Sunday in ZOLDER
19.9.2011
Despite some heavy overnight rain the Zolder circuit was dry for the Sunday morning Qualifying session. The conditions certainly seemed to suit the three MKR Technology drivers who succeeded in stealing the top three spots in the ‘Top 10’ shootout with their Meritor-equipped Renaults.
Top of the tables was Markus Oestreich – the German driver setting a best lap time of 1m.57.437s (Average speed 122.61 km/h) to claim pole position. Lining up next to him on the front row for Championship race 3 was Adam Lacko – just 0.116s. slower.
Completing an all-Renault top three was Markus Bosiger – with a lap time of 1m.57.909s. That meant the three MKR drivers were all covered by just 0.472s (less than half a second) – proving just how equally matched they are and showing that all the machinery was performing to an equally high level.
The dry weather continued for Championship Race 3 – which saw Oestreich heading the field away with Albacete in hot pursuit. The MKR Renault stayed in front for the opening lap but then Oestreich received a push from Albacete under braking – forcing the Renault to run off the track and allowing the Spanish driver to dive in front. Once ahead the MAN driver had a clear run to victory, taking the flag 4.7 seconds ahead of a rather frustrated Oestreich.
Bosiger was running a strong third in the early stages of the race but the Swiss driver was having gear selection problems and fell behind Vrsecky mid-race and finally brought his MKR Renault home in 4th place.
Adam Lacko had been looking a likely candidate for another podium result – but the Czech driver received a ‘Drive Through’ penalty – as officials felt he had not maintained his position on the rolling start. After that trip through the pit lane the third MKR driver dropped to 7th at the finish.
Despite these problems, MKR Technology took first prize in the Teams’ competition for the third time of the weekend.
Race 4
The final race of the weekend produced a perfect performance from Lacko. Starting from the first row of the grid he powered the MKR Renault into an early lead – and pulled way to take a clear victory, 3.668 seconds clear of the runner-up, Gerd Korber (Iveco).
With Anthony Janiec taking the Team 14 Renault to a fine 5th place that ensured that the MKR Team 14 Juniors scored first place in the Teams’ Competition.
The final result for Markus Oestreich was a disappointing one; his truck suffered a cracked brake disc on the opening lap – so he was forced to reduce speed considerably and simply nurse the Renault home in a lowly 18th place, completing the race just to ensure vital points in the Teams’ Championship.
Markus Bosiger also had to run at a slightly reduced pace, finally crossing the line in 7th position as he suffered a small drop off of engine power.
Overall the Zolder event proved successful for the MKR Technology team – with Lacko and Oestreich now holding 3rd and 4th respectively in the Drivers’ Championship with Bosiger in sixth.
The Teams’ Championship is closer than ever as the gap between leaders Truck Sport Bernau and MKR Technology has been narrowed to just 24.
The strong performances of the MKR Team 14 Juniors have also seen them move to within 8 points of third-placed Buggyra.
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