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Stephen raring to go at Zwartkops
Following a successful outing at Phakisa four weeks ago, Audi is ready to take on round six of the Bridgestone Production Car Championship, at Zwartkops on Saturday 11 September.
Audi has won the Class A Championship three years in succession and although it has been a difficult start to the 2010 season, the team is back in the title chase.
Michael Stephen (Engen) has been the most consistent of the A4 drivers this year, scoring points in all but one of the 15 races so far this season. He has achieved two race wins and five more podium finishes. Stephen is currently tied in third place in the points standings with stable mate Johan Fourie and is eager to break this deadlock at Zwartkops.
Fourie (IndyOil) had a good haul of points at Phakisa, raking in 45 points and elevating himself from fifth to third in the championship log. He has taken three race wins and a further five podium placings. Fourie will however have a tough time at Zwartkops as he receives a substantial 40kgs of success ballast following the Phakisa event.
Tschops Sipuka (Engen) is the third driver in the team. It is evident from his off-road excursions that Tschops is giving his all and pushing the limits of his car. With a bit of luck, he will be in a position to challenge the other Zwartkops crowd favourites.
The 2.4km Zwartkops circuit is fairly tight and twisty in nature and should play into the hands of the four-wheel-drive cars. The downside however is that the circuit is the favoured testing ground of the Gauteng-based BMW team.
Three practice sessions will be held on Friday afternoon, with qualifying and all three races taking place on Saturday 11 September.
