ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup 2009
Wolfsburg, 10 April 2009

 

 

It is the most important date for the young racing drivers competing in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup before the season opens: The introductory training: The 25 ‘stars of tomorrow’ spend two days at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben working on the finishing touches before the season starts in almost a month at Hockenheim and the race for points begins.

For ‘old campaigners’, who enter their second season in the one-make Volkswagen cup, and championship newcomers the curriculum is the same: free practice sessions as last chance for extensive testing, introduction to data analysis, technique training, start practice, learning all about the standard Dunlop tyre and also working professionally with the media.

‘Throughout the training of the talented young drivers contesting the Polo-Cup, we deliberately provide a wide range of tips and tricks with which we send the ‘stars of tomorrow’ on their way,’ says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ‘In addition to the pure testing sessions, the main priority of the introductory training is targeted at learning the technicalities of the Race-Polo. Mainly newcomers, but also experienced drivers receive the wherewithal for a successful season. This two-day training programme therefore complements the training with a fitness camp and qualification training.’

In this case, the introductory training is rated very highly by both the experienced Polo-Cup drivers and also the newcomers. ‘The most important things is that the drivers can refine their driving style during the five hour free practice,’ says Elia Erhart who starts his third and final Polo-Cup season in 2009. ‘The regulations prohibit testing during the season, so this time on the track is worth its weight in gold.’ The ‘old campaigners’ of the ‘Touring Car School’ assume an advisory role for the Rookies. ‘We are happy to exchange tips,’ says Erhart. ‘And you can also evaluate how the competition could perform. There’s one thing I certainly know already: We’ll face strong competition from the newcomers in this year’s Polo-Cup.’

For example, Sandra Oscarsson starts the German one-make cup with previous experience of touring cars. ‘The biggest difference between the Swedish JTCC is that we race with identical cars prepared by a single, central company,’ says the 17-year from Trångsund. ‘As a result the competition is very close. It’s even more important that the newcomers copy a few things during the introductory training and familiarise themselves with the peculiarities of the series. I found the media training to be particularly beneficial. After all, the public image is very important for sponsors giving their support.’

The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup seasons opens between 15 and 17 May in Hockenheim.

(Source: Volkswagen Motorsport)