Mikkelsen's asphalt boost at TT Cup race
Andreas Mikkelsen believes a guest drive at last weekend's Audi Sport TT Cup in Hockenheim will benefit him on the upcoming sealed surface rounds of the WRC.
Mikkelsen made his TT Cup debut at the opening round of the series in Germany and got off to a strong start in the first of two races, crossing the finish line in ninth place as his Volkswagen Motorsport team boss Jost Capito looked on.
But Sunday's second race didn't go so well and Mikkelsen finished 17th after a jump-start resulted in a drive-through penalty.
"Racing on asphalt is such good fun," said Mikkelsen, who took his first WRC rally win six months ago at RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada, Rally de España.
"I’ve learned a lot, it’s valuable experience for a rally driver to get this asphalt practice. There are a lot of details to work on all the way, which can help you gain a tenth of a second in a corner. Very exciting for a rally driver!"
Despite his inexperience, Mikkelsen was pleased with the speed he showed on track.
“At the qualifying I had to learn both the track and the car, but the pace was getting better and better. Unfortunately faster times resulted in more tyre wear, so I was never in a position to set my fastest time. Also in the beginning I was a bit distracted with looking at the cars in the rear view mirror," he said.
"In the final race I felt I was fighting with the big guys, and looking at the lap times, I was not far away from them. From P8 and P10 in qualifying, I started 10th in the final race, and got off to a good start. Okay, a little too fast!"
Mikkelsen now has a fortnight to get back into gravel mode ready for Vodafone Rally de Portugal (19 - 22 May).
