Expectations were high among the Austrian team’s “foster home race”, but both Zele drivers had to battle tyre and engine problems all weekend at the Hungaroring.
Following problems with overheating tires in qualifying both Zele-Racing cars were far down the grid. Despite a great start, Narain only finished eighth in the first run due to engine misfire. Having secured Pole Position for the second, he led the pack for several laps, before the grip on the rear tires was gone. The Indian crossed the line in fourth to cut the losses. “We were not free of problems and thus not quick enough all weekend. A podium finish was possible in the second race, but our pit stop took too long. Now we have to improve in all respects, but I know we can do that.”
Marrakech race winner Luciano was pushed off the track in the dying stages of the opening event by Robert Visiou and consequently had to start last in the second run. However, the talented Brit battled his way through the field to finish ninth. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a weekend without points, so it’s really disappointing. But we’re going to a track we all know now and love – Silverstone.”
Consequently team boss Michael Zele was disappointed: „That was a sad weekend for us. We had big troubles with the tyre temperatures and thus lacked the necessary pace. Regardless, Narain could have made the podium, but lost too much time in the pits. I am sorry for our two top drivers, but the Hungaroring does not seem to suit us. We will attack again in Silverstone.“
Following Hungary’s double-header, Luciano is fifth in the championship standings with 45 points and Narain sixth (33 pts). The team will no head home for Monday afternoon’s official public team presentation in Klagenfurt, Carinthia. Harry Miltner
