Jon Walker prevailed over the Rasse brothers in two closely-fought Lotus Cup Europe contests at Magny-Cours yesterday (6 May). The 2-Eleven series regular claimed pole position but lost the early lead in race one to Exige drivers Jean-Baptiste Meusnier and John Rasse, both taking turns to lead on the damp surface. However after a battle with eventual third-place finisher Christophe Lisandre, Walker fought back to stalk Rasse in the closing laps, before resuming his place at the head of the field.

In the second race, earlier absentee Gregory Rasse burst through into second place, to take the fight to Walker. However the Evora driver was unable to get within striking distance, whilst behind him Christophe Lisandre held off Thierry Verheist. The second Evora was heading a train of cars, including Exige winner Meusnier, up to tenth place for the duration of the 11-lap encounter.

David Harvey and Christophe Calley shared the Open class spoils, whilst in the Production category, Matt Bartlett replicated Walker’s late-race strategy in the opener to beat Markus Nikowitsch, who took victory next time around from Nigel Ayres.The next round of Lotus Cup Europe takes place at Hockenheim on 16-17 June.