The first winner of the Red Bull Ring Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS weekend is Jack Aitken. The Brit racing for Koiranen GP ruled from flag to flag a dramatic Race 1 held under a pouring rain. Thanks to this win, Aitken edges away in the general standing proving to be simply the best in such conditions taking the chequered flag with a considerable margin over Matevos Isaakyan. The Russian on the JD Motorsport car was back on podium after the retirement in Pau Race 2, keeping behind the local driver Stefan Riener, who was passed by in the early staged by his team-mate Jake Hughes. Hughes probably made the best start of the group from P9, but ended up sixth due to some electronics problems which slowed his race once he was in a solid third position. Ahead of him Thiago Vivacqua (JD Motorsport) and James Allen driving the best car of Arta Engineering.
A solid race for the Ukrainian Danylo Pronenko (BVM Racing) who recovered up to seventh overall keeping a consistent pace throughout the race. Some precious championship points also for the French Richard Amaury, the German Philip Hamprecht, who started from Row 2 on the grid, and the Russian Denis Bulatov, who grants GSK Grand Prix one point notwithstanding the last place on the grid after failing to start with the group the formation lap.
THE REPORT. A pouring rain greets all participants at the start where Isaakyan is quicker than the pole setter but is soon overtaked by him. Behind them Hughes recovers from P9 to P3 while Bulatov is forced back on the grid due to his engine which fails to start. Not a good start from Hamprecht either. Electronics problems halt the race of the American Travis Jordan Fischer (Cram Motorsport) while Daniele Cazzaniga spins at curve 4. Up front Aitken edges away from Isaakyan. While in P5 The Australian Anton De Pasquale ends up long at curve 4 and looses precious positions before being forced to pit. Riener passes Hughes forced to slow down on the straight once more due to electric problems. The tricky track conditions forced to error both the Brazilian Bruno Baptista and the Russian Vasily Romanov. Aitken keeps setting fast laps setting fastest in 1’46”090 at lap 12 and takes the flag with a 18”9 over Isaakyan and 33” on Riener.
“My start was quite good and I’ve managed to keep Isaakyan behind, made some minor mistakes but all went well. Now we have to be focused for Race 2”. Declared the winner.
Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS will be back on track in Red Bull Ring tomorrow morning for Qualify 2 at 9.45. Race 2 will follow at 13.00 while Race 3 (absolute novelty for the Series) is set for 16.20.
