Russell Racing by NGT Racing takes the title in the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux 2022 , 12 Oct. 2022

One point: that's the difference between the champion and the vice champion in the 2022 edition of the hard-fought Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux. Belgium Racing took the full loot during the final at Circuit Zolder, but came just short to keep Russell Racing by NGT Racing from a first crown. Jeffrey van Hooydonk, Christoff Corten and Hans Thiers came in second and secured the title in the Porsche long-distance make cup. After an intense season, with four different winners in six games, the decision was made at the finish. In GTB the victory went to Tip Top Rent and they are also immediately certain of the title in the class for the Porsche Cayman GT4 with the young drivers Arthur Peters and Gunter Van Den Bergh.

Endurance competitions are also very exciting, as proved by the final of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux 2022, again of course in the Belcar Endurance Championship. In front of packed stands, with more than 10,000 spectators present, the various Porsche teams provided the necessary spectacle and it took a while after the finish before the new champions were really certain of their title. It's called a photo finish and then it's best not to celebrate too early!

“It was indeed exciting”, said Hans Thiers, Christoff Corten and Jeffrey van Hooydonk after the finish in Zolder. “We have laid the foundation for our success with regularity and two victories this year, but the competition was fierce with the best Belgian Porsche teams at the start of the various races. Especially during the 24 Hours of Zolder, the starting grid was one to be seen, with even ex-Le Mans winners at the start of the race. The reliability of our Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – type 992 – was exemplary and we really have not known a single technical problem in more than 35 hours of motorsport competition. Add to that the strong approach of our team Russell Racing by NGT Racing and you get the ingredients for a great season in this attractive competition.”

The last victory was therefore for Michaël Cool and Dylan Derdaele, also their second of the season, after an earlier victory in the French Magny Cours. So the new champions came in second, ahead of the MM Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup of Mick Meurrens, Steve Meurrens and Tom Meurrens. Tip Top Rent with Arthur Peters and Gunter Van Den Bergh as well as BE Motorsport with Stephan Beyens and Didier Beyens were good for the prizes in the GTB class. Tip Top Rent is also sure of the title in the class.

“The 2022 season of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux has once again confirmed the quality of Porsche's competition products, with exciting motorsport, but important for us, also hardly any technical problems, as the champions rightly pointed out, more than 35 intense motorsports ”, said Series Manager Rudi Penders after the final on Limburg soil. “Obviously this is an excellent basis to start working on the coming season.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, American Festival NASCAR, Hans Thiers, Frank Thiers, Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, Circuit Zolder, Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux

Russell Racing by NGT takes victory in penultimate round of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux , 20 Sep. 2022

For the penultimate meeting of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux, the Porsche teams and drivers went to the German Nürburgring. While the first meetings this season were bathed in sunshine and motorsport in good weather, the weather gods in the German Eifel played a very different role, with changeable weather, perfect conditions to highlight the qualities of the various Porsche. Winners Christoff Corten and Jeffrey van Hooydonk also finished second in the Belcar Endurance Championship standings, while Benjamin De Cock and Arthur Peters in their Tip Top Rent Porsche Cayman GT4 lead as leaders in the overall Belcar Endurance Championship towards the final at Circuit Zolder.

After twice Zolder, Magny-Cours and Spa-Francorchamps, the participants of the Porsche Endurance Cup now went to the German Nürburgring, of course again as part of the Belcar Endurance Championship or the national endurance championship. There was a race of 125 minutes on the program, a race that took place in very varied weather conditions. Pole position, on a wet track, went to Jeffrey van Hooydonk (Russell Racing by NGT Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992), the former F1 test driver and he took it out for Dylan Derdaele (Belgium Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992) and John De Wilde, who did it solo in the Speedlover Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992.

The opening phase of the race saw a solid fight between the three protagonists, but as the race progressed, Van Hooydonk and Corten were still able to collect a small bonus and in the end they made it to the very regular brothers Kris and Koen Wauters, of course also in the colors of Belgium Racing and John De Wilde who was given a time penalty after the race, after initially crossing the line in second. The highest performing Porsche Cayman GT4, that of Benjamin De Cock and Arthur Peters, came in fourth and Dylan Derdaele and Michael Cool closed the top 5.

Christoff Corten: “It was not an easy race, but the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup proved its qualities on both dry and wet surfaces. For our team it is the second victory of the season, with which we move as leaders in the championship towards the final at Circuit Zolder and I really make this great competition an important item in my agenda. Just make a note that I definitely want this title!”

The final in Limburg on October 9 will be a battle between Russell Racing by NGT Porsche and the reigning champion, Belgium Racing with the #99 of Dylan Derdaele and Michael Cool, in an identical Porsche.

Strikingly, in the general Belgian endurance championship or the Belcar Endurance Championship, Tip Top Rent's Porsche Cayman GT4 leads as leader to the last race, of course also the race on 9 October.

Arthur Peters: “Due to the philosophy of the scoring in Belcar, somewhat similar to that of the VLN endurance championship on the legendary Nordschleife, we are indeed leading in the points position. After all, the performance in the class is also 'rewarded' and because our Porsche did not shrink this season, we are indeed playing for the overall title. It won't be easy to beat a much faster GT2, but the reliability of our Porsche is our greatest asset!”

So see you during the weekend of 8 and 9 October at the Circuit Zolder in Limburg for the final of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux.

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Hans Thiers, Frank Thiers, Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux, Weekend Heroes, Nürburgring

Victory for Russell Racing by NGT in Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux , 17 Jul. 2022

Spa-Francorchamps, 17 July 2022. Last weekend the third round of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux took place in the Belgian Ardennes, of course in the Belcar Endurance Championship. The championship was ready for its third event of the 2022 season, after races at Circuit Zolder and in the French Magny-Cours. On the program was a 125 minute race and after two wins for Belgium Racing it was Russell Racing by NGT’s turn to get on the top step of the podium, twice in front of Belgium Racing. The season is now reaching its peak with the 24 Hours of Zolder on August 13 and 14, a race where Porsche has been particularly successful.

During qualifying, it was still up to Dylan Derdaele to be the first on the charts, but the 125-minute race of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux would turn out in favor of the competition from Flemish Brabant. Jeffrey van Hooydonk drove the black-red Porsche 911 GT3 Cup - Type 992 - to second place on the grid and during the race the ex-test driver of Midland Toyota F1 would lay the foundation for a first victory for Russell Racing by NGT with a strong start, together with his Tiense teammate Christoff Corten.

