EU 2.0: Series Catalunya race 1 report

Kevin Korjus and the rest!

Free from any pressure, having already claimed the Championship at Silverstone, Koiranen Bros Motorsport's Kevin Korjus once again dominated to win his eighth Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 race of the season. Behind him Tech 1 Racing's Aaro Vainio and Epsilon Euskadi's Alex Riberas completed the podium in this, the penultimate race of the season.

In qualifying, Kevin Korjus proved that, just because he has already been crowned champion, he wasn't about to take the race lying down, claiming the two final pole positions of the season. The Estonian lined up for the start of Race 1 in front of Tech 1 Racing's Carlos Sainz Junior, and Alex Riberas.

True to form, Kevin Korjus made a perfect start and went into the first turn in the lead. Behind him the action was heavy until Aaro Vainio made his opening move to lead Alex Riberas, MP Motorsport's Daniel de Jong and Korainen Bros Motorsport's Miki Weckstrom.

On the second lap de Jong went on the offensive, attacking Alex Riberas on the pit straight. As the Netherlander attempted his maneuver, the Catalan driver tried to hold him off; the result was the two drivers went wide allowing Alex Riberas to into third place. Behind them Sainz, after a less than impressive start, braked too late and collided with Miki Weckstrom. The two drivers were forced to retire, handing Epsilon Euskadi's Giovanni Venturini fifth place in the process.

Kevin Korjus took advantage of the confusion early on in the race and set about building up his lead over Vainio, Riberas and de Jong in a particularly businesslike fashion. Meanwhile, Interwetten.com's Luciano Bacheta and Arthur Pic, having started from 10th and 14th place respectively, had climbed up the field to 8th and 9th. The two drivers are a key part of the battle for Championship runner-up. Bacheta was constantly on the lookout for an opening, but his search was in vain.

Epsilon Euskadi's Javier Tarancon held fifth-place in the closing laps, having got the better of teammate Giovanni Venturini. The personal race between the two drivers allowed Epsilon Euskadi's Genis Olive, as well as Luciano Bacheta, Arthur Pic and Korainen Bros Motorsport's Bart Hykelma to close up. Hykelma launched an assault on Arthur Pic, but connected with him to give MP Motorsport's Karl Oscar Liiv the chance he needed. The Frenchman dropped back from 9th to finish the race in 11th place. He nevertheless holds on to second place in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship by just five points.

Kevin Korjus kept up the pace to claim his eighth FR2.0 victory of the season, while second-place man, Aaro Vainio, enjoyed his fifth podium finish ahead of Alex Riberas.

Quote, unquote:

Kevin Korjus: "I was under no pressure today, I just drove a relaxed race, purely for my own pleasure. The car is perfect; I made the break at the start of the race and just kept going steady. It was certainly the easiest win of the season."

Aaro Vainio: "The aim this weekend is to win my first race in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. I made a great start today, but then Kevin was just too quick. I've still got one chance left tomorrow^a"

Alex Riberas: "It's great to finish on the podium at home. I'm from Barcelona, but it's my first race at the circuit. We worked hard and we found the right settings. Aaro made a good start, but Kevin was unbeatable, so I'm really pleased with the result. I'm hoping to do better tomorrow."

-source: renault sport