Kaan Önder had the most successful weekend of his Audi Sport TT Cup season to date at the Austrian Red Bull Ring track despite being involved in a multi-car accident that destroyed the Turkish 18 year old’s Audi Sport TT.

Qualifying saw Kaan take advantage of his preparation work by setting times that put him sixth on the grid for both races this weekend.  Times were ultra competitive with Kaan’s times just 0.6 and 0.2 seconds from pole position for the two races.

Race one was held on Saturday in the dry. While Kaan had great pace, the heat took its toll on the engine and tyres leading to power and understeer issues. Despite being one of Kaan’s toughest races he still claimed 11 points for eighth of the championship drivers.

Kaan went on to finish fifth in race two on Sunday morning. The Spielberg track conditions were far from ideal with torrential rain leading to the race starting under the safety car. After four laps racing began but was short-lived when Kaan’s number nine Audi Sport TT was involved in an accident with several other cars. Kaan was taken to the medical centre for checks but was cleared having escaped with only bruising. Half points were awarded but were still sufficient for Kaan to move up to 15th in the series.

Kaan’s next races are at Oschersleben on 12th and 13th September.

Kaan Önder

“The weekend definitely ended with a bang. The rain made driving extremely difficult and I was unlucky to get caught up in the accident. The problem wasn’t so much the initial impact when the car trying to overtake me lost control but the impacts from drivers that couldn’t avoid my car. The car is very well built and other than some aches and bruises I’m fine.

“My plan for the weekend was to have two good finishes and, while it wasn’t ideal, I have scored more points than at the previous events. Qualifying was definitely a big step forward. I know that there is more in me for the races and I will be working on improving for Oschersleben.”