Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup - Round 7
Nürburgring, Germany

Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup driver Michelle Gatting claimed her first Junior Cup victory at the famous Nürburgring this weekend. The 18 year old Dane selected by Volkswagen Motorsport and the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission was pitted against 22 other Junior and Pro Cup racers, as well four world class rally drivers, and finished eighth overall elevating her to fourth in the Junior Cup standings.

In addition to the regular field of racers, this weekend’s Legends line-up included four of world rallying’s greatest stars; Markku Alén, Juha Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz and Sébastien Ogier, between them boasting six World Championship titles and no fewer than 75 victories.

Having prepared well over the summer break and since the last race at the beginning of July, Michelle improved throughout the practice and qualifying sessions to start the race in 15th position. A mature drive, with battles throughout, saw the young Dane power through the field to claim her first-ever Junior Cup victory.

“Finally! I am really happy with this race,” said Michelle. “Like always I really fought to the end and everything just worked out for me. I prepared well for this race and it has paid off with my first win, and on such a great and legendary track too! I want to say a special thank you to the guys at Volkswagen who help me all the time, the FIA, and of course Cathy [Muller] who always has belief in me. Now I am really looking forward to the next race in a month’s time.”

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 next outing takes the contenders to Oschersleben for a double-header race weekend on 14-16 September.