Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup
Rounds 2 & 3
Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria
Maiken Rasmussen, the young Dane selected by Volkswagen Motorsport and the FIA Women & Motor Sport Commission to contest the 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup, is sixth in the Junior Cup classification after the second and third rounds of the series at Spielberg at the weekend (4/5 June).
The weekend’s racing took place on the new 4.326 kilometre Red Bull Ring and while Maiken entered the race meeting leading the Junior Cup after the opening round in Hockenheim, she suffered mix fortunes in Austria.
For the first race on Saturday Maiken started 14th from 27 cars. However, in a race filled with many incidents, the 20 year old Dane was unable to avoid hitting a fellow competitor and was forced into retirement. As a consequence, she started Sunday’s race at the back of the grid. A measured drive, in which she consistently set competitive times, resulted in 17th overall and sixth in the Junior Cup.
“Race 1 was very wet and this was my first experience with a touring car in these conditions,” said Maiken. “The race started well but after four corners a driver in front of me spun and I couldn’t do anything to avoid hitting him. Thanks to the great work of the VW mechanics, however, they fixed the car so I could start the second race.
“On Sunday conditions were dry, but starting from the very last position was a big challenge. I learned a lot though, got more confidence and now understand the car better. Most importantly, I learned a lot by overtaking and making my way through the field. I am looking forward to the next race, where I will definitely do all I can to finish in a better position. I want to thank everyone for this great adventure; thanks to VW and the Commission I can develop my driving and battle for a podium in the Junior Cup.”
The nine-race 2011 Scirocco R-Cup is one of the world’s most eco-conscious one-make series thanks to its bio natural gas powered engine. The fourth round of the series takes the contenders to Germany and the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz (17/18 June).