TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) confronted a thrilling and difficult weekend of racing on the iconic East London Grand Prix Circuit for Round 5 of the 2023 Global Touring Cars (GTC) championship. The action-packed weekend noticed the group exhibit their talent and dedication, battling it out on the quick and historic circuit.
Challenging weekend of racing for TGRSA
The weekend commenced with observe classes on Friday, held below changeable climate situations, setting the tone for an unpredictable race weekend. Saturday’s qualifying session befell in dry situations, with Saood Variawa exhibiting spectacular tempo in his GR Corolla GTC. Variawa secured the second spot on the grid, simply 0.105 seconds behind pole-sitter Robert Wolk, who campaigns a privately entered Toyota Corolla GTC. Michael van Rooyen secured the third-fastest time, solely 0.310 seconds behind his teammate; whereas Nathi Msimanga, within the third TGRSA GR Corolla GTC, set the fifth-fastest time, trailing pole place by 0.512 seconds.
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Race 1 proved to be a troublesome contest, with drivers navigating the fearsomely quick East London Grand Prix Circuit. Despite a valiant effort, Saood Variawa needed to settle for a second place end behind Robert Wolk. Michael van Rooyen had a disappointing outing, ending because the final of the GTC rivals. Unfortunately, Nathi Msimanga encountered an electronics drawback, resulting in overheating and a pit cease, earlier than finishing the final 4 laps of the opening race.
The second race introduced additional challenges for Michael van Rooyen, as he struggled to make an affect on the outcomes. Nathi Msimanga was pressured to retire his automotive because of engine temperature points that exceeded the secure limits, most probably a complication brought on by his earlier issues. Nonetheless, Saood Variawa fought valiantly, securing a second consecutive second-place end, trailing Robert Wolk to the chequered flag as soon as once more.
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“The weekend didn’t quite go according to plan, but I’m pleased to have secured valuable points with two consecutive second-place finishes,” stated Variawa after the weekend’s races. “The competition was fierce, and we faced some unexpected challenges, but as a team, we remain determined and focused on delivering strong performances in the upcoming rounds.”
What’s subsequent
With Round 5 now full, TGRSA is absolutely targeted on the upcoming rounds of the championship, aiming to additional enhance their efficiency within the remaining races. The subsequent spherical of the championship will happen on the Killarney Race Track, within the Mother City, early in September.
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Published by Toyota South Africa on Motorpress
For extra information in regards to the 2023 Global Touring Cars (GTC) championship, comply with our motorsport web page.
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