Neubauer one-two, Grouwels shines in Race 2 in Barcelona

Trofeo Pirelli. Thomas Neubauer was back on top of the podium for the second time this weekend in Spain, thanks to a steady showing which allowed him to fend off the onslaughts from Emanuele Maria Tabacchi (Rossocorsa) and Fabienne Wohlwend (Octane 126) over the course of the thirty-minute race. The Italian, in particular, constantly hounded the young Frenchman until the very final throes, but was eventually forced to settle for runner-up spot, which, however, allows him to hold onto a 15-point advantage in the general standings.
In Trofeo Pirelli Am, Frederik Paulsen (Formula Racing) reaffirms himself among the great surprises of the 2020 season, seizing a net win over fellow-countryman Frederik Espersen (Baron Motorsport) on his return to the continental series.
The youngest driver in the single-marque series got the better of Olivier Grotz (Formula Racing) by a mere 343 milliseconds, who likewise performed positively during the race. Just off the podium was the Matúš Výboh (Scuderia Praha), winner of Race 1, that notched up the fastest lap of the race as well as Emanuele Maria Tabacchi.

Coppa Shell. Roger Grouwels (Race Art – Kroymans) claimed the victory at the end of the thirty minutes of racing after staging a formidable comeback. The Dutch driver, collecting his second honours of the season, took advantage of a troublesome day for this morning’s pole-sitter Ernst Kirchmayr to become the new leader in the general standings. A less-than-perfect start from the Austrian forced the driver to attempt an overtaking manoeuvre which ended in the gravel. However, a tenacious and steady-paced showing helped the Baron Motorsport entrant make it onto the lowest step of the final podium, capitalising on the troubles of Fons Scheltema (Kessel Racing) who had previously held third place. James Weiland (Rossocorsa), after a fine opening spurt, was unable to fend off the assaults from Grouwels and had to settle for second final place.
In Coppa Shell Am, “Alex Fox” (SF Grand Est Mulhouse) drove to victory ahead of Laurent De Meeus (HR Owen) and “Boris Gideon” (Formula Racing). The crux of the racing action revolved around the battle between the French and Belgian driver, with the latter unable to pull off the decisive attack necessary for the win. Likewise, German driver Matthias Moser (Scuderia Gohm) and Michael Simoncic (Baron Motorsport) battled out third place to round out the final placings. Grouwels and “Alex Fox” laid claim to the fastest laps of the race.

Forthcoming dates. The third round of the Ferrari Challenge Europe Trofeo Pirelli season will take place in two weeks’ time on the splendid Portimao circuit, in Portugal.