Whelen – Hezemans and Ercoli first winners at Vallelunga

He only missed two rounds Jacques Villeneuve (Feed Vict Racing) to sign a perfect start to the championship at the Vallelunga autodrome in Italy. The world champion F1 1997 had bided his time in the first laps of the first race of the weekend in EuroNascar Pro, and an attempt by Alon Day to overtake pole sitter and leader Loris Hezemans to take control of the event.

Without trembling, the Canadian leads briskly, but ultimately has to give up two laps from the goal, following mechanical problems on his No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro. A disappointment somewhat erased the next day by Villeneuve, second in the second confrontation after taking the advantage in the last lap of the race over Lucas Lasserre. A fourth podium in Nascar Whelen deserved, but clearly the ex-pilot Williams deserved better on this Italian start which dedicated Loris Hezemans and Gianmarco Ercoli.

The first city, reigning champion of the discipline, took advantage of Villeneuve's setbacks to take victory in race 1, dominating Alon Day and Gianmarco Ercoli, despite a car not to his liking.

“We had some difficulties with the settings, but maybe that's down to me, admitted the Dutchman from Hendriks Motorsport. The car was oversteering a lot and I think we're going to work on that a bit. I'm really happy but I have to see what happened to Jacques because this race was for him. I don't think I had the pace to pass him. »

A few hours later, the Batavian driver could do nothing to prevent Gianmarco Ercoli (CAAL Racing) from winning ahead of Villeneuve and Lasserre, but leaves Vallelunga at the top of the championship, Ercoli having been penalized with 10 championship points for a departure improper.

Race 1 ranking

Race 2 ranking

Discover the report of the opening of the Nascar Whelen Euro Series in Vallelunga in AUTO issue 2278hebdo, available this evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.