Kurzbuch & Greiner TQ at EFRA GP Series Rd1

Carrying on the momentum from the end of the last season when he completed his full sweep of the Euro Nitro Series, it was reigning World Champion Simon Kurzbuch to open the 2017 season with a TQ at the first official international race of the year. After topping both free and controlled practice, the Swiss Shepherd driver claimed the first three rounds of qualifying on the RME Cassino track to secure the overall TQ with two attempts to spare, Dario Balestri taking the last two rounds while producing very convincing performances with his Infinity to settle second overall, ahead of ARC’s Andrea Pirani and his Infinity teammate Collari.

Fitting his Novarossi powered Velox with an Xtreme R18 Flat body, this particular model being a very popular choice amongst the 69 1/8th drivers, Simon said himself pretty happy with the handling and speed of his package, proving fast and consistent since the first tanks of fuel on the warm italian circuit. Set to start from pole tomorrow in the 45 minutes start, his main challenger will for sure be Dario Balestri.

The Italian, who suffered some bad luck in the morning with a stripped gear and a DQ in yesterday’s heat, said himself pleased to have gotten an “easy enough” Superpole that will allow him to start from the second spot in the main. “This car is so easy to push”, said a very happy Dario at the end of the 6 laps he was allowed to set the fastest time and continued “I used to be not so good in these (Superpole) conditions, but with this package I feel faster”.

Third in the overall standings, therefore starting first in the semifinal A, Andrea Pirani had similar feelings about his new car. “The new R8.1 allows me to drive easier, I am so pleased with how it’s performing and it seems like I’ve made the right choice”, said the ARC driver confident about tomorrow’s mains.

Also in the less populated but highly competitive 200mm class it was reigning World Champion Dominic Greiner who dominated the qualifications with his Serpent, taking four of the fir rounds with Xray’s Alessio Mazzeo to win the remaining round ending qualifying in second, ahead of team mates Piersante and Loppini. With Dominic starting from pole for the main, the second spot on the grid went to Alessio, winner of the Superpole ahead of Loppini and Musolino.

Source: Matrix [matrixtires.it]