“Jeffrey has put in an amazing race and I am very happy to be able to finish his wonderful work,” said two-time winner of the Zolder 24 Hours, Christoff Corten. “We didn't have it easy at the start of the season making the transition from the CN prototypes to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, but this is clearly a sign that we are doing well. We are now going to have to prepare very well for the next 24 hours of Zolder and that's where things really get serious, because in addition to the regular teams in the championship, there will certainly be additional competitors that will not be underestimated. But with the Porsche you can go for the overall victory in this beautiful classic.”

100% reliability

Behind the Porsche of the winning duo, the battle for the two remaining podium places was only fought in the final phase, with a Belgium Racing Team battle between Koen and Kris Wauters on one hand and Michaël Cool and Dylan Derdaele on the other. In the end it was Clouseau's men who settled the matter in their favor and in this way they sneak closer to the leaders, Cool and Derdaele in the championship. Haverans-Goossens (Belgium Racing Porsche 991) and Renmans-Dons (Speedlover) closed the classification for the various '911', just ahead of the winners in GTB, Arthur Peters and Benjamin De Cock in the Tip Top Rent Porsche Cayman GT4.

“Once again, all Porsche of the various models saw the end of the race, even in these warmer conditions and without any problems,” said Lars Plato, Series Manager of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux. “It is clear that Porsche is preparing excellent cars and then I involuntarily think of the 24 Hours of Zolder, the next race of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux. I am convinced that we will also see the diverse Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at the front of the final result of the race itself. See you on 13 and 14 August at Circuit Zolder!”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Spa Euro Race, Belcar Endurance Championship, Hans Thiers, Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, Russell Racing by NGT, Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux

Corten and Longin aim for title in Assen , 17 Oct. 2019

Flashback to previous race: rainy weather conditions had a large influence on the course of the penultimate meeting of the Belcar Endurance Championship two weeks ago in Zolder. Christoff Corten and Bert Longin finished the race in 10th position overall and 3rd position in prototype class at the wheel of the Krafft Racing Norma M20FC.

For the last meeting of the Belcar Endurance Championship 2019 season, Stienes Longin and Christoff Corten are still in the running for the national title, though the championship outcome will largely depend on their competitors’ result.

The Belcar championship is open to prototype, GT and Tourism cars racing in 6 categories. Besides the awarded points for a top 10 position we also have to take the points into account which are awarded in each category. So this means a ‘smaller’ Tourism car can also grab the national title. Before the start of the race in Assen the championship lead is in the hands of a GT car. “The Lamborghini team races in another category of the championship and therefore we can’t avoid them to grab the win in their class”, says Christoff Corten. “If they win the 25 points in class it will be difficult for us to claim the overall national title. In other words: it will all depend on the result of our competitors.”

Unlike Christoff Corten, Stienes Longin will race for the first time in Assen this weekend.

“I enjoyed to race in Assen before with a Westfield and a Ferrari”, Christoff explains. “Assen is the ideal track for a Norma car with its long straight lines and fast corners. Overtaking is not easy but remains possible. We have proved our strengths on dry track during previous races throughout the season, there is no reason we would not be competitive on this track as well.”

The free practices in Assen are scheduled on Saturday at 10h25 am and qualifying at 17h10 pm. The decisive race of the season will start on Sunday at 10 am.

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Stienes Longin

Third place for Corten and Longin , 10 Oct. 2019

Tricky rainy weather conditions had a large influence on the course of the penultimate meeting of the Belcar Endurance Championship organized within the framework of the American Festival Nascar Finals. Christoff Corten and Bert Longin crossed the checkered flag in 3rd position in prototype class at the wheel of the Krafft Racing Norma M20 FC.

The last race of the Belgian Endurance Championship will take place during the weekend of October 19-20 in the Netherlands on the racetrack of Assen. “Our aim is to achieve the perfect result and to grab the overall title”, says Christoff Corten.

“But let’s talk about last race in Zolder in such very challenging wet and rainy conditions. I’ve never experienced this before in my racing career. It’s quite ‘exciting’ to race in such circumstances in our national series, while the race in several championships abroad would have been neutralized. The 3rd place in class and 7th place overall was not the result we hoped for but it’s the best we could achieve without taking too many risks in such tricky conditions as we have to keep the championship title in mind.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Stienes Longin

Christoff Corten and Bert Longin to defend championship lead , 02 Oct. 2019

The 43rd edition of the Zolder 24 Hours will remain engraved forever in Christoff Corten’s memory. Together with his teammates Giorgio Maggi, Stienes and Bert Longin, the whole Krafft Racing team managed to take the win in a spectacular way. It’s time now for the next meeting of the Belcar Endurance Championship which will take place upcoming weekend. Christoff Corten will share the wheel of the Krafft Racing Norma M20 FC with Bert Longin on the Zolder race track. Both drivers will defend the championship lead. A well deserved 1st place after winning 3 of the 5 race meetings, 24 Hours of Zolder included.

“We are leading the championship with an advantage of only 7 points and a gap of 14,5 points separates us from the Norma of Gilles Magnus, Jeffrey van Hooydonk and the Thiers brothers in 3rd place. The championship win is still open in this thrilling edition of our national endurance championship”, Christoff Corten explains. “14,5 points: it’s the difference between a victory and a place just outside a podium finish. There are still 70 points to be attributed during the two remaining races of the season. We can’t claim victory yet. We know our strengths and will continue to approach the race events in Zolder and Assen (October 19-20) following our personal strategy. The team is very professional, the drivers complete each other perfectly and the car has proven to be reliable more than once. It’s a real pleasure to race a Norma car. But we may not forget the other teams will probably take another approach towards the remaining races. They have demonstrated their speed yet but encountered technical issues during previous race meetings and are not in the running for the championship win anymore. These teams will surely enter the battle for victory to end the season on a high note. On our side we need to finish this race in front of the field and we also have to focus on the championship in order to defend our 1st place.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin

Victory for Christoff Corten, Bert and Stienes Longin and Giorgio Maggi in 24 Hours of Zolder , 14 Aug. 2019

The 43rd edition of the 24 Hours of Zolder will remain engraved forever on Christoff Corten’s memory. Together with Swiss race car driver Giorgio Maggi, Stienes and Bert Longin, Christoff finished P1 overall in a phenomenal way. The team encountered mechanical issues during the race but Christoff and the whole Krafft Racing team battled until the end to remain in a good position to grab the victory. While most Norma cars had to deal with several problems, the Krafft Racing team was spared from severe mechanical issues. The last hours of the race were thrilling but the joy was huge once the checkered flag was crossed.

