Motorbase Performance celebrated two Pro-Am class podiums during rounds 9 and 10 of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at the weekend, with Dan Vaughan securing a double trip to the rostrum at Snetterton (July 28/29).
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the Kent-based squad with newcomer Valentin Hasse-Clot and team-mate Dan Vaughan struggling to fully convert their impressive race pace into worthy results on race day.
21-year-old Hasse-Clot made his mark on the Carrera Cup GB debut early on during Sunday’s opening race. The French Carrera Cup Rookie Champion produced an outstanding charge off the start line; leaping from 7th on the grid to P2 in just two laps, and the Frenchman looked set for a podium on his maiden appearance. Regrettably a small error on lap 3, in the treacherous racing conditions, pitched him into the barriers and ended the race for the #88 Porsche 911 Cup Car.
A less dramatic opening race for team-mate Dan Vaughan saw the #55 911 Cup Car take the Pro-Am Class lead in the opening laps. Sadly, Vaughan was unable to hold position in the tricky conditions and he slipped back down the order, eventually ending the race 3rd in class.Starting from dead-last for race 2, Hasse-Clot once again demonstrated his undoubted pace in the #88 car. From P23, the Frenchman expertly scythed his way through the field and into P7 by the 7th tour of the circuit. However, with only 7 laps remaining and minimal opportunities to progress, he was forced to hold position to take P7 at the flag. Vaughan scored his 2nd podium of the day in race 2, with the 21-year-old putting up a valiant battle in the Pro-Am class to end the 14 lap contest in P10 overall, 3rd in the Pro-Am class.
In recognition of the team’s performance, and in particular the efforts and skill of crew managing to rebuild Hasse-Clot’s car in time to make race 2, Motorbase Performance were also awarded ‘Team of the Weekend’ by the Championship.
The Porsche Carrera Cup GB now has a short break before reconvening at Knockhill in Fife, Scotland for rounds 11 and 12 on August 25/26.
Quotes:
Team Principal David Bartrum:
“Dan had an interesting weekend really. He’s had two podiums, but we all feel that he really should have progressed a bit more this weekend. We’re into the 2nd half of the season now, so he needs to be getting the wins to stay in the fight for the title.
“Valentin was an interesting addition to the team. He didn’t qualify great but it was his first time racing in the UK so we expected that. His first race wasn’t very long, but it was certainly very memorable! He came from 7th to P2 before the end of the first lap. It was just such a shame that he made a mistake and crashed out because I would have loved to see where he would have ended the race. It was really exciting to watch.
“The boys did a great job repairing the car in time to get him back out as good as new for race 2 and Valentin went out and went from 23rd to 7th. I really can’t wait to see what he can do as he gets more used to the tracks and the car.
“Getting Team of the Week from Porsche was a nice addition. It just underlined the brilliant job that the team did this weekend and it’s great for their hard work to be recognised.”
#88 Valentin Hasse-Clot (Pro Class):
“Qualifying was tough. The field is so close, there was only 3 tenths between the top 7. In the first race I went from 7th to 2nd and then made a mistake and killed my weekend so I had to start the 2nd race last. I made it up to 7th in 2 laps but the race was done by then really. I feel a bit frustrated that we missed out on a podium this weekend. I know that our place is in the top 3 so we are quite confident for the next round at Knockhill.
“I was surprised by the warm welcome everyone gave me this weekend. That was nice. The top 6/7 is the same as in France but the circuits are far more technical. I’ve been really impressed with the British motorsport fans and their incredible support for the drivers, especially in this weather!”
#55 Dan Vaughan (Pro-Am Class):
“A solid weekend with two podiums; but not a great weekend. I had the car; I just didn’t get the best of out of myself. The car has been mega and the team have worked really well, I just feel like I should have done a bit better.
“It’s been a big help having Valentin in the team and it’ll help me for sure sitting down and going over the data together. I’m looking forward to Knockhill next; hopefully we’ll be able to get back into the Championship fight.”
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