Bangsaen. It was a solid weekend of racing for Team StarChase’s Philip Hamprecht as he took to the streets of Bangsaen to clinch two hard-earned podiums in one of the most tricky, scenic tracks of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia calendar.
Hamprecht’s path to the podium began on Saturday morning with a qualifying session that saw two red flags come out, limiting the time for drivers to clock their fastest lap. Hamprecht was prepared however, taking to the track with vigor to snatch two quick 1:37.200 and 1:37.681 laps to secure P3 for both races.
With a solid start secured, the mission then became surviving the merciless turns and narrow walls of Bangsaen Street Circuit. Overcoming the rough starts that hampered the early season success, Hamprecht managed a perfect start for Round 5 as he swept into turn 1, keeping pace with the race leaders and defending admirably against encroaching competitors. He maintained confident race lines, holding strong until the safety car came out mid-way through the race. With the cars regrouped Hamprecht began taking pressure from behind by the championship-table leader but refused any room for a pass. Keeping his cool as he warded off advances from the rear while maintaining solid speed, Hamprecht finished the race in third, earning Team StarChase its first outright Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Dealer Trophy win.
Onsite to witness Hamprecht’s maiden podium were close to 30 Team StarChase fans visiting from across China and Thailand, bolstering the podium presentation with loud cheers and huge support for the young driver.
Round 6 on Sunday witnessed Hamprecht once again pull off a solid start that saw him hounding P2 in an attempt to gain a position right from Turn 1. His attempts at advancing, however, were foiled by the narrow passing channels offered at Bangsaen. Settling into third, Hamprecht engaged in quick tempo racing that set him apart from the rest of the pack. With the safety car once more ushered out as another driver fell victim to the track, Hamprecht saw a last minute challenge but handled it with expertise, securing his second podium of the weekend with third and another Dealer Trophy for Team StarChase.
“It was two great races on a really tough circuit. On a track like this you have to measure your risk. I’m grateful for my team in not only providing an excellent car for the weekend but offering solid advice as well. It was an incredible feeling to get my first win of the season surrounded by so many members of StarChase and Wearnes. I want to give a big thank you to everyone who was at the race cheering me on – they all made it a very special win for me,” Philip Hamprecht said.
With two Dealer Trophy wins for the weekend, Team StarChase is now closing in on the trophy table leader after jumping from fifth to second place.
“We are quite pleased with the results of the weekend. It was a beautiful setting and the chance to have a large group of StarChase members at the race as we grabbed two Dealer Trophies really made this a perfect weekend. Philip clearly showed he has the skills needed to win races, especially on a tricky technical circuit like Bangsaen, so we are quite proud of him. The team performed quite well also, giving us a top-shape car and great insights that helped us earn the podium. We are eager to get back on the track in Malaysia and continue pushing for our first win,” Robby Niermann, COO of StarChase said.