Podio del equipo Ymes Folch Endurance.

PODIO ESPAÑOL EN EL MUNDIAL ENDURANCE.
FINALMENTE PEDRO VALLCANERAS, JORDI ALMEDA Y JOSE M. LUIS, EL
EQUIPO YMES FOLCH ENDURANCE TERCERO EN LAS 24 HORAS BOL DÓR
2010.

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Merecido podio del team de Reus que después de remontar durante las primeras
horas desde la posición 19 desde donde salió consigue terminar en tercera posición detrás
del equipo Kawasaki Bolliger segundos y del vencedor Suzuki SERT.
Desde el comienzo de los entrenamientos cronometrados los integrantes del team
se sintieron cómodos con la moto. Pero durante la segunda sesión de cronometrados con
JM. Luis a los mandos la Yamaha nº 4 sufre una aparatosa caída en la chicaneé de la cabecera
de la recta de meta. El chasis de la moto queda tocado, por lo que todo el equipo
técnico trabaja duro para ofrecer de nuevo a sus pilotos una moto competitiva.
Por la media ponderada del tiempo de sus tres pilotos el team accede ha disputar
la superpole. Finalmente terminarían clasificándose en 19º posición. Para el domingo en
el momento de la salida el equipo de Reus decide que seria Pedro Vallcaneras el encargado
de hacer la salida.
A las tres de la tarde hora local, se da la salida tipo Le Mans. Nada mas salir
al final de recta cuatro motos sufren una caída y con el revuelo formado Vallacaneras
aprovecha para atacar, ya en la primera vuelta, y ganar unas posiciones justo antes de
que saliera el coche de seguridad. Durante la primera mitad de la carrera el equipo decide
atacar con fuerza y eso les permite colocarse entorno de la 7ª posición. Mas tarde
y aprovechando los fallos de sus rivales el equipo e Reus ha ido escalando posiciones,
incluso ha llegado ha situarse durante algunas vueltas en la segunda posición.
Finalmente y durante las ultimas horas se han mantenido en esta tercera posición detrás
de la Kawasaki del Team Bolliger y de los justos vencedores de la prueba el equipo de
Suzuki SERT, con dorsal nº 2.

Israel Nevado

FBM – Crónica MX "B" Felanitx

El Campeonato de Baleares de Motocross "B" celebró este sábado su octava prueba de la temporada con el "Motocross Fira de Sant Miquel 2010", que como cada año organiza el Motoclub Felanitx. En esta ocasión, y gracias a la colaboración del Consell de Mallorca, la Federació Balear de Motociclisme y 100 Emocions, esta prueba se convirtió también en la quinta de la Copa Consell de Mallorca de Minicross. Se convocaron las categorías de Iniciación, Minicross, 65cc y la Copa Pit Bikes, contando con una participación de 28 pilotos entre todas las categorías.

INICIACIÓN

Miquel Tanco se impuso en las dos mangas, destinadas a los alumnos de las escuelas de la FBM que compiten por primera vez. Luis Marco fue segundo, completando el podio Julio Porcel. Daniela Narros no pudo repetir la buena actuación de la primera manga, en la que fue tercera, aún así consiguió la cuarta plaza con 35 puntos. Luis Ramírez fue quinto, seguido de Pau Porcel y de David Narros.

MINICROSS

Jordi Portell sigue ganando mangas, y en Felanitx sumó dos más. Roberto Giglioni fue segundo, mientras que Sergio Morales y Miguel Ángel Sureda completaron la lista. Curiosamente todos los participantes ocuparon las mismas posiciones en ambas carreras.

65cc

Las carreras de esta categoría están siendo muy competidas, con varios pilotos luchando por las primeras posiciones. En esta ocasión Nacho Alcoceba se llevó la victoria en la segunda manga, y sumando la segunda posición de la primera se impuso en el global. La segunda plaza fue para Guillermo Martí, que fu el piloto más regular. Con dos terceros puestos, empató a 40 puntos con Toni Ferrer, que fue el ganador de la primera manga, pero al ser sexto en la segunda manga, sólo pudo subir al tercer escalón del podio.

Juan Rueno fue de menos a más, consiguiendo una trabajada segunda posición en la última manga, gracias a lo cual se clasificó cuarto. Alexandro Finzi, que ha dejado Iniciación para subir de categoría, fue quinto, seguido de José Mª carmona, Jesús Ferreres, Jorge Rey y Marc Arjona.

Pit Bikes

Esta vez le tocó el truno a Miquel Bordoy, que ganó las dos mangas por delante de su máximo rival, Toni Melis, que ocupó la segunda plaza, también en cada carrera. Ángel Moñino fue tercero al sacarle dos puntos a Alex Martínez, que fue cuarto. Toni Truyols, Jaime Femenías, Juan Miguel Barceló y Miguel Ángel Bauzá completaron la clasificación.

