At the second round of the second season of the RCCO E-Sport Series, which is being contested for the first time with the 1,000 hp eX ZERO electric sports car on the rFactor 2 platform, DTM driver Mike Rockenfeller (37) was the measure of all things as a guest driver.
On the notorious airfield circuit in Florida, known for its treacherous bumps, a record field of 17 esports racers fought hot duels for every position. This time, Oliver Sittler commented on the racing action in true style from Mirko Sellner’s racing simulator in Lengede.
The qualifying race already indicated which drivers would cope best with the difficult conditions on the former airfield. Surprisingly, sports photographer Bodo Kräling (bspowersports) was able to secure pole position for the first race ahead of Mike Rockenfeller (RCCO) with a lead of not even half a second.
The duel continued in race 1, with Rockenfeller, who is very familiar with the bumpy track thanks to numerous real races, attacking the pole setter as early as in the first corner, taking the lead – and not relinquishing it again until the end of the race. Kräling maintained second place just as confidently, defending the top position in the end by a scant second from cameraman Paul Wingens (Wingens Racing Team).
The second race was started in reverse order of the result from race 1. A difficult task for the previously leading duo. Kräling was unlucky and got involved in several scuffles right after the start, but fought his way up from the back to fifth place.
Rockenfeller, meanwhile, was unimpressed by the many fights for position and drove routinely through the field. On lap 5, “Rocky” closed the gap to the leaders Steffen Walter (tv racing) and Michael Niemas (NReSports). Niemas had previously had technical problems in Race 1, but now showed all his class. He initially successfully defended himself against Rockenfeller’s attacks before the former DTM champion overtook him – and won race 2 as well. Behind him, Niemas was second and Walter third.
Rockenfeller after his one-two victory: “There was a lot of confusion in some race phases, which made it easier for me to drive to the front. In the end I had tough opponents in Michael Niemas and Steffen Walter who put up great fights. Likewise, the fight with Bodo Kräling in Race 1 was exciting, a lot of fun.”
Next stop for the esports racers is Portugal. On the tradition-steeped circuit in Estoril, they will be fighting for victories and placings on March 8.
Race 1
1st Mike Rockenfeller (RCCO)
2nd Bodo Kräling (bspowersports)
3rd Paul Wingens (wingens racing team)
Race 2
1st Mike Rockenfeller (RCCO)
2nd Michael Niemas (Niemas Racecars eSports)
3rd Steffen Walter (tv racing)
Standings RCCO E-Sport Series after 4 of 11 races and already qualified for the Superfinal:
1st Michael Niemas (Niemas Racecars eSports)
2nd Denny Wenzel (Heikki21 Simracing)
3rd Bodo Kräling (bspowersports)
4th Steffen Walter (tv racing)
5th Paul Wingens (Wingens Racing Team)
6th Dominik Heußen (nikdom)
7th Stefan Waschow (Niemas Racecars eSports)
8th Jens Wippermann (MSC Ruhr-Wenne e.V.)
