W&S Motorsport kicked off the new GT4 Winter Series season with an eventful and successful weekend in Portimão. Both Porsche Cayman GT4s delivered strong performances despite changeable weather and various challenges.
Qualifying: Double pole for the #30
The team made a statement right from qualifying: Tim Horrell and Zebis secured pole position in both sessions in the #30 Porsche Cayman GT4. For Joachim Bölting in the #32 Porsche, a gearbox issue and the resulting car change meant starting all races from the back of the grid.
Race 1: Podium pace and a strong comeback
In the opening race, Tim Horrell in the #30 Porsche was on course for a podium and fighting for third place, but had to retire four laps before the end due to a suspension failure. Joachim Bölting, starting from the very back in the #32 Porsche, delivered an impressive comeback, finishing seventh overall and taking the win in the Am class.
Race 2: Tyre choice limits results
Race two was defined by an unfortunate tyre choice, which meant there was little more possible for either car. Joachim Bölting finished ninth overall and second in the Am class in the #32 Porsche. Tim Horrell and Zebis brought the #30 Porsche home in twelfth overall and fourth in the Pro-Am class.
Race 3: Victory after a thrilling finish
The third race turned into a real highlight. Tim Horrell led the #30 Porsche from the start and held the lead until the pit stop. After the driver change, Zebis rejoined behind the Toyota due to a slower in- and outlap. Zebis kept up the pressure throughout, finally making the decisive move on the penultimate lap on the main straight. The Toyota, suffering from front-end damage and a dragging splitter, was unable to defend and had to concede the position. Horrell and Zebis celebrated overall victory and the class win in Pro-Am. Joachim Bölting completed the weekend for the #32 Porsche with seventh overall and another win in the Am class.
Team Principal Patrick Wagner sums up:
“That was an intense and instructive season opener for the whole team. We experienced a wide range of conditions this weekend and were able to gain valuable insights in every area. I’m particularly pleased with how the team responded to setbacks – whether after technical issues or tough decisions. The comeback from Joachim Bölting and the win from Horrell/Zebis in the third race show that we function as a team. We want to build on this foundation in the coming races.”
With this strong start, W&S Motorsport looks ahead with confidence to the next rounds of the GT4 Winter Series.
