17 October 2014
Éric Trémoulet posts best time at Jerez
Éric Trémoulet (Vic’Team) set the best time in the collective tests for the Eurocup Clio at the Circuito de Jerez. The Frenchman established the reference time of 2:02.363 during the morning session. In the afternoon, Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport) was quickest, while not beating the performance of the Vic’Team driver. The third and last competitor with a chance of denying Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Corse) the title, Mikel Azcona (PCRSport), finished third best on Friday.
In the morning, Mikel Azcona was the first to set a fast time. Massimilano Pedalà and Eric Trémoulet went quicker before the Spaniard responded. The three chasing Oscar Nogues for the title swapped the best times.
13 minutes from the chequered flag, Eric Trémoulet retook the advantage with a time of 2:02.647 to move ahead of Mikel Azcona and Pablo Martin (SMC Junior Motorsport). Massimiliano Pedalà and Facundo Della Motta (Pujolaracing) completed the top five in a session where Oscar Nogues finished eighth.
In the afternoon session Alex Morgan (Rangoni Corse) was the early leader. The British driver was then knocked off the top spot by Nikolay Gryazin (Composit Motorsport), who in turn was bested by Eric Trémoulet. After 20 minutes, Oscar Nogues took the leading position before losing it for improving under yellow flag conditions.
Nikolay Gryazin inherited the top spot, but Oscar Nogues quickly retook the position before Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Mootorsport) returned to the summit. The Italian driver stopped the clock in 2:02.721 in the waning moments to lead from Oscar Nogues, Pablo Martin and Nikolay Gryazin. Eric Trémoulet rounded out the top five.
Quotes
Eric Trémoulet: “This morning, I discovered the circuit and it went very well because I set the best time. The learning period was quick! It was more complicated in the afternoon. We tried some things that didn’t work and when it was time to go back out, there was a yellow flag. I chose not to take any chances. The challenge this weekend will be tyre degradation because the track solicits the front axle a lot. This could play a big role in the race!”
Massimiliano Pedalà: “This is the second time I have come to Jerez after the first time few years ago. It is a very nice track. The morning session allowed me to gain confidence with the track and this afternoon we found some small improvements, while the heat made the track more severe on the tyres. Everything is going well for now, but for sure tomorrow is the day that counts. We are confident for qualifying and hope to have a good race.”
Mikel Azcona: “The first session went very well because we finished in second position. It was a good showing after coming here for the Clio Cup Spain a few weeks ago. Oscar has a big lead in the championship, but nothing is impossible and we have come here with the goal of winning the title!”
