Markus Pommer (32/Untereisesheim, Racing Experience), who lines up together with partner Gary Hauser (31/LUX), put together the fastest lap in FP2 of the Prototype Cup Germany in Zandvoort. Nobody else was able to match his time of 1:31.960 minutes. Nico Göhler (20/Grasleben) / Gustavo Kiryla (29/BRA, BWT Mücke Motorsport) were second fastest, with Gabriela Jílková (28/CZE) / Xavier Lloveras (23/ESP, both van ommen racing by DataLab) taking third place. Rounding out the top five were Robin Rogalski (22/POL) / Valentino Catalano (17/Westheim, both DKR Engineering) and Jan Marschalkowski (20/Inning am Ammersee) / Jasper Stiksma (22/NDL, both MRS GT-Racing). The session was red-flagged and terminated with roughly eleven minutes remaining, following a crash involving Pedro Perino (18/PRT, DKR Engineering).
“The second free practice session was virtually ideal for me,” said a happy Markus Pommer. “We wanted to simulate a qualifying and were almost able to complete our programme before the red flag. We now have a good basis for the first qualifying session tomorrow morning, although there are definitely things that we could still improve.” Behind the Duqueine quarter at the top of the timing sheet, the MRS duo of Jan Marschalkowski / Jasper Stiksma were the best-placed pairing with a Ligier. “I only had one clear lap, but that was enough for fifth place. I think we are taking steps in the right direction.” Marschalkowski is driving an LMP3 car in Zandvoort for the first time. “The circuit is not simple and it is not so easy to get the perfect set-up. On top of that, you have the sand here, which makes it even more of a disadvantage if you stray from the perfect line.”
Pedro Perino discovered to his cost just how perilous life can be off the racing line. The Portuguese driver skidded into the crash barriers, triggering the red flag that ultimately led to a premature end to the second practice. “This is my first time in Zandvoort and this track is challenging. I don’t know any other circuit that is anything like this. I was actually going really well until the crash, but then I took the kerbs too aggressively and was unable to avoid the contact with the barriers,” said the 18-year-old, who ended the session seventh alongside Leonard Hoogenboom (23/NDL).
The returning Freddie Hunt (36/GBR, Reiter Engineering) was eight fastest together with his partner Horst Felbermayr (52/AUT). “Zandvoort offers hardly any overtaking opportunities, it is one corner after another. Furthermore, there is a big risk of crashing if you come off the racing line. However, it is also a lot of fun to drive here.” Hunt made a guest appearance in last season’s Prototype Cup Germany, when he won one race at the Nürburgring. “I think the standard of the series is higher this year. As such, I am happy with eighth place for now. However, I will be looking to finish higher tomorrow.”
