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iRacing Pro Series Road - Season Update


Admin istrator On December 13, 2011
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Roland Ehnström - iRacing Pro Series - Season Update

Edit: Link to video fixed!
As the final step before the world driver's championship, the iRacing pro series' results decide who will make it - and who will not. Everyone wants a spot no matter what. The races are tough and the pace is insane. And many of this season's Pro Series drivers will without a doubt shake the world championship standings next year. Orion Race Team driver Roland Ehnström and his stunning Perfect Pedal Williams FW31 car is one of them, and here is a season update, after six races.

The first one was at the mythical Spa Francorchamps race track. After a great qualifying lap and subsequently starting 3rd on the grid, Roland eventually found himself in between two cars heading towards La Source or getting 0x contact while avoiding incidents at speed... it was hot!  But staying focused and as cautious as a race driver can be paid off. After some passing and the unfolding of the different race strategies, Roland saw himself finishing in second position. Exhausted, but happy. You can see the PSRTV broadcast HERE (you can right click/save as).

After that strong season start, the second race at Okayama proved to be more challenging and showed the strenght of the field. A difficult race preparation, some mistakes on his qualifying laps and Roland found himself 15th on the grid. Ouch. The race itself was chaotic and Roland's car didn't get spared. 24th after pitting for repairs, and half a minute behind the 23rd, everything was yet to be done! And with a 3 stops strategy, if he wanted to get some positions back, Roland had to pass most of the cars not once, but twice! After a tremendous comeback, a 12th position finish was enough to stay in sight of qualifying for the world championship.

Mayhem at Zandvoort
                                                                                  - Mayhem at Zandvoort


The third race at Indianapolis proved to be eventful as well. Starting from P7, Roland's 1 stop strategy allowed once again for a lot of mix ups with drivers on different fuel loads. For his first time on this track, the Orion driver did well finishing in 6th position, with a total race time that would have equaled a 5th position finish in the previous world championship race. As mentionned by his teammates Ilkka Haapala and Dion Vergers, that kind of result was just perfect for the goal of this series. Next stop, Silvertsone.

The least favorite track of Roland. His pace was competitive but with a strong aero push following other cars, it proved difficult to translate that pace into a good result because of an average starting position. A couple of trips off the race track (including a 360 degrees spin at 200Kph..woosh ) and some battles later, Roland had to settle for an 8th place finish. Not too bad! And with a fastest lap 1 tenth shy off the best lap only. And precious points in the bag.

With a less than perfect qualification lap, Roland started the Philip Island race on the 4th row. Now, at this point it should be noted that he drove the whole season with a cast on his left wrist. That was the first race without and it didn't feel good at all. Nevertheless, Roland had pace for a podium finish here. The  race was eventful as Roland had once to get his car out of the race track to avoid collision with a less that sporty competitor. Losing some positions, Roland eventually fought his way back up to 6th. Unhappy about this result and concerned about his wrist, the pro season took a not so pleasant turn. But, guess what. "I don't like being  a quitter". These are Roland's words after these  events. At this point however, his spot in next year's iRacing world Championship were practically assured. So congratulations, champ! And off to the 6th race of the season we are!

Final race of this season update, Zandvoort is yet another high downforce track. Prior to the  race, Roland wasn't too happy about his setup, especially for qualifying. But an 8th place on the grid wasn't too bad, only 3 tenths off pole position. After a minor incident and spending a couple of laps making sure his car was alright, Roland went on a charge, with a heavier fuel load than everyone else. Out of the pits he went side by side with Samuel Libeert but couldn't secure the position and had to slot back in 6th position. But he was able to pressure Samuel and get alongside on the straight, with an assertive move around the outside into turn one, securing the 5th position. Then closing the gap to third and fourth, he eventually got that fourth position when Atze Kerkhof, the season leader, had to pit for a splash of fuel.


                                                       - Ehnström passing Libeert at Zandvoort

And on to the rest of this exciting season! And congratulations again to Roland, for his performances as well as securing his spot for next year's iRacing world championship. Oh and did you know, that Roland is also competing in the Oval Pro series? Well, check our twitter page for all Orion race team stuff!



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