DEPARTAMENTO DE PRENSA DE LA FBM

Joan Perelló saldrá desde la séptima fila

El piloto mallorquín Joan Perelló, del Honda SAG Castrol no ha podido mantener la buena posición que consiguió en las dos primeras tandas libres del sábado, a pesar de haber mejorado su crono en casi 5 segundos (2:05.846), situaándose provisionalmente en la 25ª plaza, en espera de los cronometrados. El viernes se había situado como el mejor 14º tiempo en la primera sesión y 16º en la segunda.

El día había amanecido frío y mucha nubosidad, y con esta climatología transcurrieron la tercera sesión de libres, pero a las 15:00h, momento en que ha dado inicio la tanda cronometrada, el sol y el calor han sido los protagonistas.

El deportista del EBE/CTEIB ha seguido mejorando su tiempo, bajando casi otro segundo, pero todos sus rivales han hecho lo mismo, por lo que Joan ha mantenido esta posición.

Todo el equipo, dirigido por Eduardo Perales, y con Gorka Segura como jefe de mecánicos, están convencidos que su piloto puede mejorar esta plaza en carrera, ya que Joan se crece en las carreras. Como siempre, la salida será fundamental para que el mallorquín recupere posiciones, aunque siempre manteniendo el objetivo principal, que es adquirir experiencia de cara al futuro.

Koldo Zuazaga – Ferbis Press

Nicola De Marco clinches race one victory in Valencia

Italian scoops second race win this season as Stoneman secures title

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Italy’s Nicola De Marco took a commanding victory in the opening FIA Formula Two Championship contest at Valencia today (Saturday 18 September), as Britain’s Dean Stoneman secured the 2010 title with a top ten finish.

After securing pole position in qualifying, De Marco controlled the race from lights-to-flag to secure his second victory of the season, following a maiden win at Brno, Czech Republic in July.

The Italian faced constant pressure during today’s encounter from Briton Will Bratt, who made up two places from his fourth place grid slot to move into second off the start line before staying on De Marco’s tail throughout the race.

"That was a fantastic race, I’m really happy with it," De Marco said. "Will stayed near me for the whole race so it was difficult, but it was really important for me to make another win."

A delighted Armaan Ebrahim maintained his career-best third place grid position to take his maiden F2 podium result, whilst Philipp Eng and Sergey Afanasiev managed to scythe past Benjamin Lariche in the final stages of the 25 lap race to snatch fourth and fifth respectively. Lariche had defended gallantly until that point, the Frenchman showing strong pace throughout the weekend around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Behind Lariche, a fierce battle raged throughout race one for seventh position, with title protagonist Jolyon Palmer fending off several challenges from Belgium’s Benjamin Bailly.

The duo were also joined in an early tussle by Dean Stoneman, although after realising that he only needed to keep Palmer within four places of him to win the championship, Stoneman eased off to cruise over the line in ninth place as the newly-crowned F2 title holder.

"It’s fantastic to be sitting in this position," said Stoneman. "Hopefully now with the Formula 1 test I can prove myself and go further on in motorsport."

Ivan Samarin rounded out the top ten, ahead of an entertaining race-long scrap between Johannes Theobald and Kelvin Snoeks.

Snoeks was involved in an opening lap drama, as the Dutch driver clashed with Kazim Vasiliauskas at the first corner. The contact caused Vasiliauskas‘ car to barrel roll into the gravel, but thankfully the Lithuanian walked away unharmed.

Aside from Kazim, the only other retirement from the race was Natalia Kowalska, who pulled off at turn 11 with mechanical problems.

Although the title chase has been decided, five drivers are still in contention for third in the championship and the prize of FIA Superlicence eligibility. Today’s result sees Afanasiev retain third, although Will Bratt and Philipp Eng move to within three and five points respectively of the Russian.

FIA Formula Two Championship – Valencia – Race One:

1. Nicola De Marco, 24 Laps
2. Will Bratt, +1.210s
3. Armaan Ebrahim, +17.815s
4. Philipp Eng,+19.142s
5. Sergey Afanasiev, +21.706s
6. Benjamin Lariche, +23.046s
7. Jolyon Palmer, +23.667s
8. Benjamin Bailly, +24.017s
9. Dean Stoneman, +25.410s
10. Ivan Samarin, +30.207s

www.formulatwo.com

John Martin holt die Pole-Position

 

SF Image

Das erste Rennen der Superleague Formula in Portimao startet John Martin (Beijing) aus der besten Startposition. Mit einer Zeit von 1.33.149 Minuten sicherte sich der Australier die erste Pole-Position in der Superleague Formula 2010.

Das Duell um die beste Ausgangsposition machten John Martin und Davide Rigon (RSC Anderlecht) im Finale unter sich aus. Dies erinnerte an Adria – vor zwei Wochen hieß der Polesetter allerdings Davide Rigon. Dieses Mal drehte Martin den Spieß um.

