Honigl claims first EOS victory

One of the leading drivers who encouraged the organisers of the world famous Euro Touring Series to bring their concept to the the world of 1:10 Electric Offroad, Hupo Honigl today finally claimed his first overall win at the season opener of the Euro Offroad Series. Having won leg 1 by not putting a wheel wrong, second time round the Austrian had to work hard for the win with himself and Top Qualifier Tom Cockerill putting on a great show for the large crowds.  After a coming together between Cockerill and Neumann at the start of the last lap, Honigl could breath again and cruise to the finish to take an emotional win by over 3-seconds.  Cockerill would finish second with Neumann third, the two set to go head to head in Leg 3 for the runners-up spot here in Poland.

Honigl said the change to Proline tyres for season No.3 has really suited his driving style saying it now feels more like offroad than carpet racing.  Clearly delighted at becoming only the fourth driver to win 2WD at the EOS, he said the win is also a huge load off his shoulders with many people recently suggesting that he should consider retiring.  Commenting on the race, the multiple former European Champion said at the start he remained patient adding that it is always easier to follow than lead.  Moving to the front at the end of lap 8 when the top 3 hit trouble at the double, all three drivers afterwards unsure of what actually happened, he said he just tried to drive safe. With Cockerill closing back in, Honigl complimenting the patience shown by the British driver, he said he found enough confidence to double the double for two laps which allowed him to keep the Schumacher at bay before the last lap which when the battle for second place came together he could cruise to the finish.

Despite coming so close to making the battle go to the third A-Main, Cockerkill said it was ‘a good race’.  Playing it safe at the start he said he doesn’t know what actually happened at the double when he lost the lead but catching back up to Honigl he said he was setting himself up for a final lap pass.  Describing his coming together with Neumann he said it probably looked worse than it was adding that it wasn’t intentional and was just a racing incident.  Disappointed at missing out on his first win, he said his focus now is to try and get second overall. Having pulled up in Leg 1 to save tyres, he added that he still has to play it safe as a bad result would cost him the chance of claiming his first EOS podium, a result he said would top off a great weekend for the new Cougar KF.

Defending Champion Neumann, who again set the fastest lap, said the first minute of the race is his problem as on new tyres the leaders can pull away.  Although able to pull back the lost ground once the tyres come in, he said with no new tyres left for the last final he feels he is not going to have enough traction to try deny Cockerill the win and give Durango a 1-2 finish.  Durango could potentially lock out the podium should Michal Orlowski back up his 4th in Leg 1 with another strong run.

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