Hockenheimring
Audi Sport TT Cup
06. June 2016

Yannik Brandt experiences turbulent weekend in the Lausitz

Highs and lows in front of 67.500 spectators at motorsports festival

Last weekend, a lot was offered on the Lausitzring. The youngsters of the ADAC Formula 4 started within the framework of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) and the ADAC GT Masters. Rookie Yannik Brandt started highly motivated into the racing events, but experienced two unfortunate fallings out.

It was supposed to be a breakthrough for Yannik Brandt on the Lausitzring. After a lot of bad luck during the season kick-off in Oschersleben and eventful races on the Sachsenring, the German was looking forward excitedly to the third racing weekend of the young racing series: “The last tests went really well here, which is why I’m confident about the three ranked races.”

The first obstacle for the Lechner Racing Team driver was qualifying. Only the best eleven of both training groups achieve the direct qualification. Yannik finished his qualifying on 13th place in the end and had to take the detour of the repechage. He wasn’t discontent though: “Even though I didn’t achieve direct qualification, the time difference is really small.”

In the end he finished his race on fourth place and therefore started into the ranked races one and two from 26th starting positions respectively. The Saturday turned out to be a flop for the Swiss resident though. During the first race he immediately became the victim of a starting accident and then had to drop out off the second race only a while later due to a collision too. “It’s best if we forget this day really quickly. There was no chance for me to avoid that accident during the first race, more than a third of the field was involved”, the 15-year-old explained in the evening.

The excitement was equally high on Sunday though. After best racing weather, heavy rain set in shortly before the start. Yannik trusted in rain tires and fought his way forward from 32nd starting position to 20th place. “In the end, the slicks would have been a better choice. Nonetheless it was a great catching-up race and got me additional points on the rookie ranking. A big thanks to my team for the great work, as well as to my parents and sponsors for their support”, Yannik continued.

In two weeks the ADAC Formula 4 is going to come back to Oschersleben. The youngsters are going to start in the motorsport arena within the framework of the TCR International Series. After his unfortunate season beginning, Yannik still has to settle a score with the track in the Magdeburger Boerde.