Kami Laliberté claims two 6th places in Toyota Racing Series

The field of 20 competitors – all driving identical, Toyota powered single seaters - participated in the free practice sessions held on the short Teretonga road course located at the extreme south tip of New Zealand.

The teenager qualified a lowly and disappointing 17th after having been unable to find a clear track ahead of him. During the second qualifying session, he set the 9th fastest time.

Laliberté took the start of the first, 15-lap race of the meeting in 17th position. “I started from the 17th place and under these circumstances I think that I managed well this race. I had a good start bur despite the intense trafic, I climbed up to 13th place. Finally, I earned 12th position following a penalty given to a rival.’’

On Sunday, despite some rain that came into play, the Montréal-born racer claimed a pair of second places.

Laliberté started the second race from 12th on the grid. “I made a good start and was sixth after a short while. Then, the rain came but I remained at that place. I am quite satisfied with this result’’, he said.

The Canada took the start of the third and final race in 9th place. “Things went very well at the start and I instantly gained one place,” he declared. “Then, I gained another position and as a competitor went out, I climbed to seventh place. Finally, in the last lap, I made a good move and overtook another rival to claim the 6th position. At the end of the day, I find my results satisfactory, better than last week. Apart yesterday’s missed opportunity in qualifying, I am satisfied and encouraged for next week.”

The next three rounds will be held on the modern and spectacular 2.63 kilometers long Hampton Downs circuit, south of Auckland.