Den ersten Sieg fuhr der Australier bereits am Nürburgring ein. In Portimao sicherte er sich, nach den ersten Startplätzen in Zolder und Jarama, die dritte Pole-Position der diesjährigen Saison. Dabei kam ihm auch seine Streckenkenntnis zugute. "Man hat sicher einen Bonus, wenn man die Strecke kennt. Das ist eine große Hilfe", meint Martin. Rigon musste sich heute geschlagen geben, kann aber dennoch mit der ersten Startreihe leben. "In Adria war ich schneller, John ist hier schneller. Das ist okay." Der Italiener setzt sich dennoch den Sieg als Ziel. "Wenn morgen das Setup passt ist durchaus ein Sieg drin."

Wissel und Soucek in der zweiten Startreihe

Das letzte Mal startete Max Wissel in Zolder aus der dritten Startposition. In Portimao gelang ihm erneut der Sprung in die zweite Startreihe. Sah es doch im freien Training nicht allzu gut für den Alzenauer aus. Ein Motorschaden machte dem Team von Günther Unterreitmeier, nach dem Motorwechsel in Adria, erneut Sorgen. "Wir haben den Motor ausgetauscht und Glück gehabt, dass es im Training und nicht im Rennen passierte", sagte Wissel. Im Qualifying verlief für den Pilot des FC Basel zunächst alles nach Plan. Lediglich gegen John Martin hatte Wissel im Halbfinale keine Chance."Meine Runde war gut, aber nicht perfekt." Die heutige Ausbeute macht Lust auf mehr. "Man kann hier gut überholen und ich denke wir sind für morgen gut gerüstet."

Mit Andy Soucek auf dem vierten Rang hat GU Racing gleich zwei ihrer neuerdings drei Autos in den Top 4. Kurzfristig übernahm das Team von Günther Unterreitmeier den Boliden von Galatassaray. "Erst gestern erfuhren wir davon und haben uns spontan entschieden das Auto bei uns aufzunehmen." Umso erfreulicher die viertschnellste Zeit von Soucek. "Ein tolles Ergebnis. Andy (Soucek) ist natürlich auch ein Top-Fahrer", so Unterreitmeier. Das dritte Auto (Olympiacos) pilotierte Neel Jani auf die neunte Position.

Die beiden Titelanwärter sind abgeschlagen. Craig Dolby startet aus der sechsten Startposition, während Yelmer Buurman nur auf Rang 13 landete.

British driver Dean Stoneman wins FIA Formula Two Championship

Southampton racer scoops prize test drive with the Williams F1 team

Britain's%20Dean%20Stoneman%20and%20supporters

British driver Dean Stoneman has clinched the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship in Valencia, Spain today (Saturday 18 September) to secure a prize test drive with the Williams Formula One team.

The 20-year-old from Southampton emerged triumphant from a season-long battle with fellow countryman Jolyon Palmer to be crowned the first British F2 title winner since Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer lifted the European Championship trophy in 1983.

As his prize for securing the Formula Two crown, Stoneman will earn a full test with the Williams F1 team. He will also qualify for an FIA Superlicence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.

Stoneman secured the honours in the opening race at this weekend’s Valencian season finale, cruising home to a comfortable ninth place finish to build up an unassailable 27 point lead over his rival Palmer, who finished seventh.

Dean Stoneman said: “It’s only just starting to settle in really. Getting into Formula One has always been my dream, and this just brings me one step closer to that. It’s hard to know what to expect but it’s obviously a fantastic opportunity to be testing a Williams Formula One car, so hopefully I can prove myself. I’m just going to go there and do what I do best: get in the car and drive as fast as I can!”

2010 marks Stoneman’s first season in the FIA Formula Two Championship and the British racer has shone amongst a international field of drivers, securing victories during F2’s inaugural visit to Marrakech, Morocco and his home circuit Brands Hatch in July. The newly-crowned champion has also taken race wins in Belgium, Portugal and a sensational double victory in the penultimate round at Oschersleben, Germany earlier this month.

Stoneman continued: “I’ve got to say well done to Jolyon, as throughout the season we’ve had some fantastic races, and thank you to F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer for putting together such a brilliant championship for myself and the other competitors. And also thank you to my father, who has backed me all the way.”

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision, said: "Dean has done a superb job this season and is certainly the worthy champion of the 2010 FIA F2 Championship. He is an outstanding talent, being extremely quick, a tough fighter, and very consistent. I am very confident Dean will prove the high standard of competition in F2 by performing impressively when he has his Williams F1 test drive. The fact that the affordable, level playing field of F2 has given Dean the opportunity to highlight his talent, without having a big budget, will undoubtedly inspire others."

Stoneman gained a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting young prospects after a superb breakthrough year in the 2008 Formula Renault UK Championship, where he took three wins, nine podiums and three pole positions – a superior record than Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s debut season in the same formula.

