The Volkswagen Racing UK-developed Volkswagen Mk VI Golf GTI, Europe's newest racing Volkswagen, looks set to end its maiden competition on a high note after its best track showing to date during the latest rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup with FUCHS Lubricants.
Driven by saloon ace Nick Beaumont, the new Golf sped to its maiden pole position before narrowly missing out on a maiden podium race finish, finishing sixth and fourth around the Northamptonshire circuit.
Beaumont believes there's more to come, commenting: “The new Golf has been a challenge. We have been developing the car in front of people at the circuits with nothing to hide. The first time the car ran was the Monday before the Brands Hatch race weekend in June, with very good results from the start – the potential was there to be seen in the car.
“Then we went to Zandvoort and found some time in the car, but not enough. For Rockingham the team made a very big step forward to make the Golf very competitive right from the first test on Friday afternoon; this was a shock to a few people in the pit lane. From then on we were really able to show the potential that we knew was there from the outset.”
The cars new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, giving out 250bhp, means the car is totally different to its previous models and it's a real positive for the car, as Nick adds: “The new engine has very good torque and delivers the power well and, combined with the chassis modifications, it really is a completely new race car, the next generation of Golf GTI, and I believe it will win many races and, in the future, the championship.”
Volkswagen Racing UK Director Melissa Wright is delighted to welcome the car to the grid, concluding:“We are delighted to embrace the new Golf because its technology is exactly that which buyers of new showroom Volkswagen models find in their cars.
“The technology within the Mk V Golf, which is a favourite with many competitors, is 10 years old now, and the Mk VI will take over. That said, older models of Volkswagen will always be welcome in the championship because diversity is one of its many attractions.”
