Liam Lawson's perfect operation at Assen

From the height of his two victories during his perfect weekend to Red Bull Ring, a fortnight before, Liam Lawson arrived in the role of hunter in the Netherlands. Returning to contact with Kelvin van der Linde (ABT) in the championship, the AF Corse driver had the opportunity to strike a big blow. And he didn't hold back. Author of the first pole of the meeting, his second this season, the Kiwi was scared at the start when he saw his pit-limiter activated when he was supposed to start the hostilities.

Once the alert has passed, the Hitech pilot F2 remained in the lead until the salvo of supplies. Emerging behind Marco Wittmann (Walkenhorst Motorsport), he decided to review his plans by thinking about the championship and not the present moment. A strategy that paid off as destiny smiled on him in the second part of the race.

Stroke of luck

Then in the lead, but obliged to go through the pits, Kelvin van der Linde was trapped by the safety car less than 25 minutes from the checkered flag. A gift falling from the sky for his rival who didn't ask for so much. “When I heard that the Safety Car thwarted his plans, with Marco (Wittmann) in front of me and Maximilian (Götz) just behind, the most important thing was not to take any risks,” he emphasized. I tried to defend my position, but Marco was very aggressive. You could see he wanted victory at all costs and once he got rid of (Mike) Rockenfeller, he flew. There was no point in me risking ending my race with a crash against a driver who had other goals. »

Full of mischief, Liam Lawson was finally satisfied with the 3rd step of the podium, enough to seize the reins of the championship to the great dismay of Kelvin van der Linde who only finished 12th. The hardest part, the New Zealander completed his Dutch weekend with a new podium (2nd in C2), consolidating his place as leader of the championship with just four races to go before the final whistle. “It’s very positive,” recognizes Lawson. Now we have to try to stay there. » It’s up to him!

Successful first for Bortolotti

Invited to board the third Lamborghi Huracan GT3 Evo of T3 Motorsport, the Transalpine made an impression for its premiere in DTM. His “dream” come true, Mirko Bortolotti first set the 3rd time in qualifying on Saturday before finishing 2nd in his first race in the German championship. “I couldn't have asked for a better start,” said the driver of the manufacturer from Sant'Agata Bolognese. A little more discreet on Sunday, the Italian completed his first meeting across the Rhine with a 7th place. What to foresee a future commitment from Lamborghini in 2022?