Eurocup Clio
Having failed to convert pole position into victory in Sunday’s first race, Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport) made no mistake second time around, the Italian holding off a determined challenge by Eurocup Clio points leader Josh Files (Team Pyro) to take the chequered flag in race two. Thomas Fjordbach (Polar Seafood Racing) completed the podium.
After the day’s damp start, the sun ensured ideal track conditions for the afternoon’s race, which began with Massimiliano Pedalà in pole once again. Lining up next to him on the front row was the morning’s winner Josh Files.
The Italian made a fine getaway to lead from Thomas Fjordbach, who momentarily jumped ahead of Josh Files, only for the Briton to move back into second by the end of lap one. With the bunch packed tightly behind them, the three leaders then broke away.
The duel between the two frontrunners was intense, as Josh Files launched attack after attack on the race leader, who bravely kept the charging Briton at bay. The pace proved too hot for Thomas Fjordbach, who wisely set about protecting his third place from the chasing pack.
Elsewhere, a charging Stefano Zanini (Composit Motorsport) rolled his car after losing control on the ripple strip, while Facundo Della Motta (Milan Competition) ducked into fourth on the last lap to finish ahead of Daniele Perfetti (Seminole Racing Team), Michele Puccetti, Gonzalo Martin de Andres (SMC Junior Motorsport) and Nicolas Milan (Team LMV CL Brakes), who climbed up from the seventh row to edge out his team-mate Xavier Fouineau. The last driver to finish in the points was Sami Luka (Milan Competition).
What they said
Massimiliano Pedalà: “Josh was very fast behind me. It was a tough but fair fight and I really enjoyed it. I made a mistake in race one and that prevented me taking the Eurocup points lead. I just hope Josh makes one too in the next few races to even things up.”
Josh Files: “Massimiliano wasn’t faster than me but he knew where to put himself and keep the door shut. I was trying to get past him for the whole race and I couldn’t take advantage of the one mistake he made. I’m happy with the result, especially as it leaves me in the lead in the championship, which I didn’t expect when I came here because I didn’t know the track or the car.”
Thomas Fjordbach: “The two leaders were very fast. I tried to keep pace with them but the cars behind me were closing up. Even so, I managed to pull away and score a good result, which is just what we needed after the first race.”
Official Renault Sport Press Release.