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23 Jun 2012
Maserati Trofeo MC World Series - Imola (I) - Race 1
Lorenzini: a winning Trofeo debut at Imola
Lorenzini: a winning Trofeo debut at Imola
Luca Lorenzini took an unexpected win in his first Maserati Trofeo MC World Series outing. The young driver from Mantova claimed Race 1, of three, at Imola in this third round of the championship. Lorenzini will not be awarded any series points as he is appearing as one of Maseratis guest drivers; he is paired with the Autosprint director, Alberto Sabbatini.
The 30-minute race was held in steamy conditions and the temperature rose even higher with the action taking place on the track. Monaco-based Cedric Sbirrazzuoli, Belgian Renaud Kuppens and Alan Simoni put on a great show of overtaking.
Sbirrazzuoli started on pole after securing the slot in this mornings qualifying and managed to hold off Simoni for a good while. Unluckily for Simoni, his race came to an end on lap eleven when he veered off the track while attacking. Making the most of things was Lorenzini who beat Sbirrazzuoli and Renaud Kuppens, both in the Team series, across the finish line. Coming home fourth was Stefano Garelli as he took the last podium position in the Overall category. Garelli is also top of the Trofeo standings; a fine way to celebrate a return to Imola after 26 years.
Giuseppe Fascicolo deserves a mention for his superb comeback in climbing from last place, for changing his tyres, to seventh spot.
Race 2 will be run tomorrow at 9.30 with Race 3, the endurance event that includes a driver change, timed for 14.30-15.20.
A two-minute highlights package of Maseratis sporting weekend will be broadcast on Eurosport on Sunday at 1.00 during the Motorsport Weekend programme.
Luca Lorenzini: I am speechless: I was up against drivers with international experience and I won! Yesterday I tried to get to know the car and I set the second best time. I struggled a bit in the race but then settled into a rhythm and stuck to the leaders. I made the most of a few clashes to close the gap even more and then move into the lead. Luck was on my side but I think I did well too.
Race 1
1. Luca Lorenzini/Alberto Sabbatini 30:44.617**
2. AF Corse Cedric Sbirrazzuoli/Alessandro Chionna 30:50.872*
3. Konvex Motorsport Renaud Kuppens 30:52.122*
4. Stefano Garelli 30:52.404
*in the Team series
** not awarded series points
The complete standings can be consulted on the www.maseraticorse.com website. The site also includes in-depth reports, driver interviews and images from Round 3 of the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series.