Greiner retains European title after 2 year wait

Forced to wait two extra years due to the pandemic, 2019 1:10 200mm European Champion Dominic Greiner was able to successfully defend his title over the weekend with victory ahead of arch rival Dario Balestri.  Returning to the Gubbio circuit in Italy, the venue of his 2016 World Championship victory, retaining his European title comes as a huge boost for the German given 2022 is a World Championship year (Red RC will be travelling to Thailand to bring you extensive coverage from title battle).

After a successful & lengthy stint at Serpent, Greiner had switched to Patrizio Rossi’s Capricorn squad for the 2020 season but just as the world was forced into shut down due to Covid.  Having to wait so long to make his first major championship appearance for the Italian manufacturer, Greiner kicked off the 16th running of the EFRA European Championship with p4 in practice as Balestri set the pace for Infinity from up & coming Xray star Filippo Domanin and Dutch veteran Jilles Groskamp.

It wasn’t long however before Greiner hit the front to take the opening qualifier.  With some mistakes in Q2, Balestri going on to take that qualifier, he was back on top in Q3 & 4 to secure the overall Top Qualifier honours.  With 2 time EC champion Balestri booking his spot directly in the main 45-minute final by taking the Super Pole, he would be Greiner’s main challenger.  After initially applying pressure before making an early tyre stop, this would give Greiner an advantage he wouldn’t relinquish.  Posting the fastest lap of the final, he would win by over 10 seconds from the Italian.  Capricorn would enjoy a podium double with Thilo Diekman claiming third ahead of the Infinity of Carmine Raiola.

Image: Dominic Greiner RC [facebook.com]