Young Driver: A strong 2018 vintage
TEN FINALISTS WIN At the Wohlen karting track, the second phase of the Young Driver Challenge 2018 took place. The jury is unanimous: the level of the second year is higher than in 2017, and three finalists will soon be allowed to compete in a TCR race. Around 800 young people between the ages of 17 and 21 (born between 1997 and 2001) had applied for [...]
Around 800 young people between the ages of 17 and 21 (born between 1997 and 2001) applied for the second edition of the "AutoScout24 Young Driver Challenge powered by Seat". They were able to qualify for the second phase at various regional kart tracks.
This took place on May 22 and 23 in two groups at the kart track in Wohlen. A total of 36 young people took part in this national elimination.
Fast lap time and good performance
Under the watchful eye of Audi works driver Nico Müller, event organizer and racing driver Fredy Barth, and karting pro Ken Allemann, they were allowed to prove their talent at the wheel of Spirit Racing's racing karts.
The focus was not only on a fast lap time, but - primarily for the newcomers without racing experience - on a steady increase in the three sessions.
In addition, they had to trot along individually for a short interview with AutoSprintCH sports editor Peter Wyss. On the first day, their performances were personally observed and evaluated by Christophe Aebi, Director of AutoScout24 in Flamatt, and Andreas Huwyler, Head of Marketing Seat Switzerland in Schinznach-Bad. Together with Fredy Barth, they are the initiators of this great young talent project.
Since each candidate could be a potential brand ambassador for the two successful companies, these points also factored into the overall ranking.
Nine youngsters and one very young lady
However, the score alone was not decisive, but the overall image and potential of each candidate and the two female candidates - and of these, one made it to the next round, which is also the youngest of all.
The following five have qualified from German-speaking Switzerland:
- Julien Apothéloz (17) from Gockhausen ZH
- Giuliano Cucciolillo (21) from Merenschwand AG
- Bryan Gerber (18) from Rohrbachgraben BE
- Sven Haug (soon 18) from Nürensdorf ZH
- Elia Scolaro (17) from Jona SG
The following five qualified from the rest of the country:
- Karen Gaillard (soon 17) from Riaz FR
- Andrea Di Pietro (20) from Taverne TI
- Steven Planchamp (18) from Vouvry VS
- Francesco Ruga ((21) from Contra TI
- Leonardo Tinland (20) from Château d'Oex VD
Barth and Müller, together with the other members of the jury, agree: "In terms of level, this year's young talent show is a clear improvement on 2017.
With Apothéloz, Cucciolillo, Gerber and Planchamp, four athletes already successful in karting made it to the next round. Together with the six others, which include real newcomers to motorsport (apart from rental karts), they can prove on June 18 that they can also handle a car.
Next round on the Anneau du Rhin
On the circuit in Alsace, their talent will be tested at the wheel of a Seat Leon Cupra and a Cupra TCR. The best three drivers will be allowed to take part in one ADAC TCR Germany event each (two races each) in August and September with a Cupra TCR from Topcar Sport.
The winner who convinces the jury throughout all phases and who, in addition to driving skills, also has the unconditional passion and willingness for racing, will win the main prize of financial and advisory support from AutoScout24 and Seat worth around 50,000 Swiss francs for a further racing commitment.
Role model Oliver Holdener
Oliver Holdener, the first overall winner of 2017, finished in the top ten at just his second race weekend in this year's ADAC TCR Germany.
The driver from Schwyz thus impressively proved that the young driver chosen by AutoScout24 and Seat really does have a real chance in motor racing after this training.
