Eurocup Clio
Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport) returned to the top of the podium with victory in the first Eurocup Clio race of the weekend. The Italian overtook poleman Thomas Fjordbach (Polar Seafood Racing) early on at the Red Bull Ring and held firm to take his second win of the season. Reigning champion Oscar Nogues (RMS Engineering) came third to score his first points of 2013.
On Saturday, Thomas Fjordbach claimed his maiden Eurocup Clio pole with a lap of 1:47.664. The Dane qualified ahead of Massimiliano Pedalà, Oscar Nogues and Facundo Della Motta (Milan Competition). Championship leader Nicolas Milan (Team LMV CL Brakes) was fifth, ahead of Josh Files (Team Pyro), who started the weekend second in the overall standings.
As the lights went out, Thomas Fjordbach held his lead from pole. But, in a hard-fought first lap, he was soon overtaken by Massimiliano Pedalà. The start of the race claimed only one victim, with Salvatore Arcarese having to make a detour to the pits after picking up a puncture from contact.
The leading pack remained tight behind Massimiliano Pedalà as the Italian defended his lead. Thomas Fjordbach, meanwhile, had to fend off repeated attacks from Oscar Nogues. And further back, Ivan Pulic (Lema Racing Team), who started in 15th, fought his way impressively up to eighth.
Massimiliano Pedalà held firm under pressure from Thomas Fjordbach and Oscar Nogues and eventually took the victory, crossing the line less than a second ahead of the chasing pair. Nicolas Milan came fourth, and finished with the fastest lap of the race. Josh Files was fifth, followed by Michele Puccetti (RMS Engineering), Facundo Della Motta, Ivan Pulic and David Dickenson (Team Pyro). Daniele Perfetti (Seminole Racing Team), meanwhile, gained seven places to secure the last remaining point.
What they said
Massimiliano Pedalà: "This track offers a great driving experience. Testing went well and we’ve found the right set-ups. The Clio was brilliant today. With my rivals finishing behind me, I couldn’t waste such a great opportunity."
Thomas Fjordbach: "It’s a real shame that I lost the lead so soon after the start. I tried to attack Massimiliano everywhere, constantly, but he defended his position marvellously well."
Oscar Nogues: "Having had so many problems since the start of the year, it’s good to score some points. I think it’ll be hard to catch up in the title race, but we’re going to try to finish as strongly as possible. For now, it’s good to be back on the podium."
Eurocup Clio – provisional championship standings: 1. N. Milan 84; 2. M. Pedalà 81; 3. J. Files 72; 4. E. Trémoulet 48; 5. G. Martin de Andrés 36 [...]
Official Renault Sport Press Release.