The Krafft racing Norma M20 FC started the race well and took the lead, but a technical failure almost ruined the race. “During my night stint we encountered a problem with the alternator, but we didn’t give up”, Christoff says. “We were lucky our competitors encountered mechanical issues too, though we had to fight back to reach the top of the field again.”

It’s the second victory for Corten in the 24 Hours of Zolder. “This race was loaded with emotions. I can’t describe this feeling, because it’s my second win with a prototype car and no one achieved this before in the 24 Hours of Zolder. I’m also delighted for Krafft racing taking victory at their first participation in this event. Besides all this Stienes became dad some days ago and Bert equals the record in number of victories. It’s a perfect weekend.”

Christoff would like to thank his sponsors, the whole team, his teammates and fans for their ongoing support.

Tags: Christoff Corten, 24 Hours of Zolder, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Stienes Longin, Giorgio Maggi

Christoff Corten, Bert and Stienes Longin and Giorgio Maggi aim for victory in 24 Hours of Zolder , 07 Aug. 2019

Christoff Corten and Bert Longin recently won the 4th round of the Belcar Endurance Championship in Spa-Francorchamps. Both drivers drove a perfect race and the Krafft Racing Norma M20FC proved to be very reliable. We couldn’t dream of a better preparation for the 24 Hours of Zolder, one of the world’s most demanding Endurance races. For this important meeting, which counts towards the Belcar Endurance Championship and where double points will be awarded, both drivers will be strengthened by Stienes Longin, son of Bert and currently number one in the European NASCAR series, and Giorgio Maggi, a young talented Swiss racing driver with experience in endurance racing. Christoff Corten has built a strong reputation in Endurance racing during the past racing seasons and is also the winner of the 24 Hours of Zolder in 2017 at the wheel of an identical Norma M20FC.

Christoff Corten: “To grab a victory in the 24 Hours of Zolder one time is amazing, but I would like to add a second victory to my prize list. We dispose of all the elements to achieve a great result. French team Krafft Racing already proved to be very strong during previous races when we speak about the mechanical aspect but also about strategy. And the car is perfect. Everybody knows the strong and weak points of the Norma M20FC and it’s up to us, the drivers, to manage all these aspects. The speed in the corners, the economy of fuel and the smooth drive are keys to success on the racetrack of Zolder."

Of course the entire team also has to take the Belcar Endurance Championship ranking into account.

Christoff Corten: “We would like to climb up in the overall top 3 ranking. This race is perfect to achieve our aim thanks to the double points that will be rewarded throughout the 24 Hours of Zolder. Our double focus will impact the race strategy. It’s not necessary to take risks during the start to avoid incidents and we will keep a constant pace to preserve the car and to save fuel. Because all time spent in the pit lane is difficult to recover on the track in Zolder. We will do everything to finish this race on a high note!”

Tags: Christoff Corten, 24 Hours of Zolder, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Stienes Longin, Giorgio Maggi

Victory for Christoff Corten and Bert Longin in 4th round of the BEC , 17 Jul. 2019

Christoff Corten and Bert Longin claimed victory in the 4th round of the Belcar Endurance Championship on the mythic Spa-Francorchamps track at the wheel of their Krafft Racing Norma M20FC. Corten took the checkered flag and finished in front of three other Norma prototypes and several Lamborghini Supertrofeo and Porsche 911. “It’s an incredible victory!” says Corten proudly defending the colours of his new sponsor Containers Maes.

Christoff Corten: “We qualified in 4th position, which was quite satisfying. It’s always an advantage to start in front in these kind of races but pole position is not mandatory. Bert and I prepared the race in the smallest details while Krafft Racing team took care of the strategy. This team is really great and I’m already looking forward to the Zolder 24 Hours. But let’s talk about last weekend. Bert had a good start avoiding the pitfalls, without taking too many risks and while preserving the car and tires. We climbed up and took the lead after one third of the race distance to keep P1 till the checkered flag. I started my stint with a well balanced car and I was not forced to take risks to stay in the lead. I’m delighted with this victory and we are now well prepared for the Zolder 24 Hours, the main event of the championship. I’m convinced we have everything in hand to battle for victory: a reliable car, experienced drivers and a professional team structure. This race at Spa also allowed us to gather precious points for the championship ranking.”

The Zolder 24 Hour event will start on Thursday August 8 with free practices and qualifying sessions, while the start of the race will be given on Saturday August 10.

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Spa-Francorchamps

Belcar Spa: Christoff Corten teams up with Bert Longin , 11 Jul. 2019

Endurance racer Christoff Corten will enter the Belcar meeting in Spa-Francorchamps this weekend within the framework of the 25 Hours VW Funcup. He will share the wheel of the Norma M20 FC prepared by the French Krafft Racing team on one of the world’s most beautiful racetracks.

“I did not attend the first meeting of the season, but joined the team for the second round,” Corten starts. “We drove a good race despite an incident forcing us to climb up from the last positions to finish P10. I would like to convert the speed and the team’s experience into an excellent result. Our team surely disposes of the experience required to grab the victory. This race is also our last real opportunity to prepare the Zolder 24 Hours taking place mid-August. I’m working hard to finalize my entry in this race too.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Spa-Francorchamps, 25 Hours VW Fun Cup

Solid race for Corten and Longin in Zolder , 05 Jun. 2019

Christoff Corten started his racing season on a good note last weekend in Zolder. Speed and confidence were the keywords but unfortunately a small amount of bad luck changed the course of the race.

Corten and his countryman Bert Longin, sharing the wheel of the Norma M20 FC of French Krafft Racing team, managed to make a spectacular comeback to finish in 8th position overall. This result allows the team to stay in the running for the championship. Corten still needs to finalize his further plans for the season but one thing is sure, the partnership with Bert Longin works like a charm! The 3rd race of the season of the Belcar Endurance Championship was also the first 3 hour race of the season. The #11 Norma of Corten and Longin succeeded to grab pole position during qualifying session on Saturday.

