Hill climb: Robin Faustini's debut in the Osella
FIRST OSNABRÜCK, THEN OBERHALLAU Near Osnabrück, the first hill climb in Germany in 2021 will be held with Swiss participation. Among them Robin Faustini in the newly acquired Osella. Many more start a week later in Oberhallau. The ADAC hill climb race Osnabrück in Hilter-Borgloh was already better occupied. With around 140 drivers from 13 nations, it is still one [...]
The ADAC hill climb race Osnabrück in Hilter-Borgloh has been better attended. But with around 140 riders from 13 nations, it is still one of the most international in Europe, and the first in Germany in more than 22 months. And that's what counts.
A handful of Swiss - also fewer than before - are making the long journey north. Except for Michel Zemp, who started with his Norma-Honda at the French championship race in Beaujolais on August 14/15, Osnabrück is the first hillclimb race this year - and virtually a warm-up for the home race in Oberhallau the following weekend.
First start of Robin Faustini on Osella
For one, it's a special occasion. Robin Faustini debuts with an Osella FA30 Zytek that he bought in Italy. The car was last used by Italian Michele Fattorini at the 2018 FIA Hill Climb Masters in Gubbio.
There are only ten examples of the most successful race car of the last twelve years, two of which are now in Switzerland. After Roland Bossy, Marcel Steiner, Julien Ducommun and Joël Volluz (who is still taking a break), the 23-year-old from Aargau is the fifth Swiss Osella driver.
Experience for Oberhallau and 2022
There's no question that the switch from the Reynard K01 (for sale) to the Osella was a dream come true for him. Dad Simon Hugentobler, whose Osella PA30 (the sports car model) is out of action due to engine damage, and Robin have done a lot of work in recent weeks to get the top car ready to race again after the long standstill.
Robin Faustini: "Unfortunately, there was not enough time for test drives. That's why Osnabrück is a functional test for me without any pressure of expectations. We will then make the first changes, including to the chassis, for Oberhallau. The important thing is that I can gain some more experience so that I can then invest it in preparing for 2022."
Protracted problem finding with Marcel Steiner
In terms of results, however, more can be expected from Marcel Steiner. For him, Osnabrück is the first race since Turckheim-3 Epis 2020, where the new Honda turbo engine in the rear of the LobArt did not run properly. Since then, Steiner Motorsport and tuner Helftec have put a lot of energy into finding the problem, which could only be solved in the past summer days.
Hoping that the positive outcome of the recent tests on the Anneau du Rhin can now be transferred to the hillclimb circuits, the five-time Swiss champion will start in Osnabrück, then in Oberhallau, Turckheim, St. Agatha (A) and perhaps at the FIA Hill Climb Masters in Braga (P).
So the Bernese can already set himself goals again.
Marcel Steiner: "We tried out all the power levels and also the traction control. Everything has worked now, so I'm confident. Basically, I always race for the win, but I'll now just see how I get on with it."
Class opponents with new race cars
Finally, the Osnabrück hill climb also means a new start for Joel Burgermeister and Thomas Zürcher. Both will be competing in the two-liter race car class in their Tatuus F4s with LRM turbo engines from Italy.
Burgermeister made his successful debut with it at the Frauenfeld slalom (second on the day), Zürcher last rode it at the club race in Lignierès in September 2020, but never again on the mountain since the accident in Anzère in 2019. So both have to get used to new conditions again.
Viewers can watch the hill climb Osnabrück either live on site or under this Link track on the Internet.
Bratschi must cancel and concentrate on EBM
Touring car track record holder Ronnie Bratschi did not travel to Osnabrück. Because spare parts got stuck at customs, he will not get the Mitsubishi, which was damaged in Poland in July, ready in time. Therefore, the man from Uri continues to concentrate on the European Mountain Championship, which continues in Slovenia at the end of August.
Looking forward to Oberhallau
On the same weekend, the only Swiss hillclimb race in 2021 for modern racing cars will be held. In Oberhallau, Thomas Amweg with his Lola F3000 will then be among the favorites for the overall podium together with Steiner, Faustini, Burgermeister, Zürcher and the German Alexander Hin (Osella PA30), who is also already competing in Osnabrück.
As of this week, tickets for spectators who meet the 3G rules (vaccinated, tested or recovered) are available exclusively online.
