The top drivers in the NGK & NTK Esports Cup head to Germany this week to start the second half of the campaign.

On Feb. 16, some of the top racers on iRacing will be racing at the virtual Hockenheimring and its National A layout.

This will be the first round to take place at the virtual circuit in series history. According to Vince Peeters, who heads into Germany inside the top five in the drivers standings, the facility is “one of the simpler tracks” to race with the Toyota GR86.

“I like Hockenheim a lot and have a lot of laps on it. It will help me get up to pace quickly.”

As drivers get ready for the fourth round of the season, here is what competitors to expect this week:

Points Standings Entering Round 4

After Peeters’ disastrous Race 2 in Italy, Alexander Thiebe holds the championship lead by just six points.

Thiebe went to virtual victory lane in both races at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari to take control of the points lead.

“It’s closer than I’d like to, but my opponents are really nice guys, so I’m nevertheless happy with the ongoing battle”.

Alexander Thiebe

Gaël Valero remains in the third spot, 18 points behind Thiebe. John Ehlen (-77) and Sergi Maturana (-87) round out the top five.

More About The Hockenheimring Circuit

As discussed earlier in the season, the Hockenheimring on iRacing is relatively flat and features a vast array of drafting sections. Some of the main areas of interest for passes include the frontstretch and the run from Turn 4 all the way to the hairpin corner in Turn 6.

Keep in mind that with the National A layout, there is less of a lead-up to said hairpin corner. While it cuts out the strict track limits corner of NordKurve, it replaces said section with a hard-braking left-hand corner in Mercedes. Drivers then have a quick turn to the right before returning to the normal layout.

“Hockenheim is gonna be tough for me,” said Thiebe. “I‘m not expecting to be as strong as I was last round but I’ll give it all I have.”

Michael Haflidason, who was not happy with how he performed at Imola in part due to a poor qualifying run, said he expects this round to have a similar emphasis on track position. He is also trying to compete in two different Swedish iRacing championships and trying to find a new apartment while competing in the NGK & NTK Esports Cup.

“It’s going to be a lot like the last round if you are looking at how both races are going to look like. If I can start in the top 5, I will be (away from) trouble and can hopefully just hang on for a few good points. That’s what I need right now.”

Michael Haflidason

Continuing his comparisons between Imola and Hockenheimring, Haflidason thinks the draft will be extremely strong once again.

“I think you don’t want to be in first place going out on the last lap, We saw at Imola how strong the draft can be and with the long run to the hairpin cars behind is going to eat you up.”

Michael Haflidason

However, Thiebe thinks the races could go the opposite way.

“I think that we are not gonna see that many overtakes due to the track’s character, It’s gonna be more difficult for me in Race 2.”

Alexander Thiebe

Meanwhile, after his “head wasn’t in the right place” from what happened at Imola, Peeters made it clear what his goals were to have a good round.

“Stay out of trouble, like every round. It’s crucial I get a good qualifying spot, unlike at Imola, I need to watch out for crashes up ahead in the reverse grid and all should be fine.”

Vince Peeters

Esports Brand Ambassador Patricija Stalidzane breaks down the circuit in her track guide here:

Timeline For Round 4

The Points Structure

Drivers will receive points based on their finishing position in their server and the Top 5in qualifying will also receive additional points as detailed below. This is designed to stop driver sandbagging for the reverse grid race.

A multiplier will be applied as a bonus based on how many splits were available for the race. After stewarding has taken place, the results will be processed and announced on the RaceSpot TV Website at http://racespot.tv/ngk-atk.

Qualifying Points

Race Points

The Prizes On Offer

For the first six rounds, drivers have the chance to win the following:

First Place – 100 €  Second Place – 50 €  Third Place – 25 €

The winner of the overall NGK & NTK ESPORTS CUP 2024 will receive a One Bavarian Simtech Wheel + 500 €. The second place driver will receive a One Tailoredrig (NGK Branded) + 250 €, and third place driver will receive an Alphatec Racing LED Screen + 150 €.

Positions 4-5 will receive 50 € , and Positions 4-10 will receive a NGK & NTK Goodie Bag. nThe driver with the fastest lap in the finals will receive a VRS Subscription.

How To Watch

You can catch the race on RaceSpot TV’s YouTube page on Friday afternoon, with live reporting of events here on RaceSpot News. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more upcoming events, and make sure to come back to RaceSpot News to view the race recap after the event.

Watch The Race Live This Friday.

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