Christoff Corten: “Bert drove a fantastic qualifying session rewarded by pole position which proves we dispose of a well prepared car. I did not know the team before this weekend but I can only say positive things about this racing structure. I am very confident for the race at this point of the weekend.”

The race took place in summer temperatures, difficult for both drivers and cars. But the Norma stayed very reliable throughout the race. Bert Longin took a good start, followed by an early pitstop during a safety car intervention. This strategy paid off and Corten-Longin were in an excellent position to run for victory.

Christoff Corten : “But our car suddenly entered in the pitlane after an incident caused by another car that went off track. We lost precious time and dropped in the second part of the field despite the quick intervention of our team. Such a race incident can always happen and I can surely not blame my teammate! I took over for my stint and finished in 8th position overall. We gathered important points for the championship this way. I’m very happy I was able to help Bert and the whole team and we will now evaluate the further options for upcoming months, and especially for an entry in the Zolder 24 Hours.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Zolder Superprix

Preview Zolder Superprix , 31 May. 2019

Christoff Corten takes part in one or more races of the Belcar Endurance Championship every year. We will also see him in action this season, teaming up with Bert Longin at the wheel of a Norma M20 FC prepared by Krafft Racing. Corten joins the former Zolder 24 Hour winner to replace Stienes Longin, who is racing in the European NASCAR championship this weekend, and also to plan a possible entry in the Zolder 24 Hours in August. Bert Longin and his son won the first Belcar Endurance race of the season. The new partnership between Bert and Christoff will have to secure a position on top of the rankings. The 2nd meeting of the Belcar Endurance Championship will take place at circuit Zolder this weekend.

Christoff Corten won the Zolder 24 Hour in 2017 and took part in the Belcar Endurance Championship several times yet.

Christoff Corten: “Our national championship is very attractive, we noticed at the first weekend of the season during the DTM weekend. More than 50 cars took the start of the race and this weekend again more than 40 GT, Prototype and Tourism cars appear on the entry list. Looks great, isn’t it? Bert called me because his son Stienes has to race in the European NASCAR championship several times this season. Bert and I share common interests, we love endurance racing, we have the same approach towards races and we are living in the same region. I have gathered experience with the Norma car yet following my previous entries and I enjoy racing on my hometrack. I think we can aim for a good result.”

Bert Longin is also looking forward to the second meeting of the season and wants to welcome Christoff Corten in optimal conditions.

Bert Longin: “I’m very happy to work with Christoff this season, we have lots of common points indeed. And being entrepreneurs from the same region creates an extra link. I’m convinced we can obtain and excellent result for the championship this weekend. It’s not about being the fasted during one single lap but the most important is the result at the end of the race. We can rely on a great experienced team and a well prepared car. It’s up to us now to translate all this in an solid result.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Norma M20 FC, Krafft Racing, Bert Longin, Zolder Superprix

Christoff Corten forced to retire from Zolder 24 Hours with Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING , 15 Aug. 2018

Christoff Corten achieved a dream last season by winning the most important race of the Belcar Endurance Championship, the Zolder 24 Hours. The driver from Brabant finished first place in the most demanding Endurance race at the wheel of the Norma M20 FC prototype of Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING, together with former F1 test driver Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, the young and promising driver Gilles Magnus and the very experienced drivers Hans and Frank Thiers. Corten was looking forward to reiterate this sporting achievement and until half race distance it looked promising. Unfortunately an engine failure on the Norma M20 FC of Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING resulted in an outcome that was not in line with the team’s ambitions.

It’s obvious that the Zolder 24 Hours is a very demanding race. Drivers and cars are always on the limit. Achieving a good result is not only a matter of speed. Following last year’s victory of Christoff Corten and the fact that team and cars remained identical, the outlook on a new victory was real.

Christoff Corten: “We drove in function of the race during free practice and qualifying sessions. We qualified third place with a car in full endurance configuration. Nobody in the team was looking for the highest speed, we all knew the strategy for the weekend.”

The red prototype car took an outstanding start and was in the lead of the race after one and a half hour. During more than 300 laps the French prototype ran like a Swiss watch. As the race passed the halfway mark the team gathered a bonus of more than 10 laps. But we all know the proverb “don't sell the skin before you have caught the bear”...

Christoff Corten: “At early morning we suddenly encountered engine problems following a blown head gasket. In order to avoid a complete engine failure we only drove the required laps in order to be classified as a finisher. It was of course a team decision in function of the championship to keep the car in the box and to finish the race. Of course I am disappointed, but this disappointment comes after a perfect race, with a fantastic team and great teammates. I can’t have any regrets, except for the final result. I am happy to have contributed to the first place after six and twelve hours of race to claim important championship points.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING, Eleven Sports 24 Hours Of Zolder, Norma M20 FC

Christoff Corten and Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING in Zolder 24 Hours , 09 Aug. 2018

Christoff Corten achieved a dream last season by winning the most important race of the Belcar Endurance Championship, the Zolder 24 Hours. The driver from Brabant finished first place in the most demanding Endurance race at the wheel of a Norma M20 FC prototype of Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING, together with former F1 test driver Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, the young and promising driver Gilles Magnus and the very experienced drivers Hans and Frank Thiers. Christoff Corten took his first overall Zolder 24 Hours victory after five participations and was the most happy man on the racetrack. One year later, Corten remains ambitious. He will enter the race for the sixth time with only one philosophy in mind: never change a winning team!

Defending a title is probably more difficult than winning a title. And this will be the challenge for Christoff Corten during the weekend of August 11-12. He will head to the racetrack with one aim: taking the second win in a row in this very demanding Endurance race.

