Tough challenge for Jessica Backman in TCR Germany

Last weekend, ADAC TCR Germany 2019 was held and the driver of the prestigious VIP car Hyundai i30 N TCR was Swedish Jessica Backman. Technical problems and an unfortunate car crash, however put a spanner in the works of the young, promising racing driver, who now aims to take revenge in the second event in TCR Europe at Hockenheim May 24th–26th.

When the 2019 start field for the TCR was announced, it was clear that Hyundai Germany, Hyundai Motorsport and Hyundai Team Engstler reserved a VIP spot. Later it was announced that the car – a Hyundai i30 N TCR – will be driven by a new racing driver for each new race. The seven selected drivers are, for example, the rally driver Thierry Neuville and the world champion of TCR, Gabriele Tarquini, accompanied by the young Swedish driver Jessica Backman. Last weekend finally meant VIP racing for Jessica, but she was met with tough tests to say the least.

Scored 7th place during qualifications
Problems with the car was discovered early on and Jessica therefore had limited practice time, and was forced to continue learning the track during the qualifying race. Here, Jessica managed to qualify for a 7th place which she is happy with, but then more problems occurred during the competition races.
– I got a very good start in the first race, before a small car crash in the second corner caused a need to change the engine. Unfortunately, the rules say that an engine change means that you have to start last on the grid and in race two, the car didn’t work correctly and therefore it was tough for me to race. After all, I would like to thank Hyundai Team Engstler and Hyundai Germany for letting me have the opportunity to drive the VIP car this weekend, Jessica Backman says.

Next up is the second event in TCR Europe 2019, held May 24th–26th at Hockenheimring, Germany.

Jessica’s results:
Free Practice 1: DNS
Free Practice 2: 4th
Qualifying 1: 7th
Qualifying 2: 7th
Race 1: DNF
Race 2: 13th