MASERATI TROFEO – Romagnoli and Sernagiotto claim the first two poles of the season

Riccardo Romagnoli and Giorgio Sernagiotto took the first two pole positions in the 2012 Maserati Trofeo MC World Series. The action on the track is being held at Jarama, Spain. Romagnoli – who has a number of prestigious career wins like the 2007 GT Open under his belt – set the best time of 1:38.374 on the last lap to edge out Cedric Sbirrazzuoli (1:38.660). Sbirrizzuoli saw the pole it took just two laps to seize disappear as he waited in the pit lane to avoid traffic and keep his tyres in good shape for tomorrow. Still, Sbirrazzuoli, racing alongside  Alessandro Chionna for AF Corse, set the fastest Team time.  This year there is a new Overall category to go with the Trofeo and Team standings.

The 1:39.160 set by Konvex Racing’s Belgian driver Renaud Kuppens (who has a background in FIA GT) showed how comfortable he felt on the Spanish circuit. This was proved by his improved lap in qualifying for Race 2 (1:38.283), behind Italian Giorgio Sernagiotto (1:37.868). Third in the 23-strong Maserati Trofeo grid is Andrea Dromedari from Swiss Team (1’39.017).

Both sessions were run in light rain. This made some sections damp but did not mean that the drivers had to reach for new tyres.

Riccardo Romagnoli: “I tried to make the most of my knowledge of the track and the car seeing as I had driven it in last year’s Giro d’Italia for cars. I felt positive right away and I thought we might do well from free practice on. I did everything I could on the last lap and picked up a little towards the end. I drove on the limit and managed to nick it right at the end”.

Giorgio Sernagiotto: “My Maserati experience has begun with a pole position and this can only be positive. I was surprised by the car as I thought it would be hard to drive given its weight. In reality it went well and the car was well balanced. I am also pleased with our pace as it was just a touch off the Spanish GT times. I really like the circuit. Overall, I have only positive feelings but this is just the first race and it will be a real challenge because the competition is tough. Tomorrow it should be a great race. We will have to keep an eye on the tyre wear. It will be a scrap if it rains so I hope it stays dry”.

Tomorrow – Sunday 20 May  – Race 1 is timed for 10.35-11.15 and Race 14.05-14.45.  Radio Monte Carlo will broadcast a radio report at 14.45 that will feature interviews with the Maserati Trofeo drivers.

Qualifying Race 1 Maserati Trofeo MC World Series
1 Riccardo Romagnoli/Edo Varini – 1:38.374
2 AF Corse (Cedric Sbirrazzuoli – Alessandro Chionna) – 1:38.660 *
3 Konvex Racing (Renaud Kuppens) – 1:39.160*

Qualifying Race 2 Maserati Trofeo MC World Series
1 Giorgio Sernagiotto/Giuseppe Fascicolo  – 1:37.868
2 Konvex Racing (Renaud Kuppens) – 1:38.283 *
3 Swiss Team (Andrea Dromedari) – 1:39.017*

*In the Team series.