“I am looking forward to the race”: Statements on the race at the Nürburgring.
World Rally Champions against circuit specialists – Finnish drift legends Markku Alén and Juha Kankkunen will go head to head against former DTM aces Christian Danner (D) and Emanuele Pirro (I) in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup in a face-off that pits five WRC titles against six DTM race wins. The two races from 16 to 18 August also promise to provide more thrilling action as the duel for the title in the only natural gas-powered one-make cup in the world heats up: among those with their sights set on catching teenager Kelvin van der Linde (ZA) is the flying lady Michelle Gatting (DK).
Juha Kankkunen
“I am looking forward to my next outing in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup. It is always nice to be reunited with old acquaintances from my time as a rally driver. The Legend Cup is great for us old stagers, as it gives us the chance to show what we are still capable of. The Scirocco is fascinating, with its innovative technology like the natural gas engine and Push-to-Pass system. It is always great fun to drive this car.”
Emanuele Pirro
“I am already really looking forward to racing in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup again – and to the Nürburgring, where I lined up in a number of races back in my day. I already have some experience of the Cup-Scirocco, which I believe will stand me in good stead for the race. It will once again be important to come up with a clever tactic for using the Push-to-Pass button. That is a crucial factor, which guarantees some thrilling door-to-door duels out on the track.”
Kelvin van der Linde
“The opposition is very strong in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup, and the race will be even tougher, as it is a new circuit for me. I have driven the track in a simulator, which has at least given me an idea of what to expect. However, actually driving on the track will be a very different experience. Despite this, I am still aiming for another podium finish. Any points I score will be very important in the championship, as Michelle Gatting and Jordan Lee Pepper are also regularly achieving good results.”
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky
“I think it is going to be a great weekend with two great races. I really like the track, and drove there once last year. I did not really get a great result back then, but my pace was good. I would like to finish in the top five again. A place on the podium would be cool, but the Scirocco R-Cup is so fiercely contested and there are so many good drivers that it will not be easy. An awful lot has to come together if you are to be successful. The Nürburgring has a few good overtaking opportunities, particularly at the end of the back straight, before the chicane. You can overtake well there with the Push-to-Pass button.”