A TDS Racing hat-trick!
TDS Racing’s Pierre Thiriet has turned his consistency into a lethal weapon. After moving into the lead in the overall standings of the Eurocup Mégane Trophy after his victory at Magny-Cours, the French driver took full advantage of the events of a hectic race today, to take the win again and extend his overall lead. With Jean-Philippe Madonia finishing second –and first of the Gentlemen Drivers- and Nick Catsburg taking third, TDS Racing claim their first hat-trick in the Eurocup Mégane Trophy.
Nick Catsburg proved unstoppable in qualifying, winning his fifth pole of the year. Despite an electrical problem, Stefano Comini (Team Oregon) managed to take a second place a whisker ahead of Bas Schothorst (McGregor by Equipe Verschuur), with just one quick lap.
Just as the formation lap got underway, Bas Schothorst stalled on the grid. The Dutch driver managed to get his engine started but moved off from the back of the grid. When the lights went out, Stefano Comini made the best getaway. Nick Catsburg resisted, and the two cars were wheel to wheel several turns in a row, but eventually the Italian took the lead and finished the first lap of the race in the lead. Nick Catsburg was in second, ahead of Jean-Philippe Madonia, Hoevert Vos (Equipe Verschuur by McGregor) and Niccolo Nalio (Oregon Team).
Stefano Comini gradually widened the gap on Nick Catsburg. In sixth and seventh places, Dimitri Enjalbert (Boutsen Energy Racing) and Pierre Thiriet were closing the gap the Madonia-Vos-Nalio group. Pierre Thiriet overtook Dimitri Enjalbert to win sixth place and close on Niccolo Nalio. Dimitri Enjalbert took advantage of the situation to pit first, for the compulsory refuel
All the drivers would have to pit, but before that Nick Catsburg tried to steal first place off Stefano Comini. The skirmish between the two men was splendid. Nick Catsburg was the quicker of the two, but couldn’t find the opening. He sensibly opted to pit earlier than planned. This strategy paid off because when the pit stops were over the TDS Racing driver was in the lead.
Once ahead, Nick Catsburg parted company with his rivals and built up his lead, drive towards his third win of the season, while Stefano Comini looked set for second place. The fight for third, however, was more hotly contested between Jean-Philippe Madonia and Pierre Thiriet. But -lo and behold- at that point in the race the two leaders Nick Catsburg and Stefano Comini got a drive through penalty for speeding in the pits. Jean-Philippe Madonia suddenly found himself leading the race, ahead of Pierre Thiriet.
The confrontation between teammates was handled safely and the leader of the Eurocup Mégane Trophy took control of the race. After his victory at Magny-Cours Pierre Thiriet took his second win of the season. With Jean-Philippe Madonia and Nick Catsburg second and third, the TDS Racing team scored a resounding hat-trick on the track.
Quote, unquote:
Pierre Thiriet: "It's fantastic for the team to get all three of us on the podium. It was very hot today, the pedals were red-hot and it even got difficult to accelerate or brake properly. This is an important victory, but not the greatest, today Nick was the strongest driver."
Jean-Philippe Madonia: "I am tired but so happy. With three laps to go, I couldn’t hold it. There were no team orders, but I was completely exhausted so I opened the door. I'm really happy to be driving for TDS Racing with two great guys like Pierre and Nick."
Nick Catsburg: "I really want to congratulate my teammates, although I think I was the fastest today. I did switch on the limiter in the pit lane, so I don’t know what happened. I need to win races now!"
Official Renault Sport Press Release