19.04.05 Faltering start in Poland Racing driver Niko Nurminen's season in International Polish Endurance championship didn't ever get underway at the Poznan circuit. Niko shares the KB Racing's Honda Civic Type R with two Polish drivers and in qualifying he managed to do third fastest lap in class under 2000 ccm. Unfortunatelly in the race problems beginning almost immediately. After very good start Niko broke into second place, behind the class leader. However after 15 minutes of chasing the leader down the Honda lost third gear and the brake pedal started to go softer and softer. Despite serious problems, Niko managed to keep position until a puncture which caused hi-speed exit of the racing surface. Luckly the car didn't suffer any damage and Nurminen nursed the car back to pitlane for tyre and drivers change. "I can't believe how many problems I had during the one hour driving stint. It's annoying because we got so good start for this race and my speed was spot on" During the three hour race the car lost more gears, but the Finnish-Polish squad manage to finish the race, only with fourth gear, and got 5th place in class under 2000 ccm. "This really wasn't what I'm looking for. Team didn't work in a professional way to what I was expecting and because of bad preparation for this race we had so many problems with car. I'm very disappointed" Niko told said after the race. Niko did get some comfort by having the second quickest laptime of the race, only a Polish squad with a DTM Audi was faster. "My laptimes tell that my speed is good even I'm here at Poznan first time now. Most of this Polish drivers has driven many years here, Niko said." Next race of International Polish Endurance Championship is on 14th of May at Most circuit in Czech Republic. Before that, Niko will race in legendary Nürburgring 24 hours race in Germany. << back to news