Berg-SM Junior: The drama of Oberhallau is also part of the learning phase
BERGRENNEN The juniors fighting for their own championship title were only marginally aware of the drama in Oberhallau. Once again, they did their job well. As in Reitnau and Anzère, a trio led by Rolf Reding came out on top. For the second time after Reitnau, the eight newcomers experienced the darker side of this fascinating motor sport, [...]
For the second time after Reitnau, the eight newcomers experienced the darker side of this fascinating motor sport, which they chose as participants in the first Swiss Junior Hill Climb Championship. They had already completed their three race runs by the time the race was called off.
The initiators around Hans Schori and instructor Yves Meyer already showed a great deal of sensitivity in dealing with the events after the premiere in Reitnau, which ended prematurely. So even after the fatal accident in the E1 group, they will find the right words to mentally prepare their riders for the final on September 10 at Gurnigel.
One of them is already showing impressive mental strength. Rolf Reding was three tenths behind his biggest rival Lukas Eugster after the first run, and Benjamin Devaud was also within half a second of him on the 3 km course in Klettgau, Schaffhausen. Mario Koch was also well within striking distance, 1.1 seconds behind.
In the second run, however, only Reding was able to improve on this quartet by finishing one hundredth faster than Eugster. Shortly after 5 p.m., Reding exactly equaled his best time, while Eugster remained almost seven tenths faster.
The 24-year-old automotive expert remains unbeaten at the wheel of the uniform Toyota GT86 in accordance with SuperSeries regulations and with Pirelli road tires.
The Gurnigel race track does not forgive mistakes
It is likely, but by no means certain, that the championship podium will look the same after the fourth and final hill climb at Gurnigel. Eugster absolutely has to win there, but Reding is unlikely to finish in the top 5. And Devaud will also have to watch out for his first rival Koch.
With only two race heats, the times of which are added together, nobody can afford to make a serious mistake. However, this is hardly to be expected from Reding, who stands out with his aggressive but controlled driving style. "Rolf has nerves of steel," says Yves Meyer himself in amazement.
Mario Koch and Florian Klein also made progress, moving closer to the top with their best time, although this did not change their rankings compared to the first two races. Aurelio Demski, Raphael Feigenwinter and Joshua Reynolds, on the other hand, fell slightly and were therefore not satisfied with their performances.
They all still have a chance to start, the final exam with a diploma, so to speak. We will find out who brings home the best marks the Sunday evening after next in the Gurnigelbad.
The next students in the Swiss Race Academy are just around the corner, with 15 registrations already received for the eight starting places in the 2018 season.
