BWT Lechner Racing came close to a sensation at Zandvoort. After technical issues in qualifying left title contender Robert de Haan with lowly starting positions for both races, the Dutchman faced a major challenge around the iconic dunes of the North Sea coast. Undeterred, he gave everything to maximise every opportunity and fight his way back into contention in the title battle, producing impressive comebacks on both Saturday and Sunday and even managing to finish on the podium.

“Robert was undoubtedly the driver of the weekend. He showed his class, overtaking more cars than anyone else in both races despite starting from difficult grid positions. I’m delighted that the home fans got to see Robert put on such a spectacular show.”
Robert Lechner, Team Principal

In the first race of the double-header on Saturday evening, Robert de Haan crossed the line in fifth. The 20-year-old produced an impressive fightback from eleventh on the grid, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. At one point, last year’s championship runner-up even found himself within striking distance of an unlikely podium finish.

To the delight of the capacity crowd, de Haan went one better on Sunday following Saturday’s sensational drive, gaining no fewer than seven positions in just a handful of laps. The BWT Lechner Racing driver’s spirited charge saw him climb to third before the halfway point. The Dutchman then set his sights on second place, applying pressure to the driver ahead, but was unable to find a way past on the tight and twisty circuit.

“Second place would have meant Robert had collected enough points to take the drivers’ championship right down to the wire. He and the entire BWT Lechner Racing team certainly deserved that opportunity after such a fantastic performance. Overtaking is notoriously difficult at Zandvoort, which makes Robert’s drive all the more impressive.”
Robert Lechner, Team Principal

Another driver who deserved more from the weekend was Marcus Amand. The young Finn, who celebrated his maiden race victory just weeks ago, finished twelfth in Sunday’s race. However, the Porsche Junior Driver was on course for a top 4 finish until the closing stages, when contact from a rival sent him into a spin and dropped him back into the midfield.

For Caleb Sumich in the sister car, the seventh round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup came to a premature end. The Australian made a strong start from 15th on the grid and fought hard to establish himself in the midfield. However, the recovery drive was cut short after a collision damaged the steering, forcing him to retire. “I was significantly faster than the car in front of me and attempted a risky overtaking manoeuvre,” Sumich explained. “It’s particularly disappointing because a top 10 finish was within reach, which would also have secured my first podium in the Rookie classification.”

The season finale will take place from 4 to 6 September as part of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, with BWT Lechner Racing battling for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup teams’ championship at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza.