Navarra, Spain 13-14 October. Final round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship.
After the podium finish at the last round at Nürburgring, I was feeling good about my chances at the final round of the 2012 Blancpain Super Trofeo series, which were held at the Navarra Circuit in Spain.
Another strong performance in qualifying landed me on pole position for the third time this season (from five races contested). My first two flying laps on the 3,933 km long circuit in the early stages of the session were good enough to keep me in top spot until the end of the session, despite only using one of the two new tyre sets available.
Following a good getaway at the rolling start, I controlled the race from the front of the field. The track is very abrasive and causes severe tyre wear. The final laps of the 50 min race became tricky as the rear tyres were totally used up, this led to a loss in traction. I managed to hold on to the lead until the chequered flag was waved for my first win in this one-make series. All in all it was a well deserved win for the whole crew after some great work throughout the season with lots of misfortune coming our way.
Having said that…
I started race two from pole again. At the very start I battled with the 2012 Champion Cédric Leimer. After he passed me at the rolling start up to turn one I pressurised Leimer over the next laps. On lap 5 I went up the inside and out braked him into turn 13, side-by-side he turned-in on me. The inevitable happened and we collided. The accident, which broke my front left wheel suspension, forced me to end the race in the pits. Leimer retired on the same lap.
It was very unfortunate as we were set to get the double victory here in Spain. Never the less, team Bonaldi delivered a great performance over the course of the year. After missing the first two races of the season we ended fourth in the drivers championship.
Once again I’d like to give thanks to the team Bonaldi Motorsport, sponsors, partners and all supporters for the 2012 racing season.
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