The new 2010 Formula Two champion will be following in the footsteps of 2009 title holder Spain’s Andy Soucek, who secured a reserve driver role with the Virgin F1 team after setting the pace in his prize test drive at Jerez in Spain last December.

www.formulatwo.com

Edoardo Mortara: Der Euro-Serie-Champion im Porträt

Formula 3 Euro Series, round 8, race 1, Oschersleben (D)

Edoardo Mortara (Signature) hatte in Oschersleben allen Grund zum Strahlen: Der Italiener gewann die Fahrerwertung der Formel 3 Euro Serie 2010. Drei Rennen vor Saisonende hat er nun 25 Punkte Vorsprung auf den zweitplatzierten Marco Wittmann (Signature) und ist damit nicht mehr einholbar. Vor ihm sicherten sich Formel-1-Stars wie Lewis Hamilton und Nico Hülkenberg sowie DTM-Piloten wie Paul Di Resta und Jamie Green den prestigeträchtigen Titel des Euro-Serie-Champions. Mortara sorgte zugleich für zwei Premieren: Sowohl sein Team Signature als auch sein Motoren-Partner Volkswagen feiern ihren ersten Fahrertitel in der Euro Serie.
Mortara hat in seiner jungen Karriere bereits Höhen und Tiefen erlebt. 2006 stieg er in den Formelsport ein und schon ein Jahr später erfolgte der Aufstieg in die Formel 3 Euro Serie. Als bester Rookie und Gesamt-Achter schloss er seine Premieren-Saison ab. Im Folgejahr wechselte sein Team Signature auf Volkswagen-Motoren und Mortara beendete das Jahr als Vize-Champion. Dann folgte der Umstieg in die GP2-Serie. Doch dort wurde der 23-jährige Italiener mit den markanten blauen Augen nicht glücklich; seine bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt glatt verlaufende Karriere erlitt einen Knick. Umso mehr freute er sich über ein Angebot von Volkswagen und Signature, Ende 2009 den Grand Prix von Macau zu fahren. Am südchinesischen Meer gewann er das wohl wichtigste Formel-3-Rennen der Welt. Als einer der Favoriten ging der Fan des italienschen Fußball-Clubs AC Mailand in die diesjährige Saison, die er mit insgesamt vier Qualifying-Bestzeiten und sechs Rennsiegen klar dominierte.
In der Euro Serie gab es für Mortara in den insgesamt drei Jahren nur ein Team: Signature. Die von Teamchef Philippe Sinault geführte Mannschaft ist für den Rennfahrer wie eine Familie. Auch in schwierigen persönlichen Situationen waren sie immer für ihn da und unterstützten ihn, wo sie nur konnten. Mortara ist kein typischer Südländer. Geboren und aufgewachsen ist er in Genf. Seine Mutter ist Französin, der Vater stammt aus Italien. Edoardo schloss die Schule trotz seiner Aktivitäten im Kartsport mit dem Abitur ab und schrieb sich 2006 für zwei Jahre an der Universität von Genf für Wirtschaftwissenschaften ein. Nach zwei Jahren Pause, in denen er sich auf seine Motorsport-Karriere konzentrierte, fehlte ihm die geistige Herausforderung und er nahm das Studium wieder auf. Zusätzlich machte er vor kurzem seine Pilotenlizenz, trainiert viel und betreibt Free Fighting. Außerdem er hat seiner Freundin etwas Wichtiges versprochen: Wenn er den Titel der Formel 3 Euro Serie gewinnt, dann folgt als nächstes die Verlobung.

www.f3euroseries.com

Valtteri Bottas siegt, Edoardo Mortara neuer Champion

Edoardo Mortara (Signature) ist der neue Champion der Formel 3 Euro Serie. Dem 23-jährigen Italiener reichte in Oschersleben ein sechster Platz, denn sein einziger Rivale Marco Wittmann (Signature) erreichte das Ziel nur einen Platz hinter Mortara. Der Signature-Pilot eroberte den ersten Fahrertitel der Formel 3 Euro Serie für seinen Motorenpartner Volkswagen. Der Sieg in der 3,696 Kilometer langen Motorsport Arena Oschersleben ging an Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix) vor Alexander Sims (ART Grand Prix) und António Félix da Costa (Motopark Academy).
Für Bottas, der mit einem Vorsprung von 22,141 Sekunden das Rennen dominierte, war es der erste Erfolg in einem Samstag-Rennen der Formel 3 Euro Serie. Mit seinem dritten Platz sorgte Félix da Costa beim Heimspiel seines Teams Motopark Academy für das erste Podium der Mannschaft an einem Samstag. Zuvor gewann der Führende der Rookie-Wertung, der selbst erstmals an einem Samstag in den Top 3 ins Ziel kam, drei Sonntag-Läufe in Folge.
Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix): „Ich war am Samstag schon so oft Zweiter und nun habe ich endlich meinen ersten Triumph. Deshalb ist dieser Erfolg ein besonderer für mich. Mein Auto war heute richtig gut. Ich denke, dass die Strecken, die mehr Abtrieb erfordern, unserem Auto einfach besser liegen.“
Alexander Sims (ART Grand Prix): „In der vierten Runde geriet ich neben die Strecke und habe mir dabei einen Reifen beschädigt. Danach war nicht mehr als Rang zwei möglich.“
António Félix da Costa (Motopark Academy): „Ich kenne die Strecke in Oschersleben sehr gut und fahre hier gerne. Außerdem konnten wir uns verbessern und kommen der Spitze immer näher. Es war mein Ziel, auch einmal am Samstag auf dem Podium zu stehen und das habe ich nun geschafft.“
Edoardo Mortara (Signature): „Es ist klasse, dass ich der neue Champion bin. Mein Macau-Sieg im vergangenen Jahr hat mich schon sehr gefreut, aber dieser Erfolg ist noch eine Stufe höher. Es ist nicht nur ein Rennen. Wir waren das gesamte Jahr über fähig, Rennen zu gewinnen und Pole-Positions zu holen.“