Christoff Corten: “Never Change a Winning Team…I’ve been thinking about these words since quite some time and this is the reason why I decided to opt to join Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING again. The whole team is excellent, and we know the car very well. For a long time insiders claimed that a prototype would not be able to win such a demanding race, we proved they were wrong. This season we would like to go in search of a second win with the Norma M20 FC prototype . Why would it not be possible to win a second time in a row? I have to say the competition will be very hard this year, from the side of the prototype teams as well as from the Porsche 991 GT3 Cup teams with strong driver line-ups. The Zolder 24 Hours will definitely be a sportive thriller, believe me. In order to win this race you have to count on a fast and reliable car, a very strong team and excellent teammates. I am well surrounded with my teammates of the Zolder 24h 2017 edition. We all have at least one Zolder 24 Hour victory on our prize list which is a crucial experience and we know how to deal with pressure. Frank Thiers even counts three wins in this event, his experience is therefore an added value for the whole team. We will draw our inspiration from our last year’s strategy and we hope to have the good luck on our side, an important factor in Zolder. Besides, Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Gilles Magnus and Hans and Frank Thiers are leading the Belcar Endurance championship and I would like to help them to secure the championship win.”

The Zolder 24 Hour race will be kicking off on Thursday with free practices, qualifying and Superpole, while the race will start on Saturday at 16h30.

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING, Eleven Sports 24 Hours Of Zolder

Christoff Corten wins the Zolder 24 Hours with Scuderia Monza by DVB Racing , 25 Aug. 2017

A dream comes true for Christoff Corten winning the main event of the Belcar Endurance championship, the Eleven Sports 24 Hours of Zolder 2017. The racing driver from Flemish Brabant takes the victory in the toughest Endurance race in the world at the wheel of the Norma M20 FC prototype from Scuderia Monza by DVB Racing, together with his teammates: former F1 test driver Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Gilles Magnus and Hans and Frank Thiers. After five participations Christoff Corten writes his name in the history books of the 24H event.

Sunday August 20, 16h00, victory! Hans Thiers takes the chequered flag to win the Eleven Sports 24 Hours of Zolder and the Scuderia Monza by DVB Racing team erupts with joy. It’s the first time for a prototype car to win the Zolder 24 Hours race. Gilles Magnus, Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Hans and Frank Thiers drove a sensational race together with the talented race car driver Christoff Corten. During the race the team only encountered one major issue. All steps of the podium were claimed by Norma teams, completing the overall success for the French manufacturer. The joy and satisfaction within the winning team is complete.

“I don’t know what to say... ” says Corten while thanking en congratulating his teammates. “My part of the race was difficult, it was not my best race, but it’s amazing to win in such circumstances. I have to thank my teammates, I’m so happy!”

The race presented tricky conditions to the drivers and teams. It began to rain on the Zolder track after the start of the race trapping several drivers. The winning team also encountered issues during the refuelling of the car, losing precious time. Besides this, everything went according plan, without any mechanical intervention on the car and thanks to state of the art pitstops.

“But I committed an error, by not respecting the reference time, which forced me to come in for a drive through penalty”, says Corten in all honesty. “We have worked like a real and strong team in order to finish this difficult race. I’m delighted to take the victory. Winning a 24 Hour race is not within reach for everybody. It will maybe be my most beautiful victory, who knows. I’ll enjoy this victory to the fullest!”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Belcar Endurance Championship, Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING, Eleven Sports 24 Hours Of Zolder, Norma M20 FC

Eleven Sports 24 Hours Of Zolder 2017 – Christoff Corten , 15 Aug. 2017

Christoff Corten joins top team Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING. Christoff Corten will take the start of the ELEVEN SPORTS 24 HOURS OF ZOLDER 2017. The race car driver from Flemish Brabant (Belgium) will strengthen the team of Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING at the wheel of the Norma M20 FC. Amongst his teammates we can find former F1 test driver Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, Blancpain Endurance champion Wolfgang Reip and Hans and Frank Thiers (two times winner of the race). The Zolder 24H race is considered to be one of the most demanding Endurance races in the world.

Last year Christoff Corten finished 4th place in the overall ranking and 3rd place in GT class, with Frank Thiers as one of his teammates. This year Christoff opts for a prototype car instead of a Porsche 911. Why this switch to a prototype car?

Corten : “I’m convinced the prototype cars are ready to win such a demanding 24H endurance race. Last year we saw the potential of the Swiss Ligier car finishing 3rd place overall. Also the Deldiche Norma was in the run for victory until they had to deal with bad luck. I’m confident in this Norma M20 FC and can’t wait to take place behind the wheel. The CN prototypes always offer an amazing racing experience!”

Corten will be in good company for his first 24H of Zolder entry at the wheel of a prototype racing car.

Corten: “Let’s start with the Thiers brothers, Hans and Frank. Frank will start his 26th 24H of Zolder race. He is also a two times winner of this event. Together, they also won the previous Belcar Endurance race during the Zolder Superprix weekend in July. They were assisted by Jeffrey Van Hooydonk, former Formula 1 test driver. Finally we have Wolfgang Reip, Blancpain Endurance champion in 2015 with a Nissan GT-R and winner of the Bathurst 12H. I’m delighted and aware of the chance to have such drivers around me, and thankful for the opportunity to learn from their race experiences.”

The beautiful red Norma M20 FC will be entered and serviced by Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING. A team with a long racing history and an impressive prize list. Christoff Corten and his partners, with main partner TOTAL, are ready for the ELEVEN SPORTS 24 HOURS OF ZOLDER.

Tags: Christoff Corten, Scuderia Monza by DVB RACING, Eleven Sports 24 Hours Of Zolder, Norma M20 FC

Christoff Corten takes 3rd place for Prototype debut , 10 Oct. 2016

The last race of the Belcar Endurance Championship 2016 took place at Circuit Zolder last weekend. Christoff Corten strengthened Bert Longin at the wheel of a Wolf GB08 from PK Carsport and finished 3rd place on the podium.

“When I received a phone call from Bert Longin to team up with him for the last Belcar race of the season, I did not hesitate to take on this challenge. I was physically ready to race again. It was the ideal occasion to make my debut in Prototype racing and to battle for the overall win.”

Corten replaced NASCAR driver Anthony Kumpen, while the 3rd regular driver on the car was absent due to professional obligations. Christoff’s debut in Prototype racing went like expected: “A lot of drivers experience difficulties switching from GT cars to Prototypes, but to be honest I couldn’t imagine a better start. I was able to find the ideal pace for the race after only 30 minutes of practice.”

Christoff Corten took the start of the race, lost some places to GT cars, but climbed up again and managed to record excellent lap times. “Unfortunately the other Prototypes leading the field already managed a comfortable gap and the norm time in the Belcar championship made it difficult to show the full potential of the Wolf GB08. From there on the aim was to drive constant lap times and avoid mistakes.” But suddenly the first problems occurred...

