MASERATI TROFEO MC WORLD SERIES, ABU DHABI (UAE), RACES 1 – 2
Renaud Kuppens has claimed the 2013 Maserati Trofeo MC World Series world title. The Belgian’s crown will be added to the Trofeo Europa he made his own in topping the standings after the European legs. The reigning champion wrapped up proceedings in the first of yesterday’s two races held at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in what is the last round in the series.
Kuppens was able to celebrate after finishing fifth in the opening event, beating his rival Mikkel Mac. The result made his second Trofeo Maserati title a mathematical certainty. Race 1 went to Andrea Cecchellero as he claimed his second series win after again starting on pole. Next up came Cedric Sbirrazzuoli, from Monaco, and Swiss driver Mauro Calamia. In fourth came Patrick Zamparini, making a return to the circuit where he raced in the Trofeo Maserati JBF Rak in 2011 – 2012.
The second race was run at night with the splendid Yas Marina circuit looking its best under floodlights and saw Kuppens steal the show. He did it in his customary style: starting from pole and leading from start to finish. Behind him across the line came Frenchman Ange Barde who was later relegated after being slapped with a 25 second penalty for cutting the chicane. This meant that second spot was awarded to Mauro Calamia as he continued his podium form on this circuit. Zamparini took third.
Patrick Gobbo claimed fourth from Giuseppe Fascicolo, then came Barde, Adrien De Leener and Riccardo Ragazzi. Thanks to the points he collected, Ragazzi and his team mate, Simoni, closed in on the Pirelli Drivers Cup that is currently led by Mikkel Mac. The Dane dropped precious points with a technical hitch that saw him pull out early on.
The third race will take place tomorrow, 13 December, at 16.05 (local time). The final Abu Dhabi event will bring the sixth round and the 2013 Trofeo MC World Series to a close. The 2013 Trofeo Maserati awards ceremony will be held at the circuit once the track action has been completed.
Andrea Cecchellero (Race 1 winner): “I made the most of starting from pole to gain some ground on the others, even though Cedric (Sbirrazzuoli, ed.) got off to a fast start too. Luckily, I still held the lead going into turn 1 and managed to control things without asking too much of the tyres. It was quite an uneventful race; the type that I like. Behind me Sbirrazzuoli was quicker through some sections but he was never near enough to attack. This meant that I could focus on the racing line and my driving without worrying too much about what was going on behind me”.
Renaud Kuppens (winner of the 2013 Trofeo Maserati and Race 2): “Once you have tasted victory, you want that feeling again. Obviously, at the start of the year, my aim was another title. The 2013 series began well at Paul Ricard, I had a few problems at Silverstone and at Nuerburgring but still picked up the points and wins. Perhaps this year went even better than last as a few races were fantastic, almost perfect, with pole positions and wins. I even set the odd fastest lap. It has been a dream! Today, winning from pole was amazing. Race 1 was not easy as I was stuck in traffic and suffering from problems with my brakes”.
Race 1 result
1. Cecchellero/Fascicolo 13 laps 2. Sbirrazzuoli/A. De Leener + 2.583 3. Mauro Calamia + 3.548 *
Race 2 result
1. Renaud Kuppens 13 laps * 2. Ange Barde + 2.195 3. Mauro Calamia + 3.264 *
*taking part in the Pirelli Team Cup
