Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup - Round 1
Hockenheim, Germany

Michelle Gatting, the young Dane selected by Volkswagen Motorsport and the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission to contest the 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup, is sixth in the Junior Cup classification after her debut outing in the series in Hockenheim this weekend.

The 18-year-old qualified 17th of the 25 cars on the grid, pitted against a field of former Formula One drivers in the Legends category, eight more seasoned touring car campaigners in the Pro Cup and the 13 young drivers in the Junior Cup.

Learning fast in her first race of this kind, Michelle progressed each lap to finish 13th overall and sixth in the Junior Cup.

“I had a good start and really fought for position,” said Michelle. “The field was really tight at the start and I got pushed out in a corner and damaged both rims badly. But, I kept fighting until the end and progressed every lap. Even though my times were as fast as those in the top eight, of course I’m not satisfied with the result and am looking to improve at the next race. Even so, I had great fun and really enjoyed every lap on the track. A big thank you to Volkswagen Motorsport and the other guys who helped me progress through the weekend.”

The Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup is the world’s most eco-conscious one-make cup, in which identical sport coupés delivering up to 285 bhp powered by bio natural gas are used. The second round takes place in Lausitzring on 5/6 May.