On the Red Bull Ring track in Austria, the Thiriet by TDS Racing won after a thrilling 3 hours race. Winner of two out of three races, the team has increased its lead in the championship. A good omen before the summer break!!!
During Friday free practices, everything went in the best possible way with the fastest lap in the first session. This good result was reinforced by the second quickest time in the second free practice. After the qualifying session on Saturday morning, Mathias Beche set the car in the third position on the starting grid!
The Swiss driver took a good start but he preferred not to take any risks at the first bend. He lost one position but gained it back three corners later! He quickly understood he was dealing with a tricky car and lost some positions during his first stint. Fifth before his second stint, he waited for his opponents to pit in order to increase the gap thanks to a cleared track. He went to his pit a while later and thanks to a brilliant pit stop of the mechanics; he gained three positions and was second on the track! He then grabbed the first position once his direct opponent received a penalty. Once in the lead, the #1 Oreca Nissan will never leave that position!!!
At half distance, Mathias took over for Pierre Thiriet. He quickly found his pace since his opponents were at catch. Yet, the French driver fought against some professional drivers in the best possible way and managed the twenty seconds gap, crossing the finishing line as a winner!
In Austria, the line-up has showed it was complementary. Once again, Mathias has showed all his potential and Pierre has proved he handles the traffic in a better way thanks to his constant work. The line-up is stronger and stronger and that makes a difference on this tight track where it is hard to overtake and increase the gaps. The drivers have showed their talent and the team its strategy. These were the right ingredients to win the race!
Now, the team in charge of the #1Oreca Nissan is going to enjoy the summer break to come back even stronger for the fourth round which will take place in Hungary, on the Hungaroring track, next 13th and 14th September.
Mathias Beche: “I took a good start but I did not take any risks at the first corner. It was a very tough race and I tried to keep calm. I kept in touch with the other cars by taking a bit more risks in the traffic. The team had a very good strategy what allowed us to take the lead. I would like to give a special mention to the whole team for their great job. Moreover, Pierre and I did not make any mistake and had consistent stints. I am happy about this result. We arrived as the leader of the championship and have increased our gap. It was my second race with the team this year, and it is our second victory. The target is reached. Now, I hope to have the same result in Hungary for the next round!”
Pierre Thiriet: “The race was tough because of the traffic. Mathias let me the car in the first position then I had to manage the gap with the other cars behind me! We did not feel depressed after the 24 Hours of Le Mans because we know this race is cruel and tough. Yet, this victory is good for everybody. I am delighted to win this race. We will have to repeat this performance for the next round in Hungary. I would like to thank the team, Mathias and all our sponsors!”
Source : Thiriet by TDS Racing