Luca Engstler was delighted with a first podium in TCR Europe after claiming second in the opening contest at Hockenheim earlier today.
Engstler made a solid start in his M1RA-run Hyundai i30 N TCR and duly powered past front-row start Gilles Magnus’ Audi into second before the sharp right-hander at Turn 1.
He then defended superbly at the front of a four-car scrap for the runner-up spot, keeping Maxime Potty’s Volkswagen Golf behind to open his silverware account for 2019.
Speaking after the race, Engstler highlighted the safety car as important in cooling the car mid-race, with a particular focus on managing the tyre degradation and brake temperatures amid hot conditions in Germany.
“It’s a very good result, seeing where we come from: P39 in Qualifying in Hungary!” said Engstler.
“It was a tough race, mainly because I had to constantly watch brake temperature and tyre degradation.
“In that, the safety-car was useful to cool down the car. The group was very compact, but I could control the guys behind, while in front of me, Josh had a small but sufficient gap.”
The final race from Hockenheim is due to get underway at 10:35 BST tomorrow [26th May].