25 April 2014
Josh Files starts strong at Motorland Aragón
Defending champion, Josh Files (Team Pyro) got his quest for another title off in style. On the same Motorland Aragón circuit where he won top honours last November, the Englishman set best time in the collective test, ahead of 2013 championship runner-up Massimiliano Pedalà (Composit Motorsport), and Mikel Azcona (Automovil Club Zaragoza). 2012 Eurocup Clio winner, Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Corse) was quickest in the morning session.
On this Friday, the Eurocup Clio made its return to the Motorland Aragón circuit. In ideal weather conditions, Mikel Azcona was the first of 26 competitors to take to the track, before seeing the defending winner, Josh Files take over.
Antonio Martinez (SMC Junior Motorsport), Mikel Azcona and Massimiliano Pedalà each took turns at the top of the order before the Englishman answered, then countered by Massimiliano Pedalà. Éric Trémoulet (Vic’Team) and Oscar Nogues then followed with best time. Oscar Nogues led the way with 15 minutes remaining in the session ahead of Mikel Azcona, Éric Trémoulet, Massimiliano Pedalà and Ivan Pulic (Lema Racing Team) at the end of the session cut short by an incident involving Olivier Jouffret (Vic’Team).
In the afternoon, Josh Files and Alex Morgan (SV Racing) were the early leaders in the session. Massimiliano Pedalà and Mikel Azcona infiltrated the battle for best time and were joined by Oscar Nogues. After 20 minutes, the Englishman retook the advantage.
Josh Files increased his lead and improved his time. His reference time of 2:19.042 went unmatched at the conclusion of the session that was interrupted prematurely following the accidents of Antonio Martinez (SMC Junior Motorsport) and Luciano Gioia (Composit Motorsport). The Englishman dominated his closest rival from 2013, Massimiliano Pedalà, with Mikel Azcona, Oscar Nogues and Facundo Della Motta (Pujolaracing) completing the top five.
Quotes
Josh Files: “We had a minor problem this morning. We were not sure what had happened, but we quickly fixed it to have a good afternoon session. I love this track; it is as technical as it is difficult to get the most out of the car. If we do the same thing tomorrow, we should have a good weekend. I hope so, because I want to win the title again this year.”
Massimiliano Pedalà: “It was a curious day due to the violent wind. It completely changed the behavior of the cars on the straight. For now, I am confident because we got the weekend off to a good start. Tomorrow, I hope to be able to stay at the same level with at least a spot on the front row.”
Oscar Nogues: “The day was positive because we could try many different set-ups as the sessions are longer than last year. The car is competitive and I hope to be able to take a shot at the pole, then he podium tomorrow. We will then see what awaits us on Sunday because each day is different.”
