Four podium finishes and crucial championship points in dramatic GT4 European Series weekend
W&S Motorsport delivered an impressive team performance at the third round of the GT4 European Series at Spa-Francorchamps. With four podium finishes from two races, the Ofterdingen-based team underlined its strength in both classes and made important steps in the championship standings.
Race 1: Double victory for W&S Motorsport
The first race developed into a great success for W&S Motorsport as the team won in both Pro-Am and Am classes. Hendrik Still and Joachim Bölting celebrated their fourth season victory in the Pro-Am class, while Max Kronberg and Daniel Blickle triumphed in the Am class.
Still was able to take the lead of the overall classification right from the start and build up an important advantage despite several Safety Car phases. At mid-race, Bölting took over the cockpit and withstood the enormous pressure from the competition, particularly from Joachim Walde in the Schuberth Motorsport BMW, who closed to within half a second.
“The start was perfect and we were able to take the lead immediately. The car felt fantastic right from the beginning and we had very good pace,” explains Hendrik Still. “Joachim then did a great job and brought the victory home. That shows the strength of our team.”
In the Am class, Kronberg and Blickle benefited from the starting problems of the Chazel Technologie Course BMW crew. Kronberg moved to the front of the class early on and Blickle brought the victory home confidently.
Race 2: Podium finishes despite shortened race
The second race was significantly shortened after a serious accident involving multiple vehicles at Raidillon and lasted only 28 minutes. W&S Motorsport was very fortunate that both vehicles survived the spectacular crash unscathed.
“Both vehicles were very lucky to have passed the accident without damage! Fortunately, no one was injured,” explains team principal Daniel Schellhaas.
Despite the shortened race distance, the team secured two more podium finishes: Kronberg and Blickle won again in the Am class, while Still and Bölting took third place in the Pro-Am class.
Championship standings: Optimal position at mid-season
The successes at Spa have put W&S Motorsport in an excellent position in both championship standings. In the Pro-Am class, Still and Bölting lead with a 59-point advantage at mid-season, while Kronberg and Blickle are within striking distance of the championship lead in the Am class with just a one-point deficit.
“That was a very great team performance and another important milestone for us. To win two classes in one race shows the strength of our entire team,” explains Daniel Schellhaas proudly. “These points are extremely important for both championship battles, and we have worked out an excellent starting position for the second half of the season.”
Outlook: Next stop Misano
Next up for W&S Motorsport is the fourth round of the season at Misano from July 18-20. “We’re looking forward to the second half of the season. Misano will certainly not be easy for us. Recent years have shown that. But we’ll try to take the maximum points there too!” explains Schellhaas.
With the strong performance at Spa, W&S Motorsport has positioned itself optimally for the decisive phase of the season and once again underlines its competence in GT4 motorsport.
