The DKR Engineering driver sets the fastest time in qualifying for Sunday’s race in the Prototype Cup Germany at the Hockenheimring. Gary Hauser also starts from the front row.
Fans watching qualifying for race two of the Prototype Cup Germany at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg were treated to a thrilling battle. The lead repeatedly changed hands between Valentino Catalano (17/Westheim) in the Duqueine D08 of DKR Engineering and fellow Duqueine racer Gary Hauser (31/LUX, Racing Experience). In the end, it was Catalano who prevailed with a time of 1:35.027 minutes.
“My engineer kept me up to date at all times with the way the lead was shifting back and forth. That really motivated me, as I was determined to get this pole position,” said a delighted Catalano, who shares the cockpit with Robin Rogalski (22/POL). “The lap that proved to be my fastest was simply mega. I am really happy with it. The team set the car up perfectly. It was actually also my fastest lap of the whole weekend so far. Everything came together nicely. In the race, the plan is now to open a lead from the word go, in order to give my team-mate Robin an easier job.”
Just 0.219 seconds slower than the pole-sitter was Racing Experience driver Hauser, who starts the race alongside Markus Pommer (32/Untereisesheim). “You obviously always want more, but we are very pleased with our position on the front of the grid,” said the man from Luxembourg. “We are in a great starting position for the race. I am pretty confident, as Markus and I both have great pace. We want to challenge for the win. ”
Third place in qualifying went to yesterday’s race winners Oscar Tunjo (27/COL) and Julien Apothéloz (22/CHE, both JvO Racing by Downforce Motorsports). Apothéloz, who was at the wheel of the Duqueine for qualifying, was 0.430 seconds off the leading time. He was followed by the Duqueine of Gustavo Kyrila (29/BRA) and Nico Göhler (19/Grasleben, both BWT Mücke Motorsport), 0.586 seconds slower than Catalano’s pole-setting time. Rounding off the top five were Lucas Mauron (24/CHE) and Gabriela Jílková (28/CZE, both JvO Racing by Downforce Motorsports) in another Duqueine. Sunday’s race at the Hockenheimring gets underway at 13:40.
