Audi R8 Cup: Rhyn wins GT3 test
VICE CHAMPION In the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup, the youngsters in particular were able to shine and show that the GT4 one-make cup in the context of the DTM is a perfect introduction to GT racing. One of them is soldier Ruedi Rhyn, who as vice-champion receives a GT3 test. With the German Robin Rogalski, a 19-year-old took the title, while his first pursuer Rued [...]
With the German Robin Rogalski, a 19-year-old took the title, his first pursuer Ruedi Rhyn is just two years older. The Bernese from Unterlangenegg prevailed in a thrilling duel against the 30-year-old Pole Jedrzej Szczesniak and finished the season in second place overall.
Two-time pole setter
Rhyn already made a clear statement in the first qualifying session at Hockenheim: He captured pole position and relegated the experienced Rahel Frey to second place.
Even though the former DTM driver was able to win the following race, it became clear early on - her compatriot will have a significant say in the 2019 Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup. That Rhyn's best qualifying time from the season opener was no coincidence was proven by him at the Nürburgring in September, where he clinched his second pole position.
Restrained opponents
Rogalski and Szczesniak did not have such qualifying highlights to show. They were characterized above all by a consistent, rather defensive driving style. Rogalski was on the podium three times in the first four rounds and thus took over the top spot in the standings.
From then on, he shied away from full risk, but continued to collect points and podium finishes. The German ultimately secured the title with 6th place in the final race of the season. Szczesniak's driving style was also characterized more by restraint, climbing to second place in the standings early on.
Military and racing
But rival Rhyn became increasingly dangerous for the Pole, especially in the final phase of the season. Even the double burden of recruit school could not prevent him from finishing second three times in the last four races of the season. Rhyn thus overtook Szczesniak in the final standings to claim the runner-up title behind champion Rogalski.
Future plans
At the end of the season, however, all three were happy because they were rewarded with great prizes for their performance in the 2019 Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup. Rogalski will soon be able to test an Audi RS 5 DTM, while Rhyn and Szczesniak will be able to test drive an Audi R8 LMS GT3.
For the Swiss, this is another opportunity, as he is already an official Phoenix Junior and therefore already very close to Ernst Moser's DTM and GT3 racing team.
Ruedi Rhyn: "My goal is to take many more steps in motorsport with Phoenix and to keep developing as a racing driver."
After the end of recruit school, the next step is on the agenda for Rhyn.
Ruedi Rhyn: "Then I'll start studying sports management. If it doesn't work out with a career as a racing driver, I'd like to work as a manager in motorsport."
