Friday 9th August 2019 - Free Practice
One of the current Reece did visit as part of his TCR campaign but I guess one to forget, Friday free practice presented another new challenge for Reece and the unique Zandvoort circuit was to offer up some very different weather for the rookie Carrera Cup racer, a relatively fast layout but a circuit with no forgiveness. The weather at Zandvoort for free practice was windy and wet and Reece was looking forward to getting some key tips from his local teammate Jaap who is a renowned Zandvoort expert. For the first run out Reece was happy with his pace and showing no fear from his last experience at Zandvoort and surely pleased with his P11 finish to the session.
RB “I like the Zandvoort circuit it has all a good circuit needs in terms of fast sectors and technical sectors but can catch you out easily. We still don't seem to have the pace of the others so we have to look at things ahead of qualifying”
Saturday 10th August 2019 - Qualifying & Race 1
Saturday qualifying was set to be a stormy affair with high winds, rain and sand crossing the circuit, Reece was happy with his Friday outing and confident for the challenge ahead in just his fifth qualifying in a Carrera Cup car. The qualifying session completed without any red flags and Reece was pushing hard and managed to split the other two more experienced FÖRCH cars. With very challenging weather conditions the teenage rookie was to set a solid starting position for the two races starting from row 8 on the grid.
RB: “I was pushing hard but we simply don't have the pace; Jaap as a local specialist was able to find one lap on the limit but Gustav and myself are nowhere and I was hoping we would have qualifying sorted for here as it sets the scene for racing this afternoon and tomorrow - not good enough”
Saturday 10th August 2019 - Race 1
Race 1 was P15 on the grid for Reece and ahead of the more experienced rookies the teenager was confident and committed to pushing on the opening laps. Probably the best start off the line allowed a gain of two positions but on the second lap, the red flag again neutralized the race to allow the No.7 car to be recovered from a run-off at turn one. On the restart on lap four Reece had a good restart behind the safety car but as the lap five progressed Reece went off in sector two pushing him to back but fortunately no damage. With the head down and a missing front splitter, Reece managed to recover to finish P24.
RB: “I had a really good start and was happy with the opening lap but again the sequence was interrupted with the safety car and after the restart, I just couldn't stay with the front cars and unfortunately crossed the limited going off and then it was just about finishing. Looking at the finishing positions of Jaap and Gustav I guess we will have another late evening”
Sunday 11th August 2019 - Race 2
Race 2 Sunday morning the weather was damp and windy with a drizzle of rain as the cars move to pre-race assembly. Again, Reece, had a good start moving up on the opening laps and the race was to see the safety car deployed and the race stopped due to a heavy incident between MSG-HRT team-mates just in front of Reece. With repairs needed to the barrier and the race further shortened with another safety car to finish the race, the 88 car finished the race in position like most cars as they started.
RB: “I was hoping to start the second half of my season with improved starts and opening laps and happy that both were sorted; for next weekend I need to focus on the restarts behind the safety car to maximize this opportunity. It was a very short run and getting any opportunity was difficult with all the stops and restarts but our setup is still not on point as the under-steering was horrific.
The Porsche Talent Pool drivers were invited to compete in the E-Sport Carrera Cup and I was happy to qualify in P3 for this round and look forward to improving this position next weekend at Nürburgring ahead of the head to head final at Nürburgring this month-end.” It was also great to get some social time with the other drivers and championship officials at the Zandvoort evening party.
Copyright © 2018 RBMotorsport, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: reece@reecebarr.com