Monthly Archives: May 2016

Joey Mawson aiming to continue podium streak

Joey Mawson is aiming to continue his streak of podium finishes at the Lausitzring this weekend
Joey Mawson is aiming to continue his streak of podium finishes at the Lausitzring this weekend

With six podium finishes in as many races Australian Joey Mawson has enjoyed a stellar start to his campaign in the 2016 ADAC German Formula 4 Championship.

Entering this weekend’s third round at the Lausitzring circuit the PODIUM-backed driver holds a 35-point lead in the Championship standings but he’s not looking to play the conservative role anytime soon.

After having several weeks out of the Van Amersfoort-prepared car Mawson is chafing at the bit to get back behind the wheel in race mode and continue his great momentum that he has built up over the first couple of rounds in the Championship.

“We’ve had a bit of a break between rounds, I’ve been training hard and we’ve done a couple of days testing but I really can’t wait to get back out there in race mode this weekend,” said Mawson.

“I think we should have some good speed but it’s all about getting the maximum out of the car at the right time when it matters most.

“In the corresponding round last year I qualified fastest in my group and finished on the podium in every race – something I’ll be hoping that I can replicate this weekend.”

In addition to the Formula 4 action the DTM Championship, ADAC GT Masters, Porsche Carrera Cup and Superbikes are also on the program this weekend making it one of the most popular in the eight-round schedule.

“Anytime we race on the DTM program it’s a huge experience.  The crowd at the Lausitzring is one of the biggest we race in front of all year which makes for a fantastic event,” said Mawson.

“Standing on the podium in front of a large crowd is an amazing feeling.  My goal is to finish up there in every race while hoping to win a race or two and ensure that the championship points tick over.”

Mawson will take to the circuit on Friday morning for the only practice session ahead of qualifying in the afternoon.  The driver’s fastest time in qualifying decides the grid for race one and second fastest for race two.  The finishing positions in the opening 30-minute race decide the grid for Sunday’s race three, with the top ten being reversed.

Joey Mawson wins at the Sachsenring

Joey Mawson crossing the line for victory in his PODIUM-backed Van Amersfoort Racing entry at the Sachsenring
Joey Mawson crossing the line for victory in his PODIUM-backed Van Amersfoort Racing entry at the Sachsenring

Australian Joey Mawson was victorious at the second round of the 2016 ADAC German Formula 4 Championship at the Sachsenring on Sunday.

The PODIUM-backed Van Amersfoort Racing driver secured a trio of podiums across the weekend’s three races to extend his lead in the championship standings to 35 points.

After qualifying fourth for the opening two races Mawson finished second in the opening 30-minute encounter before he was engaged in an intense battle with Mick Schumacher in the early laps of race two.

On the second lap Mawson was beside Schumacher when their wheels touched at high speed and Schumacher stayed in front.  Coming onto the straight Mawson was again beside his rival in the process of overtaking but the safety car was deployed just at that moment so the Australian had to slot back into second place.

Following the restart Mawson ran in close proximity to Schumacher, Mike Ortmann and Kim Schramm.  Late in the race Schramm spun allowing Ortmann to take the win from Schumacher and Mawson.

Starting from ninth in the reverse-top ten final race Mawson made up several positions with an aggressive start that moved him up four places by the time the safety car was deployed at the end of lap one.

When racing resumed Mawson moved up to fourth, then third on lap six, second on lap 11 and into the lead with a great overtaking manoeuvre on lap 15. The safety car was deployed shortly after,  when racing resumed the Australian pulled a big gap – but then the safety car was deployed again and the race ended under safety car with Mawson taking the win, his third of the year, ahead of Simo Laaksonen and Nicklas Nieslen.

“Winning that final race was very special.  It was a tough battle and I had to make the most of every opportunity, especially given the interruptions by the safety car,” said Mawson.

“I came into the weekend hoping to get some more podiums and I achieved that goal.  As an added bonus I have extended my lead in the championship.

“All weekend we continually improved the speed of my car, I struggled for pace a little bit in the first race but by the third race the guys at Van Amersfoort Racing had it on rails.

“The racing this weekend was very intense, we had some great battles at the front of the field and I’m pleased to have come away with such great results.”

Mawson now leads the Championship on 126 points, 35 clear of Schumacher in second with Mike Ortmann third on 71.  The Championship now takes a short break before returning at the Lausitzring on June 3-5.