EU3: Adria: Fischer Racing weekend summary

Disappointment at Adria

Two disappointed races experienced Fischer Racing at the second weekend of the FIA GT3 European championship at the Adria Raceway (Italy). Without a countable result, the team from Paderborn/Germany had to leave the only 2.7 km short track near Venice.

After the free practise and qualifying it looked very promising for the two Fischer Racing-Ford GT. On the twisty Italian track, the mid engined Ford GT was able to play his strength. The very good weight distribution allowed a good traction out of the tight corners, the excellent brake of Ford enabled the four Fischer drivers to gain some time due to very late braking.

For the first race on Saturday afternoon, Christoffer Nygaard (Denmark) and Florian Gruber (Germany) qualified for the excellent third. Frank Kraling (Germany) and Jochen Krumbach (Germany) started from Position 21 in the 60-minute long race.

After a strong start phase Christoffer Nygaard was in promising third position, when suddenly the young Dane had to bring his Ford into the pits with a engine failure. Also Frank Kraling in the second Ford GT experienced bad luck. In the very first lap Kraling suffered a puncture and had to bring his Ford GT into the pits

Due to the engine trouble, Nygaard/Gruber weren't able the start into the second race. "We have to change the engine and unfortunately that wasn't possible in the only four hour break between the two races," explained Hardy Fischer. Therefore only Frank Kraling and Jochen Krumbach in the sole Fischer-Ford GT started in the second race. The second race saw the first ever night race in FIA GT3, with a starting time of 22.30 o'clock.

Starting from position 13, Jochen Krumbach could gain three places after the start and was in tenth position, when he spun and lost seven position. After Krumbach handed the Ford over to Frank Kraling, bad luck came from the back in form of an Audi. An Audi crashed into the Ford, causing several damage and forced Frank Kraling to retire.

"All in all, two very disappointing races" said team principal Hardy Fischer. "We hope for better luck at the next round at Oschersleben which is our home track."

The third weekend to FIA GT3 European championship takes place on 20./21.06.2009 in the MotorsportArena Oschersleben.

-credit: fischer