Sunday, May 10, 2015

TCR: Unlucky race 2 for Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde at Portimao


By Tarek Ramchani

A very unlucky TCR International Series race 2 for Audi drivers at Portimao. Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde did not finish the 16-lap race.

The Audi TT the car that dominated all the sessions and race 1 at the Portuguese track had a frustrating race 2 this afternoon.

It was an action packed race two with fierce battles on track for the win and top posts. The two Audi drivers started the race very well and were able to charge back through the field. The two Audi TTs were really fast and by lap nine, they were running in second with Kelvin van der Linde and third with race 1 winner Nicki Thiim.


Later drama started to hit the Audis. Nicki Thiim was the first to retire with his #3 Audi TT, the Danish driver hit a kerb too hard. A lap later it was Kelvin van der Linde turn to retire, his #9 Audi TT was stopped on track with technical issues.

Race 2 win went to Michel Nykjær behind the wheel of a SEAT Leon. Second place went to Kevin Gleason with a Honda Civic Type-R. The podium was completed by Jordi Gené driving a SEAT Leon.

Overall it was an amazing TCR racing weekend for the Audi drivers at Portimao. Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde proved that the Audi TT is a really fast car against its rivals from SEAT and Honda.

The TCR International Series will resume in two weeks time at Monza.

Photo credit: TCR International Series