www.f3euroseries.com

ALBERT COLL, cada vez más cerca de su 3º título.

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El pasado fin de semana, en la isla de Menorca, se disputó la 5ª prueba puntuable para el Campeonato Balear de karting, donde el piloto mallorquín Albert Coll consiguió su 4ª victoria consecutiva.

El piloto de SUSHICLUB, de nuevo, fue el más rápido en los entrenamientos clasificatorios, obteniendo la pole. Albert, conseguia la segunda posición en la primera manga de carrera y ganaba en la segunda.

El joven piloto, sabia de la importancia de acabar lo más arriba posible, conocedor de las dificultades que se encontraria, con un circuito, muy complicado ó casi imposible, para los adelantamientos, Albert, muy concentrado, y con su habitual conducción, lo consiguió. Este nuevo triunfo, situa a Albert, como lider del campeonato a tan sólo una prueba por disputarse, y cada vez más cerca de conseguir el que sería su 3º título de Campeón de Baleares de karting.

Albert: “Esta vez mis rivales (en la pista), me lo pusieron, muy difícil, la victoria sabe mejor, mientras más te cuesta”.

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Kazim Vasiliauskas fastest in rain-hit second session

Lithuanian tops timesheets as weather plays havoc in Valencia

Kazim%20Vasiliauskas

Kazim Vasiliauskas topped the timesheets in a rain-hit FIA Formula Two Championship second practice session in Valencia today (Friday 17 September), the Lithuanian setting a storming early pace to finish almost three quarters of a second clear of the rest of the field.
With the session starting dry, Vasiliauskas made the most of the early running and rose to the top on his first flying lap. Afanasiev briefly demoted him, but he responded with a quicker time to dip into the 1m28s bracket, just as rain started to fall on the 4km Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
That prompted most of the field to come into the pits, only for the rain to abate slightly and confuse the issue as to whether slicks or dry tyres were the best option. The rain did however freeze the times as the track became significantly slower, effectively making the session a five-minute shootout.
With his place at the top therefore secure, Vasiliauskas did not go out again and completed just six laps during the 30 minute free practice.
Championship leader Dean Stoneman finished second after a strong start to the session, with Russia’s Sergey Afanasiev third. Both drivers opted to stay on slicks during the rain, with Stoneman in particular enjoying a long run when the field initially pitted, completing 14 laps overall – the highest tally in the field.
Behind the lead trio, Ivan Samarin and Will Bratt were the only other drivers to finish within one second of Vasiliauskas in fourth and fifth respectively.
Kelvin Snoeks and Nicola De Marco continued their impressive recent form to occupy the next two spots, with Benjamin Bailly finishing less than two tenths of a second further down the road in eighth.
Ricardo Teixeira was ninth, while Ramón Piñeiro was tenth in only his second competitive session in Formula Two.
Championship contender Jolyon Palmer was 19th, the Briton dropping down the order as he was unable to complete a flying lap in the dry. He did however complete six laps on wet tyres, stoking up the tension ahead of tomorrow’s races as he and Stoneman battled out on circuit in the closing stages.
Despite the weather Natalia Kowalska was the only retirement, the Polish racer spinning out on the outside of the final corner. Afanasiev took a trip through the gravel at turn seven, but was able to rejoin without fuss.
FIA Formula Two Championship – Valencia, Spain – Free Practice Two Overall Classification:
1. Kazim Vasiliauskas, 1:28.466s
2. Dean Stoneman, +0.745s
3. Sergey Afanasiev, +0.850s
4. Ivan Samarin, +0.943s
5. Will Bratt, +0.965s
6. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.047s
7. Nicola De Marco, +1.126s
8. Benjamin Bailly, +1.325s
9. Ricardo Teixeira, +1.452s
10. Ramón Piñeiro, +1.514s

www.formulatwo.com

THE 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE HITS THE TRACK

The new Chevrolet Cruze for the 2011 WTCC took to the track yesterday and today for the first time at MIRA proving ground, with Rob Huff at the wheel. This was a key step in the preparation for next season that will see the debut of the new 1.6 turbocharged engine entirely designed, built and developed by Chevrolet and RML.
This first shake-down was completely satisfactory and the testing and development programme will continue in the forthcoming days at MIRA and other tracks.
Rob Huff commented: "It is always a very emotional moment for a driver and a team to take a new car to the track for its first miles, and particularly this time, as the Cruze 2011 and its new engine are an ambitious and challenging project. Now starts the development phase and much work lies ahead, but what I can tell from today’s first test is that it is a very interesting evolution and that WTCC racing is going to be extremely exciting in 2011!"

