Aegerter (13th) shows his courage, Mulhauser lost in Assen
The programme has changes but the "magic" did not: while this is the first time ever in the history of the world championship that the Dutch Grand Prix in the Cathedral of Assen will take place on Sunday - until last year the most traditional rendezvous on the calendar would always take place on the last Saturday in June - this Grand Prix maintains its key importance. The weekend started really well for Thomas Lüthi (Garage Plus Interwetten), who set the fastest time of the day. Tom, who tested different technical directions during the two free practice sessions today, even managed to build an impressive gap - 3 tenths of a second - from the rest of the pack. Dominique Aegerter (carXpert Interwetten), who was still attending to his father "Fere" (hospitalized at the beginning of the week) on Thursday morning, pulled a provisional 13th position out of the bag. We cannot say the same about Robin Mulhauser (carXpert Interwetten), who was 26th and still far off here in the Netherlands. Frédéric Corminboeuf, the boss of the two Swiss teams, sums up the day: "The day was excellent for Tom. Being on top of the classification after the first day is a reflection of the work we have done together, but it is now essential to prepare the bike for the whole race distance as well. Knowing Dominique's personal circumstances, we have to highlight his performance: he is only 8 tenths off the pole, which is remarkable, although he still hasn't found the perfect feeling with his bike. On Thursday evening we had a meeting with Robin's team to see how we can help him even more. We modified some small things in the way we work and I hope that time - not too long - will show if we were right."
They said...
Dominique Aegerter (carXpert Interwetten, 13th): "In my thoughts I am with my dad. But when I'm on the bike I am able to concentrate. I give it everything as always. I had problems with the front this morning and in the afternoon it was rear grip that was causing problems. Of course the situation is not easy for me. I know that my dad is well looked after and also he wouldn't want me to miss this race."
Robin Mulhauser (carXpert Interwetten, 26th): "Assen has always been a difficult track for me. I feel stuck on the wrong pace, every step that I take takes me away from where I should be. No one is happy when they are last, so I cannot be happy today. The only positive thing is my friend Michael Savary - former STK World Endurance winner - is here with me this weekend and I am sure that he can help me a lot."
