Another TQ run for Hoppe in Q2
Having TQ’d the opening round of Pro Stock qualifying at the ETS season opener, ARC driver Lars Hoppe repeated the performance in Q2. The German topped the 5-minute qualifier ahead of former champion Martin Hofer despite having to drive the last minute with a collapsed roof. Again setting the fastest lap, Hoppe was on target for another 20-lap run until he came across an incident on the main straight which he was unable to avoid. Although he only lost around 1/2 a second, he would have to continue with a distorted bodyshell causing him to drop off his early pace. Running his R10 the same as he did in Q1, Hoppe said up to that it was pretty much a repeat of the first qualifier. Very happy with the cars performance he said for tomorrow the only change he would consider is going back from the Super lightweight Blitz GSF to the Lightweight version.
Having had issues with prototype parts he fitted to his Schumacher for Q1, modifications to these for Q2 would allow the former champion to run a competitive second qualifier. Running his car standard in practice so to have a good base to work from for testing the prototype parts and topping the first timed practice, Hofer said a ‘mistake building’ it for qualifying left him struggling in the first round. With it all rectified for Q2 he said he now has a good base to work from and he is confident that they can be stronger for the final two qualifiers.
Although he fixed the steering linkage issue he had on his Xray in Q1 when he was second fastest, reigning champion Marek Cerny would end up pulling off in Q2 with an ill handling car. Again having issues with left hand corners, the Czech driver who showed very well on his competitive Ride Modified class debut today, suspects a bad tire is the cause of his problem as having gone over his T4 completely can not find anything out of place.
In Formula, Jan Ratheisky would also make it 2 from 2 again taking his Xray X1 to a TQ run this time ahead of team-mate Francesco Martini.
View the complete event results here.
View our event image gallery here.