The Chevrolet Cruze for the 2011 WTCC started testing at MIRA proving ground

LOCAL MEDIA MEET WTCC DRIVERS IN VALENCIA
The WTCC Race of Spain was officially launched yesterday at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo in a meeting attended by representatives of the local media.
The press were welcomed by Niurka Montalvo, Secretary for Sports of the Comunidad Valenciana and long jump gold medalist for Spain in the 1999 World Athletics Championships at Seville, Julio García, the circuit’s General Manager, and Jean-Louis Dauger, Director of Operation at Eurosport Events.
Later the journalists met a representative of drivers from the different series: Gabriele Tarquini, Yvan Muller, Augusto Farfus, Jordi Gené and home boy Sergio Hernández for WTCC, Ramon Piñeiro for Formula 2, and Marcos de Diego for the SEAT Eurocup.
After the interviews, Njurka Montalvo and the journalists experienced the thrill of a ride in racing cars on board Muller’s Chevrolet Cruze and de Diego’s SEAT León.


Secretary for Sports Niurka Montalvo met the drivers in Valencia

TWO DRIVERS FROM JAPAN JOIN ENGSTLER
The Liqui Moly Team Engstler will add a third car for Japanese drivers at the two final events of the season in Japan and Macau.
Yoshihiro Ito – 33-years-old from Osaka – will join the team’s regular drivers Franz Engstler and Andrei Romanov at Okayama. Ito is facing his maiden appearance in the WTCC; he spent the 2009 season racing in the Japanese Super GT with a Porsche Boxster.
Masaki Kano – 34-years-old from Hyogo – will take over the car for the Macau finale. A former Asian Touring Car champion (in 2007), Kano has already made three WTCC appearances with the German team, at Okayama in 2008 and 2009, and Macau in 2008.
Both, Ito and Kano, had the possibility to test their BMW 320si car last week in Oschersleben.

www.fiawtcc.com

Lariche sets the pace in Valencia

Frenchman ousts Philipp Eng with late flying lap in free practice one

Benjamin%20Lariche

Frenchman Benjamin Lariche set the pace in the opening Formula Two free practice session at Valencia today (Friday) after posting an impressive late flying lap around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

It was Jack Clarke that led the field initially in the 30 minute session, the Briton over a second clear of the rest of the field until his time was surpassed by Austria’s Philipp Eng.

The pair briefly traded times, before Eng managed to regain his advantage halfway through free practice and looked set to end the session at the top of the timesheets until a storming lap catapulted Lariche up the field into first place.

Today marks Lariche’s best performance in an F2 free practice session, although the Frenchman has good knowledge and experience of Valencia, as he scored his first car victory at the circuit in the 2008 Formula Renault West European Cup.

Behind Lariche and Eng, Clarke secured a solid third place with Kazim Vasiliauskas in fourth position – the Lithuanian edging out Russia’s Sergey Afanasiev by just one thousandth of a second.

Nicola De Marco finished sixth fastest, ahead of Kelvin Snoeks in seventh, whilst Will Bratt was eighth.

Mihai Marinescu secured ninth quickest at the chequered flag, with Belgium’s Benjamin Bailly rounding out the top ten.

In the championship fight, Dean Stoneman fired the opening salvo as the Briton ended free practice one in eleventh, ahead of title rival Jolyon Palmer in fourteenth – although the pair were separated by just three tenths of a second.

FIA Formula Two Championship – Valencia, Spain – Free Practice One Overall Classification:
1. Benjamin Lariche, 1:28.022s
2. Philipp Eng, +0.149s
3. Jack Clarke, +0.238s
4. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.778s
5. Sergey Afanasiev, +0.779s
6. Nicola De Marco, +0.871s
7. Kelvin Snoeks, +0.943s
8. Will Bratt, +0.1.035s
9. Mihai Marinescu, +1.040s
10. Benjamin Bailly, +1.083s

