ETRC: Lenz emerges as point leader; impressive Kiss suffers mixed fortunes

Sport news The Hungarian experienced a meeting of ups and downs at the Hungaroring, with two pole positions and as many victories accompanied by a retirement. Révész Truck Racing Team started the FIA ETRC season-opening weekend off on a high, topping all practice sessions and claiming pole position for Race 1. In the first encounter of the weekend, the two-time title winner got off to a good start, opening a sizeable gap over second-placed Sascha Lenz. However, few laps into the race the red MAN suffered a turbo failure, leading to Kiss’ retirement. Lenz inherited the lead, keeping two series champions, Jochen Hahn and Adam Lacko, at bay and going on to take a commanding victory, with the German and the Czech rounding out the podium. The second heat of the day was red-flagged on the opening lap after Steffen Faas, who started the semi-reversed grid race from pole position, went off and hit the barriers, resulting in a lengthy repair. The driver emerged from the accident unhurt and took part in Sunday’s part of the competition. Following a disappointing Saturday, Kiss bounced back on Sunday, starting the day by taking his second pole position of the weekend. On this occasion, he managed to convert the first place on the grid into a victory, with Race 1 winner Lenz and Lacko completing the top three. By doing so, the Czech racer scored his second third place of the weekend. The Hungarian completed a clean sweep on Sunday, claiming a victory in the final encounter of the weekend. Young gun Téo Calvet started the reversed-grid race from pole position, but it was fellow front-row starter Steffi Halm who settled into the lead early on. Eighth on the grid, Kiss wasted no time, gaining places from the off and moving up to sixth by the second corner. He then put pressure on the 2017 titlist Lacko, with both going by reigning six-time champion Hahn. When the Hungarian found his way by the Czech, it was only the Iveco driver Steffi Halm that stood between him and the victory. Kiss was patiently waiting for his opportunity, eventually making a successful move going into Turn 1 and securing his second victory of the day. Halm and Lacko rounded out the podium.     European Truck Racing Championship ETRC Truck All fia sport SEASON 2021 Sport Circuit 1SportEuropean Truck Racing ChampionshipCircuitAll fia sportSEASON 2021ETRCTruck01 Sunday, June 13, 2021 - 4:52pm Sunday, June 13, 2021 - 4:52pm