Photo: Mediaempire.se

Franz Engstler tops first ETC Cup test

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Touring car legend Franz Engstler topped the first test session of the European Touring Car Cup at Salzburgring in Austria. The session was dominated by the changing weather. It started out wet, got dryer, only to get wet again after a heavy rain shower. Engstler clocked his fastest time when the track was drying up on slick tyres.

Second fastest was reigning champion Michel Nykjær in the Chevrolet Lacetti, 0.704 seconds beind. 2005 champion Richard Göransson was third fastest, setting his times in the wet on rain tyres.

“It was very slippery out there today. But we are getting there, it is very early yet and we will see after today where we are,” said Göransson.

Newly crowned finnish champion Mikko Eskelinen was fourth fastest in his BMW 320si, almost one and a half second behind Engstler’s fastest time, ahead of ADAC Procar front runner Peter Rikli.

Alexander Lvov was the second Honda-driver in top ten, setting his best lap time of 1:37.348. He was just ahead of SEAT Eurocup-champion Oscar Nogués in the petrol-powered SEAT Léon.

Janis Horeliks was eigth fastest in the older Honda Civic ahead of George Tanev and the Dane Kristian Poulsen.

Another two 60 minute test sessions will be held today, stay tuned for further reports!