www.formulatwo.com

Erste Pole-Position Valtteri Bottas in 2010

Mit einem Vorsprung von über einer halben Sekunde sicherte sich Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix, 1:20,412 Minuten) die Pole-Position für den 15. Saisonlauf der Formel 3 Euro Serie in der Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. In letzter Sekunde schob sich Alexander Sims (ART Grand Prix, 1:21,016 Minuten) noch auf Rang zwei vor António Félix da Costa (Motopark Academy, 1:21,087 Minuten), der als Dritter bester Rookie wurde. Tabellenführer Edoardo Mortara (Signature, 1:21,708 Minuten), der auf der 3,696 Kilometer langen Strecke vorzeitig den Titel holen kann, fuhr die neuntbeste Rundenzeit; sein einziger Rivale Marco Wittmann (Signature. 1:21,770 Minuten) reihte sich als Zehnter ein.
Valtteri Bottas holte in Oschersleben seine erste Pole-Position in dieser Saison. Dank des Punktes, den der Finne für diese Bestzeit erhält, hat der zweifache Sieger des Masters of Formula 3 nun nur noch einen Rückstand von elf Zählern auf den in der Fahrerwertung zweitplatzierten Marco Wittmann. Hinter Bottas, Sims und Félix da Costa bestätigte Daniel Juncadella (Prema Powerteam, 1:21,166 Minuten) seine gute Form: Der Spanier verwies seinen Landsmann Roberto Merhi (Mücke Motorsport, 1:21,193 Minuten) auf Position fünf.
Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix): „Heute Vormittag konnte ich wegen des Regens kaum eine Runde auf trockener Strecke fahren. Trotzdem passte die Abstimmung meines Autos auf Anhieb. Für den zweiten Reifensatz konnten wir sie sogar noch leicht verbessern. Ich denke, dass meine Runde ziemlich gut war. Morgen fahre ich auf Sieg.“
Alexander Sims (ART Grand Prix): „Auf einer Strecke wie dieser ist es wichtig, in der ersten Startreihe zu stehen. Meine Runde war gar nicht so schlecht, aber der Rückstand auf Valtteri ist mit mehr als 0,6 Sekunden sehr beeindruckend. Ich kann mir diesen im Moment nicht erklären.“
António Félix da Costa (Motopark Academy): „Ich kenne die Strecke aus meiner Zeit in der Formel Renault sehr gut und freue mich riesig, hier mein bisher bestes Qualifying-Ergebnis in der Formel 3 Euro Serie erreicht zu haben. Mein Ziel ist es, auch bei einem Samstag-Rennen mal auf dem Podium zu stehen.“

www.f3euroseries.com

Kike Ferrer: EXCELENTE CARRERA EN ALBACETE

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El piloto mallorquín Kike Ferrer, ha firmado una gran actuación este fin de semana en el circuito de Albacete, dentro de la quinta prueba puntuable del Campeonato de España de Velocidad.
Pese a los problemas mecánicos que le impidieron disputar los segundos entrenamientos cronometrados y partiendo desde la parte media de la parrilla, el piloto de Dues Rodes Competición ha logrado finalizar tercero dentro de la Copa Privados de Stock Extreme y séptimo en la clasificación general.
Ferrer realizaba una excelente salida, avanzando varios puestos desde el primer giro y colocándose en el grupo de los diez primeros. Tras su buena salida, el trabajo se ha centrado en conservar la posición y aguantar el ataque de pilotos mucho más experimentados, habituales participantes del CEV.
Pero lejos de temer a los más veteranos, el joven Kike ha luchado de tú a tú cada vuelta, defendiendo su posición y aunque lograba la sexta posición en carrera, finalmente cruzaba la meta como séptimo clasificado general y tercer mejor piloto de la Copa Privados, un excelente resultado tanto para el equipo como para el piloto Ducati Dues Rodes.
Kike Ferrer: "El potencial de la moto es increíble y estoy adaptándome a la potencia y posibilidades de la Ducati, en cada carrera mejorarmos un poco más y espero conseguir avanzar más en las pruebas que quedan del Campeonato."

Kike Ferrer
Piloto del Campeonato de España Stock Extreme
Reina María Cristina, 2 (Junto Sala Augusta )      07002 Palma de Mallorca
Tel. 971 75 20 41   M. 696 63 82 30    ventas@duesrodes.com     http://www.duesrodes.com

Anticipation grows ahead of Rallye Sanremo

The prospects for Rallye Sanremo, round 10 of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, are mouth-watering after entries for the Italian event peaked at more than 90 cars.
In addition to the Skoda Motorsport trio of Juho Hanninen, Jan Kopecky and Freddy Loix, Skoda UK Motorsport will enter a Fabia S2000 for Guy Wilks, while Skoda Italia will be represented by Marco Signor.
The Peugeot challenge will be led by defending IRC champion and last year’s Rallye Sanremo winner Kris Meeke. Italian ace Paolo Andreucci, runner-up to Hanninen on Rally d’Italia-Sardegna in June, and Frenchman Bryan Bouffier will also be at the wheel of a 207 S2000s as will Bruno Magalhaes, who returns to IRC action after skipping last month’s Barum Czech Rally Zlin.
Giandomenico Basso heads the Abarth line-up, which also includes four-time IRC event winner Luca Rossetti. PROTON will field Niall McShea in one of its Satria Neo S2000s and will reveal the identity of its second driver tomorrow (Friday).
Several M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000s will also be in action with Andreas Mikkelsen and former IRC regular Andrea Navarra among those driving the new-for-2010 cars.

