How Lenz bounced back in the Goodyear FIA ETRC
Sascha Lenz went from the gravel trap to the top step of the podium when the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship stopped off at Circuit Zolder in Belgium last weekend.
Lenz, whose victory in Race 2 ended a four-year wait for a first-place finish in the Goodyear FIA ETRC, was out of luck in Race 1 after a trip through the gravel trap exiting the first corner dropped him from fourth to seventh.
But after getting revenge in the second race of the day from the front row of the grid, it was a case of elation rather than deflation for the MAN-powered German racer.
“I have a very good start,” Lenz said after he beat René Reinert to the Race 2 victory. “René gave me the space because we could drive together through the first corner and then next one I am on the inside and I can go. Then I make no mistake, I can drive nicely and I’m really happy for the team.
“We had bad luck in the first race because we had a lot of damage, but my team did a really good job that I can drive, and I am happy for my team. You can [pass on the outside of the first corner] only if you have on the inside one guy who gives you the space. In the first race I was given no space and was completely out and this is the difference.”
After a winning Saturday, Lenz continued his impressive Belgian Truck Grand Prix weekend with third place in the rain-hit Race 3 and second in Race 4 after he charged through from sixth on the grid in similarly challenging weather conditions.
“It was a really good performance, I drive a good race and have a good pace,” said the 39-year-old Lenz. “Norbi [Kiss] was unbelievable [fast], but for me I’m really happy. It was really nice to overtake the guys, a really nice race.”
Lenz banked 35 points at Circuit Zolder and continues to occupy second in the Goodyear FIA ETRC standings, 15 points ahead of Antonio Albacete in third.
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