Autosportfoto

Kremer ends Pepper’s winning run – Cypriano fastest lady in eighth

Germany's Jason Kremer brought Jordan Lee Pepper's winning run in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup to an end in a rainy Oschersleben. Former ADAC Formula Masters driver and Scirocco rookie produced an impressive display to finish 3.0 seconds ahead of the South African, who on Saturday became the first driver in the history of the series to win the opening three races of the season. Third place went to Denmark's Nicolaj Møller Madsen after a strong fightback from sixth place. The Dane also won the Junior class ahead of Frenchman Yann Ehrlacher. Saturday's race, in 20 degrees and sunny conditions, was won by Pepper, ahead of Jason Kremer and Victor Bouveng (S).

The second race at Volkswagen's home event was initially started on slicks - but behind the safety car, due to the complicated conditions. However, the rain became stronger over the first four laps, resulting in the race being suspended. Within no time at all, all 23 Cup-Sciroccos were fitted with wet-weather tyres - a fantastic effort from the 26 mechanics at Abt Sportsline and their boss Hans Top. The environmentally-sound one-make cup has now put its faith in the expertise of the team from Kempten for the last five years.

The race then resumed with a flying start in temperatures around 12 degrees and with the rain relenting. An exciting duel soon developed at the front of the field, with Kremer, who started from third place, overtaking Pepper on the outside on lap 12. The South African leads the overall standings with 117, followed now by Kremer (97). Sunday's race saw the winner awarded the maximum 50 points for the first time this season - prior to this, only half points had been awarded in the opening three races.

17-year-old French driver Lucile Cypriano came home eighth to claim her best result of the season. Germany's Doreen Seidel, Playmate of the Year 2008, also impressed in the rain. She climbed four places in the race to finish 19th. Seidel pulled off a spectacular overtaking manoeuvre in the final corner to pass Switzerland's Jasmin Preisig and cross the finish line as the second fastest lady. Sweden's Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky was less fortunate: she was given a drive-through penalty for an illegal overtaking manoeuvre during the safety car phase and ended the race in 23rd place.

The next race weekend in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup is one of the calendar's real highlights: the Norisring hosts races five and six of the year from 27th to 29th June.