Monza: N.Technology race one report

SENSATIONAL PODIUM FOR N.TECHNOLOGY

Thompson thoroughly enjoyed today's first race at Monza

From eighth on the grid, N.Technology Alfa Romeo's James Thompson amazed his Italian team's home crowd today at Monza, finishing third after some of the best FIA World Touring Car Championship overtaking of the year.

A great start saw Thompson leap up to fifth on the first lap, putting Chevrolet's Nicola Larini in his sights. The two cars fought hard over three laps before the N.Technology driver made a clean move for fourth place at the sweeping Curva Parabolica.

Gabriele Tarquini was next and after five laps on his bumper, Thompson pulled alongside the SEAT Leon TDi in a drag race to Curva Grande. Thompson held the outside line going into the ultra-fast turn, which gave him the inside into the following chicane. He kept his foot down and sailed onto the podium.

Team-mate Olivier Tielemans did not finish after an incident on lap five of the nine-lap race.

James Thompson, car number 15

"I knew the car was fast over race distance so I had a twinkle in my eye this morning. I was just planning to stay out of trouble, drive my own race and pick off a few cars where I could so I'm very happy.

"I had a great race with Tarquini; I really enjoyed it. I like racing against him because we always give each other room and respect."

Mauro Sipsz, Team Principal

"That was a very proud result. To see our car fighting wheel-to-wheel with the big manufacturers is a great prize for my team and James drove a very special race. If he can pass the cars of SEAT and Chevrolet once, he can do it again and that's what we're hoping for in this afternoon's second race."

-credit: ntechnology.com