W&S Motorsport on course for victory at the GT4 European Series in Misano
W&S Motorsport was struck by bad luck at the second round of the GT4 European Series 2024 in Misano. Max Kronberg and Finn Zulauf in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport #30 were battling for class victory in both races, but two tyre punctures shattered the dream and the duo were left without points after an eleventh place and a retirement.
In Misano, qualifying was divided into two groups and the team of Patrick Wagner and Daniel Schellhaas went on the hunt for times in the second group. The drivers were fast and ensured a good starting position for the race with second and first place on the grid in the Pro-Am class. Max Kronberg took his second pole position of the season and once again proved that he is one of the fastest bronze drivers in the field. He was rewarded with a championship point.
Finn Zulauf was the starting driver in the first race and was initially able to defend second place in class. At the pit stop, the 19-year-old handed the car over to Max Kronberg, who took the lead in the class thanks to a good strategy. Victory was within reach, but a tyre failure and the resulting unplanned additional pit stop destroyed all hope of another good result. In the end, they crossed the finish line in eleventh place in class.
The Kronberg/Zulauf duo started the second race on Sunday from pole position in the Pro-Am class. Both were battling for victory, but another tyre puncture ended their race prematurely and they had to stop their car on track.
The team will analyse the incidents and come back stronger for the next round of the GT4 European Series in Spa-Francorchamps (27-29 June).
Quotes after the race
Julia Spacek, Team Manager W&S Motorsport: "Unfortunately, we were unlucky and had a puncture in every race. We were in a good position at the time and had the chance to win the races. The team and the drivers did a great job all weekend and deserved a good result. We are looking ahead and will be back attacking at Spa."
Max Kronberg, Driver W&S Motorsport: "It's a shame that we leave Misano empty-handed. We had good pace and the car was perfectly prepared. This also allowed us to secure pole position for Sunday's race. Thanks to the team for their good work! Unfortunately, two punctures threw a spanner in the works. I am looking forward to the next race at Spa, one of my favourite circuits."
Finn Zulauf, Driver W&S Motorsport: "Unfortunately, it was a very mixed weekend in Misano. My qualifying didn't go perfectly, but it was still a good starting position for the first race with second place on the grid in the Pro-Am. Max did a great job in the second qualifying session. Unfortunately, two punctures then cost us a possible victory. But that's the way motorsport is sometimes. We are looking ahead and know that we have the speed to continue fighting for podium places and victories."