Friday 17th May 2019 - Free Practice Friday free practice came quickly after the opening rounds at Hockenheim. The weather at MOST for free practice on Thursday was grey and cold but Reece was positive about the weekend ahead and was on the pace throughout the three Thursday sessions, running consistently in the top ten all day. Förch Racing were keen to build Reece’s race running and they dedicated the last run of the day to race laps; it was good to see some really consistent and fast lap times from the teenaged Rookie Porsche Cup racer. Friday practice was a one hour session in preparation for only his third race in his Porsche and the weather was brighter and warmer. Reece continued to impress in sector 1 and push to find more time in sectors 2 and 3. RB: “Yeah the weather is much warmer than yesterday and I’m comfortable with the track having been here for the media test. Our session today was shortened but I’m happy with my pace which continues to improve as I become more comfortable with the car and the track limits. I’m hoping to get a good lap tomorrow in qualifying that moves me another step forward on the grid. It was also great to cover more Porsche Talent Pool activities and work with the Porsche Development Team and other programme drivers.” Saturday 18th May 2019 - Qualifying & Race 1 The mid-morning start for qualifying was sunny and warm and Reece was in good spirits to take on the challenge of his first dry qualifying in his Porsche. The track was busy and with Reece running P15 with 10 minutes to go the 88 Porsche pitted for his final qualifying tyres and set about the final push. Unfortunately on Reece’s fast lap the session was red flagged. The lap was aborted and the session ended which was really unfortunate as the sector times to that point was good for row six but would now start P19. RB: “I just didn’t get my fast lap down - my build up went fine and team strategy was working great. Unfortunately my fast lap was on the red flagged lap which meant I had lost the peak of the tyre so could not improve in the restart. My pace was good and, while we start further back than planned, I’m confident we can improve on my last round. The quali session is so important for the entire weekend and this remains my focus going forward.” Saturday 18th May 2019 - Race 1 Race 1 Saturday afternoon had a start grid position of P16 but Reece remained confident in his pace to gain positions. It was sunny and dry and with some wheel spin off the line, Reece settled into position for the opening laps until a number of cars ahead collided going through turn one. With Reece running close behind he made great work to avoid the stationery car of Besler but not so for next car behind Reece which led to a safety car period to remove the cars and Reece now running in P13 but with a broken front splitter; he did super well to hold off the push from behind to finish his third Porsche race in P13. RB: “I didn’t get a great start with loads of wheel spin off the line on the dirty side and into turn one was busy. When the others collided ahead at turn one it was tight to avoid Berkay’s car and my front splitter broke over the kerb in avoidance. The front was horrible for the final laps but I’m pleased to hold my best position and finish as third rookie. It was tough out there and with the car compromised for the final laps it was for sure another learning curve” Sunday 19th May 2019 - Race 2 Race 2 Sunday afternoon would see Reece start on grid P17 and the sun was shining for race 2. The start was better for Reece getting a little squeezed through turn one but again the red flag was out due to a collision off the row behind Reece. After some time the cars were restarted behind the safety car for a 15 minute race. Reece got a good run on Simmenauer (the No.27 Lechnar car) and committed to a move which coincided with a yellow flag; Reece pulled out but unfortunately suffered a puncture in doing so. The 88 Porsche returned to the pits for a tyre change and set-off again to complete the race and still finished in the points for the rookie championship. RB: “Both races this weekend gave me loads to take away. Race two was short and we had some light contact but I’m only taking positives from the weekend. In Race 2 the move was on but due to the yellow flag I had to pull out which then resulted in a puncture. I can’t expect too much to early as I’ve only just moved from a much lower powered front wheel drive car and the Porsche is a true race car which needs more aggression and confidence which comes with experience.” “Being part of the Porsche Talent Pool is really cool and the direction and help it provides is great. It's a great support programme organised by Porsche and supported by the ZF Group which gives the juniors in the championship a real interest and enthusiasm. Thanks again to my team Förch Racing and to my sponsors and supporters for for their belief in me in such a close and cutting-edge championship.”
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Our mailing address is: reece@reecebarr.com
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