“A weekend with a steep learning curve,” said Max Koebolt after the Blancpain Endurance Series season opener at the circuit of Monza. The Dutch driver raced an Audi R8 LMS of the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT, sharing driving duties with compatriot Pieter Schothorst and Frenchman Sacha Bottemanne. In the extremely packed field of 58 cars, the trio was classified 36th overall and 13th in the Pro-Am class.
Both the race car and the Monza circuit were unchartered territory for Max Koebolt prior to the weeend. “Therefore, the two free practice sessions on Saturday were important to find my way around the circuit and to get to terms with the car, while also looking for points in which I could improve. Also thanks to the support of Frans Vörös, who had come with me to Monza, and Peter Kox, who gave plenty of advice on the telephone, that worked out really well. Representing Gulf Netherlands, the company that supports me in my racing activities, Frank Bosman was present at the circuit as well”, Koebolt said. “Driving with so many cars on track required some getting used to. You really have to look in your mirrors all the time and you have to plan your overtaking manoeuvres carefully to avoid getting stuck behind other drivers for too long.”
On Sunday morning, Max Koebolt took part in the first qualifying heat, but a mistake saw him end up in the gravel trap of the second chicane. The driver: “I was a little bit too eager and lost control of the car. Fortunately, damage wasn’t too big and the team got the car ready in time for the race.” Having been unable to compete in second and third qualifying, the Audi R8 LMS with starting number 4 had to start the race from the back of the grid. “The team decided that it was better to start from the pitlane instead, because race starts at Monza can be pretty chaotic. Such decisions also reflect the team’s vast experience,” said Koebolt, who was the driver to start the race. “I set good lap times and I was able to make up some positions. My team-mates Sacha Bottemanne and Pieter Schothorst did it likewise and they also put in a very good performance. As a result, we gradually worked our way up through the ranks.”
Eventually, the team finished 36th overall and 13th in the Pro-Am class. “We can be quite happy with a result like this in such a packed field. Given the speed, we should definitely be able to score podium results in the course of the season,” Koebolt said. Reflecting on the weekend, he continued: “The thing that impressed me most certainly was the huge field. It is extremely competitive, differences are really small. To be able to score good results, you have to be very consistent very quickly. On top of that, I am really delighted about the co-operation with the team. I am getting really good support, the team is really professional and there is a pleasant, family-like atmosphere. I am feeling really well in that environment.”
Coach Frans Vörös also showed himself happy with the performance of his protégé. “For Max, this has been a turbulent weekend, in which he got a lot of information to deal with, but he handled it all in a very professional way. All three drivers did a very good job and the co-operation with the team worked really well, too. Max is treated like a family member, that is a great environment to work in.”
Belgian Audi Club Team WRT team principal Vincent Vosse said: “For Max, racking up as many miles a possible for a maximum learning effect is crucial at this stage. I am really happy with his approach and the performance he has shown this weekend. Sacha and Pieter have been doing a good job, too. I am looking forward to the upcoming races.”
On 23 and 24 May, the Blancpain Endurance Series season continues with another three-hour race, this time at the Silverstone circuit in Great Britain.