LAURA VAN DEN HENGEL Storms From Last to Second at Hockenheim GT Cup Europe

June 10, 2025

by RACERS // from www.racers-behindthehelmet.com

GRRL! SUMMARY:

LAURA VAN DEN HENGEL and Paul Meijer pulled off one of the season’s most impressive comeback drives at Hockenheim, charging from dead last on the grid to second place in Pro-Am after missing qualifying due to Saturday’s crash. The Burgers Motorsport duo overcame a 20-second pit stop handicap and a 10-place grid penalty to reclaim the championship lead—their fourth podium in just three rounds. Van den Hengel’s opening stint saw her methodically pick off 16 positions while running consistently faster than most of the field ahead.
The weekend showcased just how far VAN DEN HENGEL has progressed since her AM-class days, now consistently running as one of the fastest bronze-rated drivers in the series. Her practice sessions saw her topping timing charts and running competitive 1:43 lap times even on used tires, proving she belongs in the fight for overall wins. The Iron Dames-supported driver’s race craft shone through as she navigated opening lap chaos and made smart, calculated passes without taking unnecessary risks—exactly the kind of mature driving that wins championships.
This recovery drive perfectly captures what makes VAN DEN HENGEL and Meijer the benchmark pairing in Pro-Am right now. They’ve dominated when everything goes right (sweeping Spa-Francorchamps) and shown championship mettle when facing adversity. With three class wins already this season and near-misses for overall victories at both Portimão and Spa, they’ve proven they can run with anyone in the field. Next stop is Paul Ricard, where van den Hengel has shown strong pace in previous seasons and will aim to extend their podium streak.