One-two win for Van Amersfoort Racing through Drugovich and Vesti

• Felipe Drugovich takes his maiden win in the ADAC Formula 4
• Juri Vips maintains overall lead despite retirement
• Doureid Ghattas best rookie on his debut weekend/li>

Felipe Drugovich (16, Van Amersfoort Racing) got an early birthday present to round off his race weekend at the Lausitzring. Two days before his 17th birthday, the Brazilian secured the first win of his career in the ADAC Formula 4, and in the sixth round of the season, became the sixth driver to win a race. Team-mate Frederik Vesti (15, Denmark) made this a one-two win for Dutch team, Van Amersfoort Racing. Winner of the first race at the Lausitzring Kim-Luis Schramm (19, Germany, US Racing) completed the party on the podium. The results of the ADAC Formula 4 at the Lausitzring are provisional pending appeal of Team US Racing.

“It was the perfect end to the weekend. We secured a one -two victory, which is really great for the team. I’m very happy. After two second places, I’ve finally taken my maiden win in the ADAC Formula 4. I hope there’ll be many more of them,” said a delighted Drugovich after his success: “I couldn’t wish for anything better for my birthday.”

After a dazzling start, Vesti shot up from fourth place into second place. With Vesti, polesitter Louis Gachot (17, UK) and Drugovich, Van Amersfoort Racing had three drivers in the leading positions until Schramm took the British driver’s place on the podium ten minutes from the end.

Gachot in P4 rounded off a great result for Van Amersfoort Racing. Winner of the second round Julian Hanses (19, Germany, US Racing) finished fifth. Andreas Estner (16, Germany, Neuhauser Racing), Michael Waldherr (20, Germany, Neuhauser Racing), Sophia Flörsch (16, Germany, ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg eV) and Nicklas Nielsen (20, Germany, Neuhauser Racing) , Denmark, US Racing) followed them home. In only his third race in the ADAC Formula 4, German driver Doureid Ghattas (15, Team Piro Interdental) secured the award of best rookie for the first time.

The race was action-packed with plenty of retirements right from the start. After a contact with Juan Manuel Correa (17, USA/Ecuador, Prema Powerteam), rookie Richard Wagner (17, Germany, Lechner Racing) came to a stop on the track, bringing out the safety car. Kami Laliberté (17, Canada, Van Amersfoort Racing) also came into the pits with a damaged car a little later and retired. On Lap 4, South African driver Jonathan Aberdein (19, Motopark) parked up next to the track, and two laps after that, the race was also over for Lirim Zendeli (16, Germany, ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg eV) following a spin into the gravel bed.

Overall leader Juri Vips (16, Prema Powerteam) had an extremely tough day. The Estonian spun on the first lap and retired after a contact with team-mate Marcus Armstrong (16, New Zealand). However, Vips on 72 points still has a narrow lead in the overall standings on Drugovich, who has 69 points.

Racing will continue in Austria for drivers and teams in the high-speed school of the ADAC after a three-week break. Drivers will fight for more championship points in Races 7, 8 and 9 on the weekend of 9th - 11th June at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

More comments from the ADAC Formula 4

Frederik Vesti (Second, Van Amersfoort Racing): “I’m really happy with this result. It’s my first year in the ADAC Formula 4, so this is excellent. I never would have expected this to happen at the start of the season. I’ve worked hard, so I’m really happy now.”

Kim-Luis Schramm (Third, US Racing): “I’m definitely satisfied by and large. Our car was perfect all weekend. I then drove well in the races and did everything right. Not much more was possible in the end today. My tyres were practically shot after I overtook Louis Gachot with five laps to go.”

Doureid Ghattas (P16 and best Rookie, Team Piro Interdental, ADAC Sports Foundation protege): “I slipped around a lot in the car towards the end but somehow still managed to keep in front of the man behind. I fought hard. It was very exhausting, but I’m now extremely relieved.”

Jeroen de Jong (Team Principal at Van Amersfoort Racing): “We’re obviously pleased to have booked first, second and fourth place. Felipe Drugovich has given himself a terrific birthday present today.”