After winning on Saturday, Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Corse) doubled up in taking the win at the end of a superb battle with Eric Trémoulet (Vic’Team) at the Motorland Aragón circuit. 0.078s separated the two at the finish line in race two of the Eurocup Clio. Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport) completes the podium with an even smaller margin, 0.012s from Mikel Azcona!In the morning, Eric Trémoulet set best time in qualifying, bringing an end to a series of six consecutive poles for Josh Files (Team Pyro). The 2013 winner of the Renault Clio Cup Elf lined up on the starting grid ahead of Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Corse), Josh Files and Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport).
The Vic’Team driver made the most of his pole position to pull away from the pack in the opening metres of the race. Oscar Nogues followed the Frenchman while watching Massimiliano Pedalà fill up his rearview mirror. For his part, Josh Files dropped down the order after going off circuit. Mikel Azcona (Automovil Club Zaragoza) followed the leading trio, while Salvatore Arcarese (Rangoni Corse) led the hectic chase group.
Making the most of the draft, Oscar Nogues tried a passing move on Eric Trémoulet. It failed, which let Massimiliano Pedalà close in. The winner of the 2012 Eurocup Clio went back on the attack on lap two to take the lead. Eric Trémoulet kept battling and re-took the lead on the last lap.
Oscar Nogues put in a final attack and took the chequered flag, 0.078s ahead of Eric Tremoulet. Massimiliano Pedalà held on just until the end to deny Mikel Azcona of a podium result by a scant 0.012s. Olivier Jouffret (Vic’Team) took fifth place, followed by Thomas Fjørdbach (Pujolaracing), Antonio Martinez (SMC Junior Motorsport), Ivan Pulić (Lema Racing Team) and Josh Files in ninth place. Alex Morgan (SV Racing) completed the top ten.
Quotes
Oscar Nogues: ”I want to congratulate Eric on his race. The battle between us was very clean and his irreproachable defense and fair-play is appreciated. He is a better driver than I thought. This second win gives me hope for the title. Last year, we were not very lucky. I am going to give it all I have this season.”
Eric Trémoulet: ”I started in the best position and my start was good. Oscar was faster than me, but I was able to follow him and wait for the last lap to put in an attack. He made a mistake, but I did the same in the final corner. I am happy, but also disappointed.”
Massimiliano Pedalà: ”I am very happy to finish on the podium, which is always good for the moral. We are still not at the level of the top guys, but it is fine start to the season for the team. We must now work to progress and compete for the win at the Nürburgring.”
Provisional General Classification * : 1. O. Nogues – 50 points, 2. E. Trémoulet – 30, 3. M. Azcona – 27, 4. J. Files – 22, 5. M. Pedalà – 21, …*Subject to confirmation of the results following the technical and sporting verifications.
