EU3000: Valencia: TP Formula weekend summary

WASTED CHANCE IN VALLELUNGA

There is some disappointment in TP Formula at the end of the first of the two Italian rounds as the excellent job done by the team and the amazing pace shown by Crestani were not sufficient to reach again the top of the rankings.

It was clear from the beginning that the task would have not been easy with four highly regarded drivers, separated by a handful of points, in the fight for the title. In this contest just a minor mistake at the start of race 1 was sufficient to jeopardize all the work done throughout the week-end.

Crestani already in free practices had proven to be the most consistent driver, ruling most of the sessions and showing to have found a perfect feeling with the car. Obtained the first row and conscious of the great advantage he had over the rivals, he was confident of being able to grab the first win of the season and so to take a big step towards the title. However a little hesitation at the start ruined everything and the TP Formula driver was overtaken by all the direct rivals. Despite the great pace, also confirmed by the second fastest lap, he had to settle for fourth place.

In the second race, fifth at the start as per the inverted grid, was already third after few laps. The rain, weak at the beginning, increased significantly and Crestani, after recording the fastest lap, opted to return to the pits in order to change tires, anticipating the rest of the field in the hope of then taking the lead. The weather, nevertheless, made an unfair trick to him and the conditions quickly stabilized so that everyone else, except Bonanomi and Dracone, were able to stay with dry tires. In spite of the severe handicap due to the pit stop Crestani tried a difficult comeback, but could not do better than fifth place.

Although the fight for the title will now be harder, with 12 points gap and 19 at stake at Monza, the games are still open and the Italian circuit will definitely be the scenario of a close fight.

-credit: tpformula.com