11.06.2025 | Hockenheimring/Baden-Württemberg: The third stop on the calendar of the International GT Open was last weekend (6th to 8th June) at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg. After the first two races in the Portuguese riverside circuit and the Belgian Spa-Francorchamps were very successful for the GT3 team from Kirchberg near Mattighofen, the team led by team manager Peter Reicher aimed to score further points in the championship this weekend.

Even the first free practice sessions did not present a major challenge. The Eastalent Audi positioned itself at the top of the time sheets. In Saturday's first qualifying session, the full difficulty of the conditions became apparent for the first time. Simon Reicher placed the Eastalent Audi in 13th position. In the race, the team took advantage of the confusion caused by rain and a safety car phase, allowing Christopher Haase to bring the Eastalent Audi home in second place. Team manager Peter Reicher says clearly: “We have beaten within our possibilities. The Balance of Performance (BoP), which is imposed on us by the organizer, no longer allows us. Nevertheless, we have shown that our Audi works well in all weather conditions – but also our drivers and the entire team. It is also clear this year: the International GT Open Championship is only possible with us.”

The weather on Sunday initially gave the team clearer conditions. The track was wet, it rained, and wet tyres were clearly the best choice. Christopher Haase managed to position the Audi R8 LMS evo II in second place during qualifying. Haase reports: “The second race on Sunday was again a bit difficult. Simon was out on slicks and delivered a strong performance in the onset of rain. These were very difficult conditions. It's okay to be two times on the podium. Honestly, I think we were doing very well, but we could have sold ourselves better. In the free practice sessions, we had to change a lot on the car to become better – we did. The pace in the race was already very good. Only on the performance in qualifying we have to work a little. However, we also know that we need to look at our homework again.”

Simon Reicher saw the weekend this way: “From the point of view of the championship, the weekend went very well for us. Everything worked on the whole. However, I am not really satisfied – even if the result says something else. We were not 100% prepared. We have to change that before the next race at the Hungaroring. We absolutely have to gain a tick – even if we have mastered the situation well under the mixed conditions at the Hockenheimring. We now have to put the car on track with the tyres. The rest of the championship will not be easier.”

Preparations for the fourth round of the championship, taking place from 4th to 6th July at the Hungaroring, have therefore already begun.

Source: Easttalent Racing
Photo: www.kartnet.de / Michael Schulz

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