Kami Laliberté claims 3 Top-10s in Toyota Racing Series

The inaugural race of the 2017 season took place this past weekend on the short and twisty 3.3-kilometer Ruapuna circuit. Each meeting is made of free test sessions, qualifying sessions and three races.

Racing for M2 Competition, Laliberté qualified 12th and finished the first race in 10th place.

“I’m satisfied. I gained two spots and climbed to 10th place. It is satisfactory. The importance this weekend is to finish all races and score points “, explained the teenager who competed in the German Formula 4 series last year.

In Race 2 held Sunday morning, Laliberté started from 10th place and crossed the line in eighth, taking his second Top-10 of the weekend. The third and final race turned out to be quite hectic with three presences of the Safety Car and difficult restarts.

Laliberté found that his engine ran too hot during the safety laps, but there was little he could do about it.

The Canadian crossed the line in 12th place but the results had to be confirmed by the officials. Monday morning in New Zealand, the sporting authorities confirmed the final results following their investigation of several drivers. Finally, Laliberté was reclassified 10th, earning his third Top-10 finish of the meeting.

“The third race was quite special, a tougher challenge and the multiple presences of the Safety Car broke all rhythm,” Laliberté explained. “I also lost some engine power. But again I did make to the end of the race. I know where I must improve: it’s during qualifying. I must set some faster times and get better starting positions. In this series where overtaking is not very easy, this is the key for success.”