Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup - Round 2
Lausitz, Germany

Michelle Gatting’s second outing in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup this weekend failed to bring results for the youngster and ended in a disappointing retirement after she had shown improved performance at Lausitz. The young Dane selected by Volkswagen Motorsport and the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission to contest the series was edged off the circuit while battling through the field.

During Saturday’s qualifying session Michelle spent time learning the track and, while she had hoped for a top 10 placing, she claimed 15th of the 26 racers, understanding where she needed to improve.

“I really liked the circuit, it was my kind of track because it’s very technical,” she said. “The gap to the front-runners is getting less and with more laps I’m sure I could have improved more.”

During the dry race, however, the Dane’s outing came to a premature end. “I had a good start and I can brake pretty late while overtaking, so I did that on the guy in 13th position. I think it caught him out, he didn’t seem to brake and we both ended up off the track. My speed was really good, even faster than some guys at the front – I was only five-tenths off the fastest guy. I know the speed is there now and need to focus on qualifying so I can have a better start position for the race; I know I can definitely fight for position!”

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 third round takes place at Brands Hatch in England on 19/20 May.