Chester Kieffer had been on a brilliant run of positive results, including victories at Nîmes-Lédenon and Spa Francorchamps, but the fourth of seven French F4 Championship races failed to live up to expectations. Yet the promising Luxembourger was looking forward to racing at the prestigious Nürburgring circuit, less than two hours from his home. Unfortunately, his stay in Germany from 25th to 28th July did not go according to plan.
“As early as the Free Practice session, I experienced some rather worrying brake problems,” says Chester. “Despite several interventions by the FFSA Academy mechanics, I found myself with far too much braking power at the rear compared to the front, which completely destabilised my car in the corners. This meant that I wasn’t able to prepare for the race in good conditions and I was unable to do better than 7th in Friday’s Qualifying session.”
Races 1 and 2, held on Saturday, would be subject to the changeable weather over the Nürburgring. “With the rainy conditions, my braking problem was less of a disadvantage. In the morning race, I got off to an excellent start and quickly found myself in the top three. Unfortunately, during a clash with another driver, his front wing touched my rear tyre, which forced me to retire. It was a huge disappointment! I was hoping to get my revenge in Race 2. Between the very slippery track and the really worn rain tyres we had at our disposal, it wasn’t easy to keep the car on the track and I had to retire again after a clash in the pack”.
Only Race 3 brought Chester Kieffer some comfort, despite recurring problems with the brake system on the track, which was dry again on Sunday. “The 2nd fastest lap of the Qualifying session had put me in 5th position on the grid, but I lacked performance with a car that is always difficult to push to the limit. I gave it my all, but I couldn’t finish better than 6th. In the French F4 Championship standings, I’m still 4th, but the gap to the leading trio has widened. I hope to be back in an efficient single-seater by the next race at Magny-Cours so that I can aim for victory again and fight for the title at the end of the season.”
Info Kartcom / Photo © KSP – Gruppe C