Javier Ibran into top-ten places again

Spaniard driver makes a good debut in the American round of the Maserati Trofeo World Series at Sonoma.

Despite the fact that Ibran has never raced at Sonoma he showed pace and clinched more points for the overall classification.

Ibran exhibited quick adaptation to new challenges in the Maserati Trofeo World Series as the international championship resumed its season at Sonoma, a demanding American track. He proved to be a competitive contender in Trofeo class driving his blue Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo.

Ibran was 11th and 10th respectively in the free practice sessions on Friday, spending time learning the Sonoma layout as soon as possible as he improved his lap times almost lap by lap.

For qualifying, the alencia-born driver posted a time of 1:43.729 in Q1 and a lap of 1:42.916 in Q2, two good results with a clear target in sights for the races: a top-ten finish.

Then, in race one on Saturday, Ibran ended up 11th, improving for race two with a 10th place.

Ibran explains “I was trying to keep my 9th place but I couldn't manage to do it, and another driver passed me. Anyway my race was quite good but I've to improve on the chicane, because I'm struggling at this part of the track”.

Finally, in race 3 – last and consisting of one hour-, Ibran also had a good performance, with interesting battles with other rivals and finishing 10th in Trofeo class and 13th overall. It was good ending at Sonoma for him. “Our weekend here was quite difficult, because it was my debut, and the races saw many safety cars deployed, a circumstance not that loved by drivers. It's a track with tricky parts and you need time to learn them. I'm quite happy with results here anyway, and I like this track! It´s an unknown track for European people but nice to discover. My adaptation wasn´t easy but I found it exciting”.

Next commitment for Ibrán in the Maserati Trofeo World Series is taking place at Shanghai on 2-3 November.