Giermaziak makes it two in a row with Spa triumph

After breaking his Porsche Supercup duck last time out at the Hungaroring Polish rookie Kuba Giermaziak made it back-to-win triumphs with victory in the series’ trip to Spa-Francorchamps.

The 21-year-old VERVA Racing star lead the Belgian event from the off and would build a five second advantage by mid-race.

However he came under intense late pressure from reigning champion Rene Rast (Lechner Racing), who made steady progress from fifth on the grid to run second as the race entered its latter stages. The German would then chase Giermaziak down to challenge for the lead, but the Pole had just enough to fend of his advances. The VERVA man would also score the event’s fastest lap to complete a perfect weekend.

“What a fantastic race,” said Giermaziak afterwards. “I had luck on my side though – two more laps and I would very likely have had great difficulty fending off the others. Now we’ve shown we are not just good in the rain, but we can also win in dry conditions.”

Rast’s runner-up finish sees the German reclaim the points lead, leaving him satisfied with his weekend’s work: “To come from fifth and finish second, and then grab the championship lead – you can’t wish for more than that. I’m totally happy, even though it didn’t work with my first win in Spa.”

The podium was completed by Brit Nick Tandy (Konrad Motorsport), who crossed the line four seconds in arrears of Rast. Jeroen Bleekemolen (Team Abu Dhabi) was fourth, with Christian Engelhart (Konrad Motorsport) fifth and erstwhile championship leader Sean Edwards (Team Abu Dhabi) sixth. Christian Passuti was the highest-placed guest driver in 13th spot.

Rast’s now leads the standings by a slender seven points from Edwards, but it is perhaps form man Giermaziak who the German should be most wary of. The Pole has scored 58 points from the sixty available over the past three races, a run that could yet see him claim a shock Supercup crown.

The series returns to action at Italian venue Monza (September 11) before concluding with a double-header in Abu Dhabi (November 12/13).

Watch Porsche Supercup action on Motors TV


James Weeks