Formula Renault
EU Megane: Spa-Francorchamps qualifying report
Rossi takes two pole positions Michael Rossi (TDS Racing) was simply unbeatable during the first qualifying session of the season, taking both pole positions in the Eurocup Megane Trophy. The success of TDS Racing was completed by the fastest lap ...
Published: May 4, 2008, 2:52 AM
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Rossi takes two pole positions
Michael Rossi (TDS Racing) was simply unbeatable during the first qualifying session of the season, taking both pole positions in the Eurocup Megane Trophy. The success of TDS Racing was completed by the fastest lap set by Jean-Charles Madonia in the Gentlemen Drivers class.
The first qualifying session of the season in Eurocup Megane Trophy. Each driver's best time will decide the line-up for race one, their second best gives their position on the grid in race two.
The session got under way with a red flag following a run off by Wim Beelen (Equipe Verschuur) on the hill at Eau Rouge. The driver was unharmed, but his Megane Trophy was seriously damaged.
The session resumed for a little over 15 minutes, the Eurocup Megane Trophy drivers having no choice but to set a time immediately. However, the session had to be halted once again before any of the drivers had completed a fast lap. This time, it was Ralph Meichtry (Race Performance) who lost control of his car in the same spot as Beelen, up the Raidillon at l'Eau Rouge.
It continued for 12 minutes. At the end of the first flying lap, Michael Rossi was on top, ahead of Sebastien Dhouailly (Team Lompech), Bernhard Ten Brinke (Equipe Verschurr), Fabrice Walfish (Oregon Team) and Matthieu Cheruy (Tech 1 Racing). Ten Brinke hit back to take second position.
The session remained open right up to the chequered flag. Michael Rossi improved his time and confirmed provisional pole position with a time of 2'29''179. At the same time, Rossi also recorded the second fastest lap, which places him in pole position for each of the two races.
The Tech1 Racing drivers staged a comeback. It was now Dimitri Enjalbert (Tech 1 Racing) in second, just in front of teammate Jonathan Hirschi. The latter's fastest time would later be disqualified for failing to follow the correct course route, allowing Ten Brinke to pick up a place.
It is Michael Rossi then, who is the first to take pole this season. For Saturday's race, he will start ahead of Dimitri Enjalbert. On Sunday, it will be Bernhard Ten Brinke who shares the front row.
In the Gentlemen Drivers category, Jean-Philippe Madonia (TDS Racing) claimed both pole positions, reinforcing the domination of TDS Racing on the Belgian circuit.
Michael Rossi: "With two red flags, qualifying was action packed. There was a lot of traffic out there at the end of the session. The car is absolutely perfect. The season has started well, now I just have to win!"
Dimitri Enjalbert: "Yesterday, everyone was going through the Raidillon at l'Eau Rouge with no problems. Today there is less grip, it was more tricky. I really had to force myself to keep my foot on the accelerator and set a quick time. Michael Rossi is very quick here. My goal is to pick up some serious points in each race; it's consistency that will make the difference this season."
-credit: wsbyrenault.com
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