Engelhart captures place on the rostrum twice in blistering heat

Hot, heated – Norisring. The circuit in the Franconian city of Nuremberg was not only a real crowd-puller, but was also an entertainment-packed spectacle – especially with regard to the Porsche Carrera Cup. At the heart of things: Christian Engelhart, who underscored his role as the closest pursuer to the championship leader by twice capturing a place on the rostrum.

Without a doubt, the Norisring with its just four bends looks to be a simple track in terms of layout and also ought to be no problem at first glance, but it poses a great challenge for many drivers year in, year out. The course, which is located directly by Nuremberg’s Dutzendteich lake, is a temporary city circuit that is used only once a year as part of the DTM. Otherwise, buses, cars and cyclists drive on the roads around the Frankenstadion stadium. “And you notice that. The circuit offers more than ten different asphalt surfaces a lap. Perfect adaptation to it like on permanent racing tracks isn’t possible. You’re always forced to make several compromises,” is how Christian sums up preparing for this race.

However, Christian did not make a single compromise in either race. And that paid off. Starting from fourth on the grid twice, he finished third twice and so got onto the winners’ rostrum. The pilot from Kösching had his opponents in his sights at all times and was able to attack at the crucial moments with patience and a commanding overview. In race 2, he fell back to sixth after a turbulent start, but was gradually able to move back into third with some dauntless overtaking maneuvers.

“It’s enormously important to attack in a controlled way here at the Norisring. You can throw away the race on the very first lap. Or you pull yourself together, resist the occasional temptation and can overtake others much more smoothly at the end when many rivals have problems with their tires.” That strategy reaped a total of 32 championship points, enabling him to strengthen his grip on second place in the overall standings, still lurking promisingly behind the leader.

Christian now travels next weekend to the Red Bull Ring for the second time this year. The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race, which is traditionally held as part of the Formula 1 event, will be staged from Friday to Sunday.