Estonian racing talent Alex Reimann delivered a strong performance in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux season opener, claiming eighth place in the second race at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The weekend, however, proved eventful, with the first race ending in retirement due to an on-track incident.
Reimann began the round by qualifying 11th, placing him in the mid-field. Despite losing time due to an untimely safety car appearance, the EST1 Racing driver showed promising pace and was on course for a top-ten finish. However, his progress was cut short in the tight and technically demanding La Source hairpin, where an overly ambitious move by a competitor triggered a multi-car collision. Reimann was forced to retire, while fellow Estonian driver Thomas Kangro, also involved, was able to continue.
“The first race was developing really well, and Alex was visibly quicker than three or four of the cars ahead,” said Raimo Kulli, Team Principal of EST1 Racing. “Unfortunately, the safety car compromised our momentum, and although the incident resulted in a penalty for the other driver, it doesn’t change the fact that we had to retire.”
Strong Comeback in Race Two
The second race saw a determined fightback. Reimann impressed with a series of confident overtakes, many of them again at La Source, turning the previous day’s misfortune into a point of strength. He showed particularly strong pace through the first sector, consistently faster than even the pole-sitter, Robin Knutssion, in that segment of the track.
Reimann temporarily climbed into the top six and narrowly avoided a second race incident when a loose tyre bounced onto the track from an earlier crash. His sharp reflexes prevented a potential collision.
“Alex reacted brilliantly in that moment. If not for his quick thinking, the outcome could have been very different again,” Kulli commented.
Reimann eventually crossed the line in eighth position, earning valuable championship points and confirming the team’s upward trajectory.
“It was a very solid drive, and in terms of the whole weekend, we’re satisfied. Our pace has clearly improved since the previous round, and we’re edging closer to the front of the grid,” Kulli added.
Reimann: “We’re Moving in the Right Direction”
Reflecting on the weekend, Reimann struck a positive and forward-looking tone.
“We definitely made progress this weekend. We learned some new things and fine-tuned areas we already knew needed improvement. There’s more work to be done, and we’re staying focused.”
