The Silverstoner Radical European Masters was a key round for Álvaro Fontes and Toni Forné last weekend, and both Spaniards fulfilled their objectives achieving a double podium finish.
The start was not an easy one as local drivers were very quick in free practice in comparison with the Spanish duo.
In qualifying, Forné and Fontes improved their lap times and equaled their rivals' performance showing good prospects for weekend´s races.
In race one, Fontes drove the opening stint before handing over to Forné, who finished third after a sensational end of race, following up the efforts his teammate earlier in the race.
Then, in race two, with Forné at the wheel of the Radical SR3, the Catalan was able to avoid an incident on the opening lap and as a result the safety car was deployed for three laps. With Fontes now driving the car, they kept fighting for the win until the end, when they decided not to take unnecessary risks and finished second. It was another brilliant performance for them.
“It was a nice surprise to be as competitive as we were, taking into account our handicap. Over the weekend weather was perfect, with no rain, and it was of great help as thirty-five British drivers were competing and in wet conditions our challenge would have been even harder. In free practice we needed to improve our pace, and we were able to achieve that, despite the difficulties faced because other drivers didn´t give us some more information or details regarding this track. So they are anything but cordial with foreigners”, Forné explains, underlining that “both races were closely-fought. We were third in Race one and second in Race two. "In this one we fought for the win, but we would rathercollect as many points as possible with our title chances in mind. We are clear leaders in the drivers´ championship and now we are already focusing on our next stop: Spa-Francorchamps”.
Fontes said “It was a crucial event for the championship. We managed to strengthen our lead in spite of British drivers, true specialists at this track. Particularly my dogfight for the win in race two was an awesome moment, with two tough laps. We will be back in action next month, in Belgium”.
