in the previous qualifier Steven Weiss rolled his Xray out of the round.
In Pro Stock, ETS standings leader Daniel Wohlgemuth finally delivered the goods with the best 5-minute run of the weekend just ahead of defending Champion Alexander Stocker who is starting to show the pace that took him to victory here last year. Wohlgemuth said the warmer conditions had improved the handling of his blue anodised Xray and with the prospects of sunny weather here tomorrow he is confident for the finals. Stocker said things were ‘Getting better and better’ but he still needs to concentrate more on his driving. Having already secured pole for the A-Main Matthias Lang used the run to try a different set-up for the final and only completed nine laps as he was pitting to make various adjustments.
Drivers will have one last practice opportunity in the morning before the last round of qualifiers that will determine who lines up where for tomorrow afternoon’s finals, after which the 2008/2009 ETS Champions will be crowned.
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