“Yes, indeed,” says Corten, “About 30 minutes after the start of the race, we encountered problems with the gearbox and lost the 6th gear. Luckily we were able to finish the race in 3rd place.”

Christoff Corten ends the 2016 season on an excellent note, “I would like to thank Bert and Anthony for their confidence. It’s time now to evaluate the options for next season. This could be a participation to an entire championship or a race by race entry, as long as I can participate with teams disposing of competitive cars to achieve similar results!”

Tags: Christoff Corten, Wolf GB08

Third place in GT class for Christoff Corten in 24 Hours of Zolder , 22 Aug. 2016

Once again Christoff Corten has confirmed his strong reputation in endurance racing. The 24-year-old driver, native of Flemish Brabant, took the 3rd place in Belcar 1, the GT class in the Belcar championship, in a very demanding 39th edition of the 24 Hours of Zolder. He shared the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup from Belgium Racing together with Hans and Frank Thiers, Danny De Laet and Pedro Bonnet. After some problems occurred in the first part of the race, Christoff and his teammates managed to claim 4th place in the overall ranking.

The event of the 24 Hours of Zolder usually kicks off on Thursday with free practices and mandatory qualifying laps. Not only the opportunity to claim a good position for the race on the starting grid, but also to find the right settings for the cars. “The most important aspect was to prepare the race. No need to start in the very front of the field for such a long distance race”, Corten explains. “A competitor’s car probably lost oil on the track during Super Pole and we decided not to take part in this session. We were satisfied with our 9th place on the grid to take on the challenge of the 24 Hours of Zolder.”

The spectators found their way to the racetrack on Saturday to attend the start of the race at 16.30hrs. “We took a safe start and managed to stay in the front of the field, despite two ‘drive through’ penalties, and a puncture when it started to rain in the early evening”, Corten continues. “During the night a problem occurred with the alternator. From this point on it became difficult to claim a podium in the overall ranking.”

The Porsche number 2 from Belgium Racing climbed up in 5th position at daybreak and when a prototype car encountered issues during the last hours of the race Corten claimed the 4th position. “We were looking forward to finish on the overall podium, especially when the remaining prototype started to lose precious time. The gap at the chequered flag was only about 10 minutes. I’m a bit disappointed, though we finished in 3rd place in our class. Without the problems during the night we could have finished in 2nd position, right behind the sister car, winning the 24 Hours of Zolder for the 4th time in a row.”

Christoff Corten realises he was in an excellent team structure to race the 24 Hours. “The team did an excellent job, and thanks to a brilliant strategy I was able to celebrate a podium for a 2nd time consecutively, following my Clubsport Trophy victory in 2015. I would like to congratulate the entire team for its 4th win in a row, a unique performance in the history of this race. I’ll now take the time to relax, but I’m looking forward to race soon again!”

Tags: Christoff Corten, 24 Hours of Zolder, Belgium Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

24 Hours of Zolder - Corten with Belgium Racing Porsche 991 , 15 Aug. 2016

The 24-year-old Christoff Corten will take part in his 4th 24 Hours of Zolder race upcoming weekend. Together with his 5 entries in the Spa 24 Hours, participations in the Blancpain GT Series, Belcar and other championships... Corten has already gathered a stunning prize list in endurance racing. Christoff will share the wheel of a Porsche 991 GT3 Cup from Belgium Racing with Hans and Frank Thiers - two-time winners of the event -, Danny De Laet and Pedro Bonnet.

“I did not drive a race car for some months”, Christoff Corten says following a test session with the Porsche 991 GT3. “I’m not a professional race car driver but I feel confident straight away at the wheel of such a car! In addition I really enjoy every moment on track.”

Corten already won his class with a car from the German manufacturer during the Spa 24 Hours and claimed a 4th position in a similar car during the Zolder 24 Hours. “In 2015 I switched to Ferrari and BMW Clubsport though, but I’m looking forward to race with Porsche again! We have a strong team for this 39th edition of the Zolder 24 Hours. We will not claim pole position but we will be able to climb up in the overall ranking during the race. The prototypes will be stronger, but as we know Zolder is a very demanding racetrack for cars and drivers. We will adopt a good rhythm and try to avoid mistakes in order to finish in a front position on Sunday.”

Corten will take part with a Porsche from Belgium Racing, winner of the past 3 editions of the Zolder 24 Hours!

“No doubt, it's an advantage”, Corten says. “Belgium Racing is a well prepared experienced team and knows each aspect of the car. I would like to thank Total for their support. I’m also very happy to see the revival of the Zolder 24 Hours continues with a full starting grid and I hope the spectators will be present to celebrate this beautiful event. See you in Zolder!

Tags: Christoff Corten, 24 Hours of Zolder, Belgium Racing

Victory in BMW Clubsport at Zolder 24 Hours , 31 Aug. 2015

Last weekend the Zolder 24 Hours took place in tropical weather conditions. Christoff Corten strengthened JJ Motorsport in a BMW Clubsport with teammates Eyckmans-Bonnet-Heroes-Heroes.

“What a challenge”, says Christoff. “Our aim was to win our class, a very competitive class, because all cars are equal in configuration. It was a difficult race, due to the high temperatures. We had to battle till the chequered flag for this victory. The gap with our competitors was only a bunch of seconds till the end of the race. I’m very happy with this win, even though it’s not a Ferrari 458!”

Tags: BMW Clubsport, JJ Motorsport, Zolder 24 Hours

24 Hours of Spa - 6th place in AM cup for Christoff Corten , 27 Jul. 2015

Christoff Corten has added the Spa 24 Hours on his prize list for the 4th time. The young driver shared the wheel of a Ferrari 458 GT3 from the renowned Sport Garage team with teammates Christian Beroujon, Tony Samon and Marc Guillot. The race started well but a problem with the gearbox and clutch during the night dropped the car to the back of the field.

Christoff Corten : “I had never raced a Ferrari 458 before and I have to admit I needed some time to get familiar with the car. It’s not the easiest car, but what an exceptional drive! We worked step by step throughout the week in order to prepare the race. My teammates were always present to support me with good advice. We were really looking forward to conquer a spot on the podium.”

The weather changed towards the end of the week, from sunny to rainy weather conditions.

