Stefano Comini (Oregon Team) is looking perfectly at home in his role of Eurocup Mgane Trophy leader.
The Swiss driver, winner of both races Motorland Aragn, left nothing to his rivals today, producing the fastest time in each session of collective testing. The competition, led by Bas Schothorst (TDS Racing) is under no misillusions.
Stefano Comini will not be easy to beat this weekend! Already present at Motorland Aragn, Dimitri Enjalbert was back behind the wheel of Mgane Trophy No. 12, flying the colours of Team Lompech Sport.
There's a good chance well see more of the French driver this season. Bas Schothorst, determined to put an end to the hegemony of Team Oregon this weekend, went to the top of the timing screens with his first flying lap.
On a circuit he is very familiar with, the TDS Racing driver dominated the first part of the session. But Stefano Comini and Niccolo Nalio were quick to up the pace.
The Swiss driver went top at mid-session with 2'29''918, improving again late in the session, to deliver the fastest lap of the morning (2'29''403).
Bas Schothorst and Niccolo Nalio fought it out for second place right up to the checkered flag, the Netherlander finally getting the better of the Italian driver. The same trio were in evidence early in the second session.
Stefano Comini immediately shot to the top spot, ahead of Bas Schothorst and Niccolo Nalio. However, before the pack really had chance to get flying, the Eurocup Mgane Trophy session was stopped in its tracks when Fabien Thuner span off (Boutsen Energy Racing). After a few minutes of downtime, the drivers set out again and practiced sequences of long runs.
The focus was on preparing for the race and in particular managing fuel consumption. Michele Faccin (Boutsen Energy Racing) was the first to go better than Cominis time, delivering a lap time of 2'29''365. Straight after that, it was Bas Schothorsts turn to go quicker.
However, today the Eurocup Mgane Trophy leader wasn't in a mood to share the spoils. He produced a lap time of 2'28''742, and again finished top of the timesheets, ahead of Bas Schothorst and Michele Faccin.
Quotes
Stefano Comini: "For the time being were not quite as quick as last season. A lot can happen on this track, especially if we get rain. I'm here to go for the title, so therell be times when I have to manage the points. In any case, coming here as leader doesnt change my approach. Lets keep our feet on the ground, this is only the beginning of the season."
Bas Schothorst: "It's a positive day, because we're only 7/100 off Stefano. However, I am not really happy with the behaviour of my car. We have a lot of work to do to improve lots of things. Like all the drivers I love Spa. I'd love to win my first race in Eurocup Mgane Trophy here and well do everything we can to achieve that."
Michele Faccin: "Ive already competed here in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and its a circuit I love. In 2010 I didnt have a seat at all, so I need to get back into the rhythm of competition. Im discovering saloon car racing for the first time this year. I need a little time, I know I'm here to learn, but it's satisfying to be on the pace today. I'm progressing, that's my goal. Now I need to handle the qualifying and thats another business."
