A double pole for Balzan Di Amato and Basov shine in the Coppa Shell

The International Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit at Imola is once again hosting the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe. Three weeks on from the opening round in Monza it is back on track for Round 2. The technicalities of Imola with its twists and turns and climbs and drops are tailor made to highlight the qualities of the 458 Challenge and that was the case even in the qualifying session today. It was a busy day, not just for competitors in the European series of the one-make championship, but also for those owners entered in the “Emozioni in Pista” Programme, who tackled some free practice sessions.Both qualifying sessions saw Alessandro Balzan (1.45.732) take the first pole of the day in the Trofeo Pirelli category. The Ferrari Moscow team driver will start Race 1 ahead of Niki Cadei (Motor/Piacenza) and the series leaders Bjorn Grossmann (Ferrari Moscow), while the grid for the second race sees again Balzan (1.45.787) on the top slot, followed by Niki Cadei (Motor/Piacenza) and Andrii Kruglyk (Ferrari Ukraina).As for the gentleman drivers in the Coppa Shell, Daniele Di Amato (CDP- 1.47.341) was fastest in first qualifying, ahead of Alexey Basov (Ferrari Moscow) and Giacomo Stratta (Forza Service) The second session saw Alexey Basov (1.47.314) set the fastest time, followed by Raffaele Giannoni (Motor/Piacenza) and Stratta.As from this year, there are two new categories to add to the interest in tomorrow’s races: one in the Trofeo Pirelli for Under 25 drivers, who can race for a Coppa Giovani and a Coppa Gentleman for gentleman drivers Over 55.Sunday there are four races, starting with the Coppa Shell Race 1 at 10.05, followed by the Trofeo Pirelli Race 1 at 12.20, then at 15.05 the Coppa Shell Race 2, and at 17.20 the Trofeo Pirelli Race 2. Apart from the usual coverage in Italy on Sky Sport, with replays during the week, over 60 countries worldwide will also broadcast the races.