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©Mario Chiarappa
Cedric Sbirrazzuoli
©Mario Chiarappa
Stefano Gai
©Mario Chiarappa
Piazzalunga-Ciccarone
©Mario Chiarappa
David Baldi
©Mario Chiarappa
van Basso, Andrea Bertolini, Giuliano Razzoli
and the Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo
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Monza, Italy, 15th May 2011
Sbirrazzuoli and Gai win at Monza
Baldi extends his overall lead
Cedric Sbirrazzuoli and Stefano Gai came out on top in this second round of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC. This weekend’s action took place at Monza and saw nineteen crews from seven countries competing.
The AF Corse driver from Monaco claimed an important win in the special Team classification to go with his overall victory. Behind him in Race 1 came David Baldi, Venezuelan Gaetano Ardagna and twenty year-old Swiss driver Andrina Gugger. Baldi - Ardagna - Gugger was also the podium order in this morning’s race. In the event, the drivers chose to go with slick tyres with the track still a bit damp from the rain that had come down during the night. The conditions explained the unusual start with the pack following the Safety Car around for the opening three laps.
In Race 2, one held on a dry surface, it was straight into the action as the cars bunched going into turn one. Coming out best was Gaetano Ardagna as he pinballed into the lead. The afternoon race was an eventful one with Stefano Gai eventually taking the win. Victory came on his home track after he had secured two pole positions and after retiring from Race 1 following a collision. Second across the line was Ardagna with David Baldi claiming third, a finish good enough to see him consolidate his championship lead. Fourth went to Niccolò Piancastelli who edged out Manuel Villa after he was hit with a drive-through.
In the Team standings, Olivier Doeblin (8th overall) claimed top spot for Scuderia Jolly Blu in Race 2. Next came Alessandro Chionna (10th overall) after his effort was compromised by drive-through for exceeding the track speed limit. Taking the last podium spot was Marcel Pawlicek (12th overall). Thanks to the points won by Sbirrazzuoli and Chionna, AF Corse now command in the Team championship. Second are Jolly Blu after nudging Swiss Team into third.
Jimmy Ghione, a Trofeo Maserati guest, finished Race 1 in tenth but was forced to pull up in the afternoon event.
Stefano Gai: “I was on pole twice and won a race; not bad for a round that was run on my home circuit and in front of friends and sponsors. I had to retire in Race 1 after clashing with Lorenzo Casè but in a tough second race I was always up there with the leaders. I clipped Casè again and lost some ground but I didn’t fold. I stepped on the gas, caught Ardagna and then Baldi to take the chequered flag”.
David Baldi: It was a marvellous weekend. I knew things would be hard at Monza after the fine results at Imola. A first and a third place is a great return, especially as I lead the championship. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo was exceptional; we only suffered from a little bit of tyre wear.
Round three in the Trofeo will be held on 5 June at Budapest, Hungary. During the Monza weekend, Maserati organised activities to promote the brand and involve its clients. Driver interviews, photos, videos and in-depth articles on Maserati’s single-make series are available on the Maserati Corse website (www.maseraticorse.com).
Race 1 - Trofeo
1. Janos Vida 41:39.059
2. Nicolò Piancastelli 41:57.031
3. Sabino De Castro 41:51.318
Race 1 – Team
1. Norbert Kiss (Norbert Kiss) 41:11.785
2. Cedric Sbirrazzuoli (AF Corse) 41:38.631
3. Emanuele Smurra (Swiss Team) 42:36.454
Race 2 - Trofeo
1. Nicolò Piancastelli 41:52.500
2. Gaetano Ardagna 41:53.374
3. David Baldi 42:01.065
Race 2 – Team
1. Norbert Kiss (Norbert Kiss) 41:08.133
2. Phil Bastiaans (Phil Bastiaans) 41:40.147
3. Emanuele Smurra (Swiss Team) 42:44.484
Trofeo classification
1. David Baldi – 73 points
2. Nicolò Piancastelli – 52 points
3. Gaetano Ardagna – 49 points
Team classification
1. AF Corse (Sbirrazzuoli/Chionna) - 67 points
2. Scuderia Jolly Club (Olivier Doeblin) – 48 points
3.Swiss Team (Smurra/Casè)– 42 points
Round three in the Trofeo will be held on 5 June at Budapest, Hungary. During the Monza weekend, Maserati organised activities to promote the brand and involve its clients. Driver interviews, photos, videos and in-depth articles on Maserati’s single-make series are available on the Maserati Corse website (www.maseraticorse.com).
Text courtesy of Maserati Press Center
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