Nurburgring 24H: Volkswagen qualifying report

Good starting position for Scirocco with Bio Natural Gas power

Good starting positions for the three Volkswagen Scirocco GT24-CNG with Bio Natural Gas power at the 24-hour race around the Nurburgring: Juniors Jimmy Johansson (S), Florian Gruber (D), Nicki Thiim (DK) and Peter Terting (D) clinched first place in qualifying in the class for cars with alternative power and 35th of 199 cars.

Endurance aces Vanina Ickx (B), Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), Klaus Niedzwiedz (D) and Dieter Depping (D) took second position in the class and 43rd position overall. The third 330-hp sports coupe with Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (D), Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen with responsibility for Technical Development, Prof. Dr. Stefan Gies (D), Head of Volkswagen Suspension Development, and also the journalists Bernd Ostmann (D) and Peter Wyss (CH) claimed third place in the class and 90th overall.

Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

"Our meticulous preparation was worthwhile: Our three Scirocco with Bio Natural Gas power ran perfectly despite occasional difficult conditions. This shows that Volkswagen's innovative and at the same time production based technology is also reliable in hard racing conditions. The lap times as a whole have dropped significantly, which in turn indicates just how close the level of competition is in this year's 24-hour race. Our goal is to make up as many positions with one Scirocco over the distance and to secure class victory with the other two cars. My compliments to the organisation and the hard-working helpers who have made possible this world class event on the most beautiful and toughest race track."

#116 - Scirocco GT24-CNG - silver branding - 9m 55.215s - 90th place

Peter Wyss (CH): "We'd planned to put in a fast lap immediately at the beginning. Unfortunately, the track was very slippery and I had to slow almost to a stop twice, as cars had spun in front of me. As a result we were well under our real performance level. However, it's all open for the race. I'm really looking forward to my opening stint to start the race."

#117 - Scirocco GT24-CNG - red branding - 9m 15.878s - 43rd place

Klaus Niedzwiedz (D): "The Scirocco handles really well - I haven't driven for a year and was fast straight away. The DSG gearbox makes the conditions easy to handle and the performance plus is noticeable. You can overtake easily and notice that in the meantime the Scirocco commands great respect."

#118 - Scirocco GT24-CNG - yellow branding - 9m 10.551s - 35th place

Nicki Thiim (DK): "I didn't find a completely free lap, but we can be satisfied with the result. For the race it's all about driving within the limits and taking no risks. Since our Natural Gas Scirocco is very reliable we have a good chance of moving up the field - especially if it rains."

-source: vw