2012 Eurocup Clio winner, Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Corse) triumphs in the first race of the 2014 season. Fourth on the starting grid, the Spaniard proved to be the most proficient in what was a very competitive race at the Motorland Aragón circuit to win from his successor in the category, Josh Files (Team Pyro), and Mikel Azcona (Automovil Club Zaragoza).Josh Files, who clinched the 2013 crown on this very circuit, claimed the maiden pole position of the year in the Eurocup Clio and 5th consecutive. The Englishman lined up ahead of Eric Trémoulet (Vic’Team), Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport) and Oscar Nogues on the starting grid.
When the lights went out, Mikel Azcona leap-frogged from fifth on the grid into the lead, despite resistance from Josh Files. Eric Trémoulet, Massimilano Pedalà and Oscar Nogues were right behind the two leaders. For his part, Facundo Della Motta (Pujolaracing) had to retire when his race ended in the gravel.
On lap two, Mikel Azcona committed an error and Eric Trémoulet moved into the lead. On the next lap, Oscar Nogues overtook Josh Files for second place, leaving the Englishman to battle with Mikel Azcona and the rest of the chase group. On lap four Oscar Nogues took control of the lead group where positions changed constantly.
Oscar Nogues pulled away to take the win ahead of Josh Files and Mikel Azcona, who overtook Eric Trémoulet on the last laps to claim the podium. Salvatore Arcarese (Rangoni Corse) moved up to fifth place in the waning seconds. The rest of the top ten was completed by Antonio Martinez (SMC Junior Motorsport), Massimiliano Pedalà, Thomas Fjørdbach (Pujolaracing), Pablo Martin (SMC Junior Motorsport) and Nikolay Gryazin (Composit Motorsport).
Quotes
Oscar Nogues: “This result will satisfy the entire team. We had such a difficult year in 2013 that we decided to stop early because we were out of title contention. This win is very important and I hope that it will continue like this.”
Josh Files: “I wanted to get a good start then build a lead. Alas, it didn’t work out that way with Mikel charging through the field right from the first corner. I couldn’t re-pass him and the guys behind me wanted to overtake me! It was a hard, physical, tricky, but very clean race!”
Mikel Azcona: “For my first race at the European level, I am very pleased with what I was able to do today. It was a very intense race and I am very honoured to be on the podium at my home track.”
Provisional General Classification* : 1. O. Nogues – 25 points, 2. J. Files – 18, 3. E. Trémoulet – 15, 4. S. Arcarese – 12, 5. A. Martinez – 10, …*Subject to confirmation of the results following the technical and sporting verifications.
