Qualifying groups now set
The two controlled practice rounds have taken place this afternoon in Fiorano, which now means the Qualifying heats have been set for the first ENS event of 2022. With sunshine all day long and high track temperatures, the drivers had to make adjustments to their cars to cope with a very different grip level than they are used to at Fiorano.
1/8 Scale
Balestri Rules Practice
Infinity’s Dario Balestri stamped his authority on the event, setting the fastest time in both rounds of the controlled practice. With the second run taking place around 7pm, the sun was starting to set and the track temperature dropped, meaning virtually all the drivers in the class set significantly faster times in the later run. Balestri explained that even though he had been at Fiorano for the last four races, the high temperatures made the track feel very different.
We have a good setup, but today I made changes because of the lower grip we have. I tried some different springs and oils, but I am happy with my car now in these conditions.
Dario Balestri – Infinity
Behind Balestri, his team-mate Lamberto Collari showed a big improvement in the second round to move up to second overall. Collari was narrowly ahead of Capricorn’s Dominic Greiner, who in turn was just 6-thousandths of a second in front of the ENS’s winningest driver, Simon Kurzbuch and Silvio Hachler rounding out the top five today.
The Top 5 after controlled practice (3 consecutive laps)
1 Dario Balestri (IT) – 44.788 – Infinity
2 Lamberto Collari (IT) – 45.021 – Infinity
3 Dominic Greiner (DE) – 45.061 – Capricorn
4 Simon Kurzbuch (CH) – 45.067 – Shepherd
5 Silvio Hachler (CH) – 45.082 – ARC
Link to the results on MyRCM: https://www.myrcm.ch/myrcm/report/en/63441/286158?key=201
1/10 Scale
Groskamp holds off Capricorn charge
Jilles Groskamp set the fastest time in the 1/10 Scale class, but he was pushed hard by the Capricorn duo of Melvin Diekmann and Quentin Leroux, who ended up second and third, just one-tenth of a second behind over three laps.
The Dutch driver also commented on the hot weather and track conditions here in Fiorano:
Normally we come here for the ENS in October, when it is much cooler. Today the track is hot which makes the cars slide a lot more. We’ve changed quite a few things to help and we are ready for Qualifying.
Jilles Groskamp – Infinity
Groskamp’s team mates Francesco Tironi and Teemu Leino rounded out the top five in the class ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying
The Top 5 after controlled practice (3 consecutive laps)
1 Jilles Groskamp (NL) – 51.024 – Infinity
2 Melvin Diekmann (DE) – 51.164 – Capricorn
3 Quentin Leroux (FR) – 51.191 – Capricorn
4 Francesco Tironi (IT) – 51.570 – Infinity
5 Teemu Leino (FI) – 51.712
Link to the results on MyRCM: https://www.myrcm.ch/myrcm/report/en/63441/286156?key=201
1/8 +40 Masters
Marchetti Sets The Pace
Italy’s Jonatan Marchetti ended the day at the top of the timesheet with a good run in the second round of Controlled Practice as the track temperature dropped and the track got faster. Lars Haugen put in the second quickest time, with Jurg Nydegger, who had been quickest in CP1, third at the end of the day. The top five was rounded out by Remy Hasler and Angelo Fagnani.
The Top 5 after controlled practice (3 consecutive laps)
1 Jonatan Marchetti (IT) – 46.623
2 Lars Haugen (NO) – 46.790
3 Jurg Nydegger (CH) – 46.807
4 Remy Hasler (CH) – 46.898
5 Angelo Fagnani (IT) – 47.063
Link to the results on MyRCM: https://www.myrcm.ch/myrcm/report/en/63441/286157?key=201
Qualifying Starts Tomorrow!
Tomorrow will now see four rounds of Qualifying taking place for everyone, with their best two points scores counting to set the Finals. The good weather still looks set to continue, so the organisers are happy to give everyone the maximum amount of track time and racing possible! But first, it’s time for some wonderful Italian food and cold drinks for all the drivers and teams, as they want to also get a good nights sleep before a busy day of Qualifying tomorrow!