Eurocup Clio
Nicolas Milan (Team LMV CL Brakes) followed up his victory on Saturday with another success in Sunday’s Eurocup Clio race at Spa-Francorchamps, which takes him to the top of the championship standings. And for the second day in succession Eric Tremoulet (Vic’ Team) finished right behind him, while Josh Files (Team Pyro) took third.
Given another chance to shine on pole after his first-lap problems yesterday, Salvatore Arcarese (Composit Motorsport) headed the grid from Christian Ricciarini (Composit Motorsport), Josh Files and Eric Tremoulet.
On a keenly contested opening lap Nicolas Milan shot into the lead ahead of Eric Tremoulet, while Salvatore Arcarese climbed back up to third after a slow getaway and then saw Josh Files dive past him, with Christian Ricciarini and Xavier Fouineau (Team LMV CL Brakes) also breathing down the Romanian’s neck.
Nicolas Milan quickly stretched his lead over Eric Tremoulet, who put plenty of distance between himself and the rest of the 38-driver field. With so many cars on the track, there was no shortage of slipstreaming and overtaking. One man to benefit was Massimiliano Pedala (Composit Motorsport), who climbed from the back of the grid and into the points only to be given a time penalty for leaving the track, with Christian Ricciarini picking up a drive-through for the same reason.
After fending off a late challenge from Eric Tremoulet, Nicolas Milan crossed the line first. Behind them Josh Files hung on to third and, after a string of penalties were handed out, Gonzalo Martin de Andres (SMC Junior Motorsport) was confirmed in fourth place, followed by Jean-Philippe Lamic (Vic’ Team), Facundo Della Motta (Milan Competition), Xavier Fouineau, Salvatore Arcarese and Danielle Perfetti (Seminole Racing Team). The best of the Gentleman drivers, Massimiliano Pedala collected a point for his efforts.
What they said
Nicolas Milan: “I’m happy with the win. I was fortunate enough to miss all the incidents at the start. I wasn’t that confident but I had a little cushion at the front. I played it a bit too safe after that and Eric had me worried. I was glad when it was over.”
Eric Tremoulet: “I probably only needed another lap to have a go at Nicolas. I tried to assert myself at the start but I got a bit frightened. I managed to get up to second place but the win was beyond me.”
Josh Files: “The podium finish brings to an end what’s been a tough weekend. The first lap was absolutely crazy. I messed up at the start and then got my place back. I had to defend it, though, and that meant I couldn’t catch the leaders. All the same, I’m happy with the points.”
Eurocup Clio standings (provisional): 1. N. Milan 72; 2. J. Files 62; 3. M. Pedala 56; 4. E. Tremoulet 48; 5. G. Martin de Andres 36
Official Renault Sport Press Release.