A fighting performance at Zandvoort

Proton Competition put in a strong, determined performance and staged some spectacular comebacks at the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Germany in Zandvoort.

The first race of the spectacular one-make cup in the Netherlands turned into a test of patience. Following an accident involving a competitor that caused damage to the crash barrier and safety fence, the race was suspended at midday and only resumed the following evening. But this did not stop Keagan Masters. The South African started the race from eighth on the grid and fought his way up to fourth place, impressively demonstrating his talent. Porsche Junior Marcus Amand also secured a strong points finish in sixth place.

This was not to be Masters’ only impressive comeback of the weekend. On Sunday, he started the half-hour sprint from 15th on the grid and managed to work his way up to sixth place. Daniel Ros was almost keeping pace with his team-mate. The Scandinavian moved up from 14th on the grid to ninth. Amand also put in a strong, determined performance. The Finn was spun around on the opening lap and fell far behind, but he didn’t give up and fought his way back to seventh place in his Porsche.

“After a difficult qualifying session, we were able to fight our way back from 14th and 15th places,” said Masters of the strong comeback by himself and his Swedish team-mate. “It was a strong performance from the team. After the difficult qualifying, we were able to fight back strongly. I’m happy with the result, which allowed us to do a fair bit of damage limitation.” Daniel Ros added: “I had a few problems in the first qualifying session and therefore a difficult starting position. But now, after the second race, I can say that I can keep up with the pace of the leading group. It was a tough race and I couldn’t get the tyres back into the right window after the second safety car. But I’m happy with the result and hope I can build on this.”

In the rookie standings, Gustav Bergström and Dylan Yip secured important points. Yip could have scored further crucial points in the class during the second race, but the driver was innocently involved in an accident in the final third of the race.

Proton Competition continues to lead the team standings after four of eight rounds. The Hofkirchen-based team will therefore start the second half of the season in a strong position, with the season resuming from 19–21 June at the Lausitzring in Brandenburg. In the drivers’ standings, Keagan Masters is the team’s top driver in fourth place. The South African still has a good chance of challenging for the title.