Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC - Zolder (B) - Race 1-2

Double Success for Pastorelli at Zolder

Nicki Pastorelli did a twofer at the two Zolder (Belgium) races during the second round of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC. However, the Dutch driver is ‘transparent’ in the standings because he is Maserati’s celebrity guest.

There were fifteen cars at the starting line, thirteen of which MC Trofeos (run by Maserati Corse) and two GranTurismo MC GT4s run by private teams. As for the racers’ nationalities, nine countries were represented.

During the first race of the morning Dutch driver Pastorelli, starting off from next-to-last position due to a tire change after the qualifying practices, managed nonetheless to finish first under the checkered flag, in front of Belgian driver Hommerson. The lowest step of the podium was occupied by Kris Wauters, The lead singer of the Belgian pop band “Clouseau”. He was able to resist the attack of Enrico Moncada (fourth place), who sped up from the back. Venezuelan driver Ardagna Perez was unfortunate: he was accidentally hit by Roberto Sperati (Sperati had lost control of his car) while they were contending the first two places.

The Venezuelan made up for it in race 2, ending it in third place after an exciting duel with Swedish driver Peter Sundberg and while resisting the attacks of Paolo Necchi (fourth place). Pastorelli won again after a solitary race and in the last curves defended himself from Sundberg. Thanks to today’s points, Sundberg becomes the leader of the standings together with his team-mate Steven Goldstein, who reached seventh place in race 1.

There is a new leader in the GT4 classification too. French driver Jonathan Sicart obtained two victories in the Belgian racetrack, thus unseating Stefano Gai from first place.

Nicki Pastorelli (Trofeo): “Race 1 was a lot of fun: I started off from the back rows because of a penalty rule regarding tire change. I began to push hard until I overcame Hommerson, who was leading the race. At that point I relaxed a bit and avoided taking further risks. Soon after that, a technical problem slowed me down, allowing Hommerson to overcome me and regain the lead. Fortunately, though, the problem was solved and I got past the finish line first.”

Jonathan Sicart (GT4): “I am very happy about the two victories, not just for me but for the team as well. In the second race I was able to make things hard for some Trofeo cars with my GT4. It was very exciting. I also reached my goal: to get to the top of the championship standings.” 

Tonight, Sunday, 20 June, Eurosport will air Maserati championship highlights during the Motorsports Weekend show.

The third round of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC is scheduled for 18 July in Brands Hatch, Great Britain. Maserati will once again organize brand-promoting activities for its customers.