Zandvoort review: Colin stages a comeback
During the second race weekend of the ADAC GT Masters, razoon – more than racing driver Colin Bönighausen achieved two fifth-place finishes. The 21-year-old particularly stood out in the second race with a powerful comeback.
In the second race, rookie Colin Bönighausen overtook a total of six cars. Following the driver change, the Pichler/Bönighausen duo dropped to eleventh place. Colin explains: “At the time of the pit stop, Leo was actually well in the mix for the top places. We wanted to pit earlier than the others, try an undercut and make up time on a free track.” However, several rivals around the Razoon Porsche 911 GT3 R were also pursuing this strategy, which is why the stop was delayed further: “To avoid risking an unsafe release and consequently a penalty, I had to wait an extra three seconds until the pit lane was clear.”
But that was just the beginning of his remarkable comeback. Viewers watching on TV could see Colin gain position after position. An accident right behind him caused a race interruption, meaning that the field bunched up again with 20 minutes to go. Bönighausen continued to work his way up the field, eventually catching up with a group of three battling for second to fourth place. “I might have been able to overtake my teammate Mark Kastelic, but I briefly drove through the gravel trap,” said Colin, regretting the chance to achieve an even better result. After a challenging race, he ultimately secured a commendable fifth place overall.
Finishing in fifth place the day before can also be considered a success. “After our victory at the Red Bull Ring, we were racing here with a weight penalty.” Furthermore, the Porsche‘s lack of top speed was evident on the track close to the North Sea. Starting from ninth on the grid, Colin gained a position immediately amid the nervous pack at the start. The team then put all their faith in him. He waited until the very last possible moment before the mandatory pit stop, handing over to his team-mate Leo Pichler in fifth place. As the race progressed, Pichler found himself battling for a place on the podium. Ultimately, the goal was achieved: the razoon – more than racing duo became the best Porsche team, finishing ahead of the World Endurance Championship experienced Pure Rxcing team.
Reflecting on the race weekend, Bönighausen said, “The pace was there, but it was difficult to get it just right. It wasn’t as easy as it felt at the Red Bull Ring last time. Nevertheless, I’m happy with my performance.” Currently fifth in the championship, anything is still possible for him this season. In a month‘s time, the ADAC GT Masters will continue at the Lausitzring, once again as part of the DTM programme. Colin is familiar with the Brandenburg circuit, which features a spectacular oval and a huge main grandstand: “Three years ago, I stood on the podium there for the first time in the BMW M2 Cup.”
Picture: Manuel Mackinger
