Volkswagen Team Oettinger claimed another double podium at TCR Asia Series Round 8 at
Zhejiang International Circuit, China reducing the gap to third in the Team Championship to
just six points. This alongside the Cup class lead as well as a climb up the order in the Asian
Cup category makes for a very successful weekend for the team.
“This is important, this is fantastic, this is a good weekend” said Kurt Treml, Team Manager
of Volkswagen Team Oettinger.
Both Khalid Adam and Roland Hertner were outstanding in their Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR
SEQ throughout the race. The young Malaysian started the race on row 2 whilst Hertner
started in row 7.
As the lights went off, Adam had a great start, maintaining his position in the rush to turn 1.
At turn 6, the race leaders had a collision leaving Adam to take evasive manoeuvres,
dropping down the order to 8th. From there, he fought his way through and on the 3.2km
circuit, overtaking was difficult. The Sepang International Circuit Talent Development driver
picked his competitors one lap and one car at a time to finish the race 5th and claiming his
second Asian Cup class win.
“It was definitely one of the most difficult races that I have been in but it’s nice to know that
when you have pace, everything comes a lot more systematically. It feels like you don’t have
to worry too much about other things, just yourself.
“Obviously the start wasn’t as we had hoped it would be. There was a bit of a collision in
front of me and I had to avoid it, losing a number of places. Climbing up from there was just
so much fun. I think the best bit was the fact that I can say that I am a bit more comfortable
with pace and we are just working forward to Bangsaen in the coming month.
“I want to thank the team so much for the opportunity and for giving me a great car, also
thank you to Sepang International Circuit for believing me and giving me this wonderful
opportunity to prove that I deserve this seat. We will continue to strive for better things from
here” he ended before rushing off to the airport.
As for Hertner, his race was just as hectic. Starting from the 7th row, he led the mid-pack
battle. “It was a good race. I want to say a big thank you to the team who prepared for me
the perfect car for two fantastic races this weekend. I made a mistake today that cost me the
Cup class win but all-in-all, I am quite happy.
“It has been a great season so far to come back to racing and in Asia. I am looking forward
to Bangsaen, I am expecting a great racing environment there and I also hope that we go
through race one well so that I can race in the second race, the last race of the
Championship and to perform like I did ten years ago” grinned Hertner.
Hertner continues to lead the Cup Championship and has opened up a 37 point gap to
second placed man, Douglas Khoo.
“Incredible weekend it has been” said Treml. “It was a great success for the team. Both cars
were well prepared and the crew did a fantastic job with the two Volkswagens. The drivers,
especially Adam, who really absorbed what was taught by his driver coach – Luca Engstler –
and used it to his advantage to win the Asian Cup class twice this weekend.
Adam arrived in Zhejiang fifth in the Asian Cup standing and is leaving China in third, just 11
points away from second, a great achievement for the young upstart. “He has made great
strides in his race craft and I am sure he is looking forward to Bangsaen, as we all are. We
hope to reach our target then” he ended.
TCR Asia Series 2019 heads to Thailand for the season finale held at Bangsaen
International Circuit this 31st August to 1st September 2019.
Volkswagen Team Oettinger is supported by Liqui Moly, VW Motorsport, Pagid Racing,
Motec rims, Recaro and Eibach.
