BENJAMIN GOETHE ON THE PODIUM AT THE LAUSITZRING
- Benjamin Goethe takes a podium in the ADAC GT Masters at the Lausitzring
- The ROFGO Junior driver finishes third in the Junior Trophy classification
- One more race to go for the 17-year old in 2020
Less than a week after his 24 Hours of Spa debut, Benjamin Goethe was back behind the wheel of the Audi R8 GT3 LMS last weekend. The 17-year old ROFGO Junior driver was called up by Team WRT alongside 24 Hours of Spa podium-finisher Frédéric Vervisch (BE) to replace the usual driver pairing for the penultimate round of the ADAC GT Masters season at the Lausitzring.
The offer was a no-brainer, providing Benji with a perfect opportunity to learn a new track and to gain more experience alongside a new team-mate. And, as it turned out, he also got the chance to hone his skills in wet and tricky conditions.
Despite getting thrown into the deep end, and once again as the youngest driver on the grid of 70 of the best GT drivers in the world, Benjamin proved he is up for the challenge. He improved session-by- session, without making any mistakes under treacherous conditions and with very poor visibility.
On Sunday morning, Vervisch started the race from pole position in the #30 Audi R8 GT3 LMS, and the 34-year old Belgian kept the lead until the pits. Benjamin took over the wheel in P1 and did an excellent job to maintain the lead, but unfortunately the #30 crew got a drive-through penalty for a pit stop infringement. After serving the penalty, Benjamin dropped down the order and crossed the line in P9.
Even though the pairing missed out on the overall win, Benjamin climbed on the podium, finishing in third place in the ‘Junior Trophy’ classification and taking his maiden ADAC GT Masters podium.
“I have mixed feelings right now.“ – said the ROFGO Junior driver.” It’s nice to finish in the top-10, and take the Junior Trophy podium, but a shame to have gotten a drive-through while leading. We could have had a much better result, but I am happy of my progress throughout the weekend, as I was struggling a bit in the rain on Saturday, and I thank the entire team for the excellent work and the support.”
Benjamin now returns to his studies at Millfield School before his last race of the year in two weeks’ time (13-15 November) the GT World Challenge Europe season finale at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France.
Photo credit:
ADAC GT Masters
For further information or to discuss sporting, partnership or media opportunities with Benjamin please contact:
maria@bulletsportsmanagement.com
