Strong run to a podium finish for TF Sport at Red Bull Ring
Saturday, July 16, 2016
TF Sport secured a fantastic podium position Saturday evening (16 July, 2016) at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, after teammates Salih Yoluc and Euan Hankey finished in a fighting third position, a result that retains their championship advantage.
TF Sport secured a fantastic podium position Saturday evening (16 July, 2016) at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, after teammates Salih Yoluc and Euan Hankey finished in a fighting third position, a result that retains their championship advantage.
Having qualified the #34 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 entry in fourth position for the third round of the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup, contact at the first corner vaulted Yoluc up into second place and he soon found himself in a wheel-to-wheel battle with the #88 Porsche.
Yoluc ceded position on lap ten to his rival and ran in third position before a spin from the #88 car saw him regain the position. Following a Safety Car intervention, the field closed up with Yoluc chasing the race leader whilst also defending from behind. The battle continued throughout the stint – and indeed the whole race - with Yoluc handing over the car at half distance to Euan Hankey still fighting for second.
“I was a little lucky at turn one,” Yoluc admitted. “I had to run wide to avoid the collision but I enjoyed the battle with the #88 car but he just got me perhaps due to his experience.”
Hankey kept the pressure on, never more than a couple of seconds behind, but despite one final push in the closing minutes, was forced to save fuel and settle for the third position. The result gives the duo and one championship point lead at the head of the championship table.
“The Aston is a bit thirsty on fuel, so I had to manage before pushing and then had to save again at the end,” said Hankey. “I’m super-happy with third – especially at a circuit we have not raced before - and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Hot off the victory last weekend at Spa Francorchamps in British GT, TF Sport Director Tom Ferrier was more than happy with the result. “We knew this would be one of the tougher ones with no testing available and the fact that it’s new to our drivers. We would definitely have taken the podium ahead of the weekend and it’s a good result and we’ve got momentum as a team. We’re on a roll.”
Round four of the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup takes place at Paul Ricard 26-28 August 2016.
Source material - TF Sport
Photo credits - Adrenal Media