Christoff Corten : “Exactly, what a pity for all spectators attending the meeting. It was not easy to drive in such circumstances. We took a careful start, with a good strategy allowing us to conquer a virtual podium place. The car was great, I felt confident until a problem occurred with the gearbox and I had to join the pitbox. The team also noticed a problem with the clutch. We lost valuable time but managed to rejoin the same lap as the car in 5th position in our class. Looking at all other incidents that happened during the race we are happy to have crossed the chequered flag in this edition of the Spa 24 Hours. I would like to thank my sponsor Total, the whole Sport Garage team and my teammates. It would be great to be back next year because the Spa 24 Hour race is one of the most beautiful endurance races in the world!”

Tags: Sport Garage, Ferrari 458 GT3, Total 24 Hours of Spa

Christoff Corten strengthens Sport Garage in Spa 24 Hours , 23 Jul. 2015

The 23-year old driver already disposes of a stunning prize list in endurance racing. Corten will start for the 4th time in the Spa 24 Hours and aims for a podium place. In 2011 he won the Gentleman class with his teammates of Level Racing.

This time Christoff Corten opts for a Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 from the renowned Sport Garage team. A team with an impressive prize list in the Spa 24 Hours race. His teammates are French drivers Christian Beroujon, Tony Samon and Marc Guillot.

Christoff Corten took part for the first time in the Spa 24 Hours in 2010. This year he will attend the meeting for the 4th time. He also raced the Zolder 24 Hours twice. Besides he raced the 2CV race in Spa in 2014. Christoff has a focus on endurance racing. On his prize list we can find a victory in AM class during the Spa 24 Hours 2011 and a 2nd place in Tourism class in the Zolder 24 Hours. His entry with Sport Garage will open a new chapter in his racing career.

Christoff Corten: “We will race the Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 #42. My teammates are experienced race drivers. This entry has been made possible thanks to good contacts with Christian Petit from Sport Garage. Thanks to my partner Total we were able to finalize this deal. Looking at past performances of Sport Garage in Spa and the reliability of the Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 we are optimistic and we will aim for a good result on Sunday. A great strategy, a good approach towards the event, some luck and a lot of discipline will be the ingredients for a finish in the top positions of the field. We will have to avoid spending too much time in the pitlane at all costs if we want to aim for a podium place in AM category!”

Tags: Sport Garage, Spa 24 Hours

Christoff Corten starts season with podium , 13 May. 2014

Christoff Corten is back in business ! The young racing driver took the start of the second BRCC meeting of the season in Dijon. Unfortunately a piece of asphalt kept the team away from victory. Corten, one of last year’s revelations in BRCC, switched from Tourism to Endurance class to strengthen the Porsche 991 of Belgium Racing.

Christoff Corten: “We started from second place in class and everything worked out like expected until a piece of asphalt hit the radiator of our Porsche 991 less than 15 minutes before the chequered flag. The team managed to get the car back on track but we lost our comfortable gap of 4 laps and finished second place in class. Despite this, we take the lead in the BRCC Endurance Cup thanks to a great team effort within Belgium Racing.”

Tags: Christoff Corten, BRCC

New victory for Christoff Corten and ProSpeed Competition! , 10 Sep. 2013

Three victories in a row for Christoff Corten! The talented driver headed back to the race track after the Spa Euro Race meeting in June. Together with his team mates Kris van Kelst and Sven van Laere, the Seat Supercopa drivers took the win in Tourism class and Seat Trophy following a long and difficult race. This great team performance results in the lead of the championship. The ultimate BRCC meeting of the season will take place on the Zolder track on October 12-13.

Tags: BRCC, Seat Trophy

Second BRCC victory in a row for Christoff Corten ! , 10 Jun. 2013

Christoff Corten, mainly known for his entries in endurance 24 Hour races, takes part in the BRCC championship with Prospeed competition this season. Last weekend Corten and his team mates Sven Van Laere and Kris Van Kelst claimed the victory in Tourism and Seat Trophy class for the second time in a row, this time on the mythic racetrack of Spa-Francorchamps. Thanks to this victory the Seat takes the lead in the Championship.

Tags: BRCC, Spa Euro Race

Christoff Corten wins BRCC Dijon! , 12 May. 2013

Christoff Corten, until now mainly known for his entries in 24 Hour races, joined ProSpeed Competition for the Belgian Race Car Championship 2013 season. Christoff raced a Seat Supercopa for the first time last weekend and started the season on a high note. Corten finished 1st place in Tourism class en won the Seat Trophy, together with team mates Sven Van Laere and Kris Van Kelst, on the mythic racetrack of Dijon in France. Christoff Corten, known for his entries in the Spa and Zolder 24 Hours and his win in GTR class at the Spa 24 Hours 2011 wanted to race more and thus made the step to the BRCC championship.

Tags: Belgian Race Car Championship, Seat Supercopa

Christoff Corten joins BMW Silhouette for Zolder 24 Hours , 06 Sep. 2012

Steve Vanbellingen-Armand Fumal-Ward Sluys-Christoff Corten will join forces on the JR Motorsport BMW Silhouette during the 2012 edition of the Zolder 24 Hours. This car proved to be reliable and finished 3rd place overall in 2005, right behind the top GT1 and GT2 cars.

Christoff Corten is the "Rookie" driver of the driver line-up but already disposes of the needed experience in endurance racing. Corten won the Gentlemen Trophy during the Spa 24 Hours last year and was in the running for victory in the Zolder 24 Hours a year before. The young driver is very happy with his participation: “I’m delighted to take part with the Silhouette with such experienced drivers. It will be a great chance for me to gather extra knowledge and to fight in the front of the field. I would like to thank my partners, the team and everyone who made this possible.”

Tags: Zolder 24 Hours

Spa 24h: Christoff Corten joins ARC Bratislava , 24 Jul. 2012

Christoff Corten will take part in the Spa 24 hours - for the third time in a row in his racing career - upcoming weekend. After his brilliant win in the Gentleman Trophy last year he decided to take on a new challenge within Pro-Am class.

“It was not easy but I’m very happy,” says Christoff. “We found an agreement with ARC Bratislava, Miro Konopka’s team. Their prize list is quite impressive in Endurance racing and I’m delighted to be part of the crew to race the Porsche GT3-R.

