Eurocup Mégane Trophy
Mirko Bortolotti (Oregon Team) today built on his dominant display in testing by claiming pole position for both of the weekend's races. The championship leader qualified ahead of his nearest rival, Mike Verschuur (McGregor by Equipe Verschuur), with Pieter Schothorst (Las Moras by Equipe Verschuur) third fastest.
At the start of the first 15-minute qualifying session, Kelvin Snoeks (Oregon Team) set the early pace. It was his team-mate Mirko Bortolotti, however, who set the fastest time eight minutes from the end. The Italian did not improve on his lap of 1:38.212, but that effort was enough to put him ahead of Mike Verschuur, Pieter Schothorst, Kelvin Snoeks (Oregon Team) and Erik Janis (Gravity Charouz).
Kelvin Snoeks led in the opening minutes of the second session, but was soon replaced at the top of the timesheets by his compatriot, Mike Verschuur. He, too, was later outpaced by Mirko Bortolotti at the halfway stage. Bortolotti's time of 1:38.018 proved unbeatable, despite final pushes from Mike Verschuur and Pieter Schothorst. Erik Janis and Kelvin Snoeks, meanwhile, finished in fourth and fifth respectively.
"It was a fantastic session. We were very competitive from the start, despite the fact I'm still learning the track. I'm delighted," said Mirko Bortolotti. "The team did a brilliant job. We're in a great position. Every race is different, so we'll have to do our very best to stay out in front."
The first Eurocup Megane Trophy race at Moscow Raceway starts at 16:45, local time.
Official Renault Sport Press Release.