BMW M2 Cup: Exciting battle for the championship lead 25.08.2021: The new BMW M2 Cup was also at the Nürburgring (GER) at the weekend for its third event of the season. An exciting battle for the championship lead developed over the course of two thrilling races on Saturday and Sunday.

The new BMW M2 Cup was also at the Nürburgring (GER) at the weekend for its third event of the season. An exciting battle for the championship lead developed over the course of two thrilling races on Saturday and Sunday.

 

In Saturday’s opening race, Louis Henkefend (GER) took a comfortable second win of the season in the #17 BMW M2 CS Racing. He crossed the finish line almost six seconds clear of his closest rival. In doing so, Henkefend extended his championship lead - briefly.


“That was a perfect race,” said Henkefend afterwards. “I grabbed the lead in turn one and then had a clear track in front of me. I am really happy, as I have scored valuable points in the championship.”



Behind him, Fabian Kreim (GER / #43) and Nicolas Hancke (GER / #99) were embroiled in a hard-fought battle for second place. Kreim had the upper hand for a long time, but it was Hancke who eventually prevailed and took second place. As such, the podium featured Henkefend, Hancke and Kreim.

 

Race two on Sunday was another thriller with the drivers in the BMW M2 CS Racing cars making a host of spectacular manoeuvres on a dry track. This time, it was Hancke who added victory to the second place he recorded on Saturday. “It has been a long road onto the podium.



I was lacking a bit of pace in the first few races, but it was better here at the Nürburgring. I am incredibly happy with the result,” said the #99 BMW M2 CS Racing driver. Second place went to Kreim, with Davit Kajaia (GEO / #5) taking third. Henkefend had to settle for sixth place after receiving a penalty for failing to observe track limits.

 

That result saw the championship lead change hands and Kreim is the new leader with 97 points. Henkefend is now second with 95 points, followed in third place by Hancke (76 points). The BMW Junior Team visited the BMW M2 Cup paddock at the Nürburgring weekend.



Dan Harper (GBR), Neil Verhagen (USA) and Max Hesse (GER) called upon their experience to give the drivers some valuable tips.



-Andrea Schwab, photo Marc Hilger AutoMobilSport.com