Just two weeks after achieving podiums at the season opener, GW IT Racing Team // Schütz Motorsport are ready for the next challenge. The Porsche team have set themselves the target of securing podium finishes at one of the most beautiful tracks on the ADAC GT Masters calendar, intending to build on their successful start to the season at the first non-German fixture of the season in Zandvoort.

The team from the Rhineland-Palatinate are pinning their hopes primarily on local driver Jaap van Lagen. "I've been familiar with the Zandvoort track since 2001 both as driver and coach. It´s technically very demanding and has some interesting places to overtake," said the Dutchman. Christian Engelhart, his team-mate in the Oschersleben double podium success, will be replaced by Kévin Estre this weekend; Engelhart has to miss the Netherlands fixture due to a clash of dates. Estre: "I´m looking forward to my team debut. My partner Jaap is very quick, which should certainly lead to some interesting scraps."

GW IT Racing Team // Schütz Motorsport are currently second in the team standings on 33 points. Van Lagen: "Our goal in Zandvoort is obviously to defend our position. However, that won't be easy since the competition is very strong and we'll have extra ballast weights in the car to contend with after our twin success at Oschersleben. Our strengths are certainly on a wet and drying track. I know the many racing lines very well thanks to my experience, which should certainly help us, especially as changeable weather is forecast. Turn 1, better known as Tarzanbocht, is particularly hairy!"

"Our primary objective is to start both races in a calm, collected manner, whilst still striving to achieve a P5 finish at the very least. If a podium is in prospect, though, we´re certainly not going to hit the brakes but will go for it," said team boss Christian Schütz, giving us an insight into team strategy. The key factor at Zandvoort will again be choosing the right moment to change drivers, as the pit lane is very narrow compared to other tracks.

Team main sponsors GW IT have provided the perfect tool for data processing. "Using our experience from the start of the season plus historic data from the past, we have additional information at the pit wall that assists us in deciding strategy," explained Axel von Dielingen, who evaluates the data in a matter of seconds, aided by Christian Schütz. "Consequently, we can predict where gaps in the field are going to pop up, enabling us to gain on our opponents. That too can be a vital factor in winning the race," added team boss Christian Schütz: "But technology is only a tool. It´s all down to people ultimately."

A good atmosphere at the track is also crucial to achieving success. The best person to ask about that in Zandvoort is one of the locals, which is where Jaap van Lagen comes in with a tip for all those who don´t want to forego culinary treats while enjoying their motor racing: "Well, it´s obvious! Fish on the beach is what to have straight after the race, and there are some great opportunities to have your fill directly opposite the racetrack."