Spa-Francorchamps - Race 2
With four pole positions and four wins in four races, Stefano Comini (Oregon Team) is looking too hot to handle as the season gets going in the Eurocup Mgane Trophy. Again dominating todays race from start to finish at Spa-Francorchamps, the Swiss driver was first past the chequered flag ahead of Dimitri Enjalbert (Team Lompech Sport) and Michele Faccin (Boutsen Energy Racing), on the podium for the first time in a saloon car race. For the fourth time in four races, Stefano Comini lined up on the grid in pole position, sharing the front row with Bas Schothorst (TDS Racing) aboard a car completely rebuilt after his accident in the first race.
The second row was 100% Italian, with Michele Faccin 3 and Niccolo Nalio 4 (Oregon Team). Not for the first time since the beginning of the season, Stefano Comini was first out of turn 1, the La Source hairpin.
The undisputed leader of the Eurocup Mgane Trophy led the pack, ahead of Bas Schothorst. Behind them, a fierce battle for third unfolded between Dimitri Enjalbert, Michele Faccin, Fabien Thuner (Boutsen Energy Racing) and TDS Racings pair, Wim Beelen and David Dermont. This group was soon broken up though, the second time through La Source, after a dare-devil attack by Fabien Thuner on Wim Beelen. This ended up with the Swiss driver having to retire while the Netherlander fell well back in the standings. Meanwhile, Stefano Comini was making his escape. Behind him, Schothorst and Enjalbert vyed for second, while Michele Faccin gradually fell back in fourth, though managing to keep at bay David Dermont, fifth and first of the Gentlemen Drivers.
Bas Schothorst upped the pace as pit stop time approached. But as the TDS Racing driver made up ground on the leader, he lost control and ended his race in the gravel trap, putting the wraps on what has been a difficult weekend for him, with zero points scored in Belgium! With all the drivers pitted, Stefano Comini, one of the last to go in, was still in command of the race, almost ten seconds ahead of Dimitri Enjalbert.
Michele Faccin was now third, ahead of David Dermont and Jochen Habets (Boutsen Energy Racing). At the chequered flag, Stefano Comini, having never really been threatened, pulled off his fourth win in four races, scoring 100 points from a possible 100!
The Swiss driver leaves Belgium with twice as many points as Dimitri Enjalbert, once again second in the race and second overall. Michele Faccin finished third to take his first podium in the Eurocup Mgane Trophy, in just his fourth race in the discipline. In fourth, David Dermont took the honours for the third time this season in the Gentlemen Drivers category.
Quotes
Stefano Comini: "This was a pretty clear-cut race for me. After Bas Schothorst went off, my team told me and after that I managed my lead. Four races and four wins, that's perfect, but I need to stay focused now. The season is far from over."
Dimitri Enjalbert: "The car was effective early in the race, but after the pit stop, it was impossible to follow Stefano. I had clutch and engine problems at the end, so I'm happy to have finished. My main program this season is in FIA GT3, so I'm going to miss several races. If I can be at the Nrburgring, a circuit that I love, my goal will simply be to win at least one race."
Michele Faccin: "For my first season in saloon car racing, I'm really happy to already be on the podium. Im improving and I feel better and better in the car. The team is helping me to progress quickly. I cant wait for the Nrburgring."
