Magic Magi European B Champion

The rains returned overnight and racers were greeted with the now-familiar muddy conditions, credit to the organisers and the track crew for putting up with all the work required to get the track in order. The 1/8ths saw the rise and rise of Brit Michael Lewis and Spaniard Daniel Bernabe, both would make it to the final with inspired drives. In Semi A 3rd place qualifier Alessandro Stocco was the big name to miss the cut, the racing was real tight and at times even for TQ man Magi it looked touch and go. P10 Michael Lewis took the semi win much to the delight of the travelling Brits, in the 2nd semi Jeremy Pittet started 1st and despite a few tangles he was soon out front again with Ben Williams having led for some time, Pittet would take the win with Johansson just scraping into the final. Pittet would start on pole by 7/100ths of a second infront of Michael Lewis, TQ man Magi, 7th.

The final got going and it didn't last long for bumper Bernabe as he retired after 5mins with a steering servo issue, Jeremy Pittet led away and moved into cruise as he held a 10sec gap, looking very comfortable indeed. Behind him all sorts was going on with Mugen man Magi slowly moving his way through the pack, it took him some time but halfway into the final he was into 2nd and doing all he could to close down Pittet. Pittet hit heavy traffic at the wrong moment, a cluster of 5 cars all in racing mode, he attempted to pick his way through but he lost time, at the same time Magi was pushing hard, multiple times per lap saving near-misses and all the time, making up time to Pittet. The crowd sensing a potential swing in momentum began to tense up, Pittet made a small mistake and instantly Magi was there an even just got past, the pair pittet on the same lap but Pittet flamed out on exit and any chance of a win evaporated, briefly Johansson challenged him for 2nd but Jeremy opened a gap, leaving Magi out in front to bring it home. With 5mins to go, things little settled but this is where the real race started, Ben Williams and Micke Johansson closing right up and putting on a driving masterclass, the pair swapping positions several times per lap, jumping past, block pasing, diving down the inside, going round the outside - using every move in and not in the text books! Huge credit to Ben & Micke, a superb show for everyone with Ben just edging it over the line. All in all a every weather-affected event but Alessandro Magi drove superbly in the final to take victory infront of Swiss favourite Pettit, a deserved 3rd and 4th for Williams and Johansson. 5th place finisher Zanchettin took the junior title and is one to watch. With Italy's nation cup win and Magi taking the title it echoes Italy's first 'B' win back in 2006 with Riccardo Acciari.


Overall Results