Last year’s result (17th place overall) gave me wings to aim for a top 10 overall this season with a real GT3 car. Miro gives me this chance and I’ll do everything I can to help his team to achieve a good result. The driver line-up with Stefano Crotti, Zdeno Mikulasko and Miro Konopka is excellent and I’ll help them with good advice regarding the Spa race track if needed. I also hope to learn a lot from their experience in endurance racing. Weather conditions are always uncertain in Spa but it makes the race more exciting! Furthermore I’m well prepared for this event.”

Slovakian ARC Bratislava team takes part in the Blancpain Endurance Series since 2012 season with a brand new Porsche 997 GT3-R.

Miro Konopka – team owner: “We already took part in the Spa 24 Hours in 2006. This year we are well prepared and we believe in a good result. Zdeno Mikulasko proved to have the right pace in our car and Christoff won his class last year. Stefano Crotti and myself gathered a lot of experience in endurance races around the globe.

The Spa race track is very challenging thanks to the always changing weather conditions and the famous Raidillon: no other race track provides the same feeling, unique! This race is the most important for us, the GT3 cars composing the field are almost equal and the fans are always present. We are ready to take on this challenge.”

Liveticker 24h Spa-Francorchamps : http://www.motorsport-server.de/blancpain-endurance/liveticker/
Live Timing: http://static.sportresult.com/federations/fia/app/portal/

Tags: ARC Bratislava, 24h Spa-Francorchamps

Porsche Motorsport Award , 17 Dec. 2011

Christoff Corten was celebrated by Porsche Motorsports during 2011 Porsche Motorsports Night of Champions. Christoff was awarded for his brilliant performance during the 2011 24 Hours of Spa, together with Level Racing Team.

The Belgian Porsche Team, based in Eupen, did a brilliant race and finished first in the Gentleman Trophy, as well as a 17th place general and at the same time finishing as the best Porsche overall.

Christoff Corten: "We finished 17th in a field of 62 cars and won our class. What made it special was the fact that cars finishing in front of us were top GT3’s where we drove an ordinary Porsche 997 Supercup. In addition we won our class seeing some tough competitors with top teams such as Muhlner Motorsport, several Dodge Vipers, Ferrari, Aston Martin and a Ford Mustang with former F2 driver Benjamin Bailly. Last but not least, we finished as the best Porsche on the grid, while several renowned teams came to Spa with factory support. I am delighted and honored to get this Porsche Motorsport Award!"

Tags: Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions, Porsche Motorsport Award

Another international podium for Christoff Corten , 10 Oct. 2011

One of the discoveries in the European endurance scene is Christoff Corten (19) from Belgium. The young driver from Tienen started in last years Spa 24 Hours and drove in his international career with a Porsche 997 Super Cup managed by Level Racing. Along with Kurt Dujardin, Brody and the young Dutchman Mathijs Harkema they scored victory in the GTR class during the same race. In last weekends final race of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Silverstone, Christoff Corten made a guest appearance and once again he scored a podium. Corten drove along with his team mates Brody and Mathijs Harkema in the Level Racing Porsche 997 and scored a third place in the GTR class. In this way they scored a second place in the team standings for the small team from Eupen.

Level Racing had set its score into a top three finish, aiming to claim the vice champion title for the team in the GTR class.

Team manager Olivier Muytjens commented: "Corten drove the first stint but was slowed by a puncture. Later on we had problems with a broken starter engine in which our three drivers had to catch up to get the maximum out this troublesome race. In the end they scored a third place in the Gentleman Trophy, once again an international podium and in the same time the vice champion title! Congratulations to our drivers!"

Christoff Corten: "It wasn’t an easy race, that’s for sure. In the beginning of the race I had some problems with understeer and really battled with the Porsche. At the time they fixed the problem with the starter engine the team also adjusted the balance of the car resulting in better lap times. Finally we scored a third place in our class and at the same time the second place place in the team rankings. I was glad to score another podium without further problems. It’s my fourth race with Level Racing and all the times we could fight for the top rankings. Right now I’ve to start my long search in finding the needed sponsorship aiming on another season. I would like to thank Total fort their trust in me and hope to score much more top rankings next year!"

Christoff Corten is available for teams participating in the Zolder 1000 kms.

Tags: Christoff Corten, International Podium

Spa 24 Hours: Review Christoff Corten , 02 Aug. 2011

Nineteen year old Christoff Corten is a brand new talent, participating in the Spa 24 Hours. The young guy from Tienen entered the 24 hours in a Porsche 997 Super Cup, managed by a small and modest team, along with his team mates Kurt Dujardin, Brody and a young Dutchman Mathijs Harkema. This Belgian Porsche team drove a marvellous race finishing first in the Gentleman Trophy and scoring a 17th place overall as the best Porsche in the entire field. Christoff Corten drove his third 24 Hour race and scored the maximum achievable. Right now Corten prepares himself for participation within the 24 Hours of Zolder, but doesn’t know which team he will possibly strengthen.

Christoff Corten: "I just don’t realize what really happened one day after the 63rd edition of the Spa 24 Hours. We finished 17th in a field of 62 cars and won our class. What made it special was the fact that cars finishing in front of us were top GT3’s where we drove an ordinary Porsche 997 Supercup. In addition we won our class seeing some tough competitors with top teams such as Muhlner Motorsport, several Dodge Vipers, Ferrari, Aston Martin and a Ford Mustang with former F2 driver Benjamin Bailly. Last but not least, we finished as the best Porsche on the grid, while several renowned teams came to Spa with factory support. I am ecstatic with this result!"

Christoff drove his first race of the season in Spa, but this wasn’t a problem for the young driver from Tienen. He drove his stints without a single mistake and gained a lot of experience.

"I learned a lot from Kurt Dujardin this weekend, twice winner of the 24 Hours of Zolder and at the same time a guy active in motorsports since 1979. A person with that kind of experience is priceless for a young driver like me. He shared all his experience without a single problem with both me and my young team mate Mathijs.

Our race was almost perfect, we only had a minor problem with the gear box, but shifting from 3rd to 4th gear and back with a little care helped us finishing the race. The atmosphere at the finish line was great, a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. Even when I quit racing at this very moment, it will be something I will bring along for the rest of my life. Right now I hope to find the needed fundings to take part in the 24 Hours of Zolder and I’m eager to score another fine result!"

Tags: Spa 24, Christoff Corten