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More thrilling IRC action is in store on Rallye Sanremo

Meeke eager for wins in Sanremo and Scotland

Kris Meeke has vowed to do all he can to win the Intercontinental Rally Challenge events in Sanremo and Scotland, even though his hopes of defending his IRC Drivers‘ title are all but over.
The Peugeot UK pilot set the pace on both events last season, but was ultimately stripped of his RACMSA Rally of Scotland victory following post-event eligibility checks.
He now hopes to end an, at times, frustrating campaign by adding to his tally of IRC wins starting with a second straight victory on the all-asphalt Italian event, which runs from 23-25 September.
"It’s fair to say it hasn’t gone as smoothly this year as it did last year but it hasn’t taken away my desire to start every event trying to achieve the maximum," said Meeke. "I want to finish this year on a high and do the best we can and to win in both Sanremo and Scotland will be special."

Live Eurosport coverage for Rally of Scotland

During a press conference at Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland, yesterday (15 September) Eurosport Events confirmed extensive live television coverage of RACMSA Rally of Scotland, the penultimate round of the 2010 IRC season from 15-17 October.
The promoter’s international media partner Eurosport, Europe’s largest television sports channel, will broadcast live the two passes through the 17.68-kilometre Errochty stage at 11:00hrs-12:00hrs and 17:30hrs-18:30hrs CET on Saturday 16 October and the two runs through the Loch Ard stage, which measures 29.04 kilometres on Sunday 17 October at 11:00hrs-12:00hrs and 13:45hrs-15:00hrs CET.
In addition, Eurosport will also show its Rally Magazine review programme at 23:00hrs-24:00hrs CET on Tuesday 19 October. Eurosport’s Asia-Pacific platform will show the second Errochty stage live plus slightly delayed coverage of other stage action.
Between its various platforms, Eurosport will devote approximately 15 hours of coverage to the event through its live coverage and replayed highlights thereby further underlining its commitment to the IRC and Rally of Scotland.

Scotland organisers in call for volunteers

RACMSA Rally of Scotland organisers are calling on volunteers to help with the smooth running of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event, which takes place from 15-17 October.
More than 750 volunteer marshals are required to support the Perth-based event and Clerk of the Course Iain Campbell explained the rally could not run without their assistance.
"Quite simply without the volunteer marshals we do not have an event," said Campbell. "We rely on their expertise to provide radio cover, to run the time controls, to man the stages, look after the service park and to set up each of our stunning venues. In return they get as close to the action as possible and take away the satisfaction of being part of a huge event."
Guy Wilks, who won the inaugural Rally of Scotland in 2009, is backing the recruitment drive. He said: "What rally marshals do is fantastic and there is no better example of this than on last year’s Rally of Scotland. The marshals who stood out in the awful weather and did such a professional job with such good humour made a huge difference."
More information is available at www.rallyofscotland.com.

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IRC ace Guy Wilks is backing the Scotland recruitment drive

No entry fee payable for Monte Carlo crews

The Automobile Club de Monaco has announced that entry fees for the 79th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo from 19-21 January, 2011, will be free of charge for all 100 competitors that are accepted for the opening round of next season’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
As part of the celebrations for the event’s centenary, the ACM has decided to offer this exceptional incentive to encourage amateur drivers to register.
"Today we are very happy to confirm that entry fees will be waived," said René Isoart, the ACM General Commissioner. "Our aim is to encourage many amateur drivers to return and participate in the Monte Carlo Rally. They are the bedrock on which this event and its history have been built. We will soon be announcing further initiatives to encourage amateurs."
The final route of the 79th running of the rally has also been drawn up and is based entirely on historical routes with famous locations selected from the rally’s earliest days.

Al Qassimi considers Golden Stage entry

Khalid Al Qassimi, a former Middle East rally champion, is considering entering the Golden Stage Rally, which takes place in Cyprus on 7 November.
Featuring a single 25-kilometre mixed-surface stage run twice, the Golden Stage, the event is scheduled for the day after the Intercontinental Rally Challenge season concludes with the FxPro Cyprus Rally (4-6 November).
As well as counting for IRC points, the Cyprus Rally is a scoring round of the Middle East championship and a large contingent of crews from the regional series could also tackle the Golden Stage Rally, which is open to all teams and drivers competing with Super 2000, Group N and Group A (up to A7) cars, in both two- and four-wheel drive configuration..
"Nothing is decided but it’s something we are looking at," said Abu Dhabi driver Al Qassimi, who campaigns an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Super 2000 in the Middle East championship. "I’ve never been to and IRC event before so it will be interesting to see what happens. If the timings work out it could be possible."

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Khalid Al Qassimi is considering a Golden Stage Rally entry

www.rally-irc.com