VLN: Gustavo Xavier on Mettler's tracks
NEW REVIEW Two years ago, Gustavo Xavier was one of the three finalists in the Young Driver Challenge. He is now continuing his racing career in the VLN. Last year, Gustavo Xavier drove and won the rookie classification of the KTM X-Bow Challenge. Now the Nürburgring-Nordschleife will be his new stomping ground. The 22-year-old Swiss with Brazilian roots will compete in [...]
Last year Gustavo Xavier drove and won the rookie classification of the KTM X-Bow Challenge. Now the Nürburgring-Nordschleife will be his new stomping ground. The 22-year-old Swiss with Brazilian roots will compete in the Endurance Championship (VLN) in a new BMW M240i Racing in the Cup5 class.
Like Mettler and Barth
Xavier drives for FK Performance, a German team with which Yannick Mettler also began his run of success in the VLN two years ago. Xavier's boss Fredy Barth, in whose motorsport and event agency he found a job after his good performance in the 2017 Young Driver Challenge, also knows the team from Bremen from last year's entry in the 24-hour race.
The starting signal for the VLN 2019 was already given last Saturday. With 16 cars, the BMW M240i Racing Cup was one of the best-staffed classes. FK Performance brought its car to a good third place.
A big step into the future
Xavier will enter the racing action from the fourth VLN race on July 13 with as yet undetermined partners. Before that, the talent, who lives in Oetwil am See, will start at the ADAC qualifying race for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring on May 18/19.
Gustavo Xavier: "I'm looking forward to the new challenge on what is probably the most demanding race track in the world. The move to the VLN is a big step, but I think it's the right one for my future in motorsport. With FK Performance, I have a well-positioned and professional team behind me, which will make it easier for me to get started."
Apprenticeship year for 2020
Xavier sees this season primarily as a training year. He then has higher goals for 2020.
Gustavo Xavier: "The move to the Nordschleife brings a lot of new things with it. I therefore want to concentrate fully on speed and prepare as best as possible for what I hope will be a full VLN season in 2020. Then I definitely want to fight for victories. In addition, the 24-hour race may also be an issue."
