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IFM Off to A Stunning Start |
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Saturday, 19 May 2007 |
Alan Racing’s Salvatore Gatto claimed his place in motorsport history today in Valencia by becoming the first International Formula Master (IFM) race-winner ever.
31 cars got away from the grid safely, a testament to the Formula S2000 performance, followed by 19 laps full of action with motorsport’s stars of tomorrow fighting it out on-track.
The following 35 minutes were packed with non-stop action, with drivers overtaking each other throughout the field.
Pole-sitter Maximiliam Goetz led for most of the race after his pace
dropped which saw him fall back to a tenth place finish. This benefited
Italy’s Gatto who went on to claim the historical win.
Valencia-born Arturo Llobel maintained his position behind Gatto
throughout the race as did Ombra Racing’s Johnny Cecotto Jr, finishing
second and third respectively.
Today's thrilling race proved IFM as a well thought-out platform for
both drivers and fans alike with tomorrow’s race promising to be as
exciting. Euronova Racing’s Alberto Costa will start IFM’s second round
from pole, thanks to the reversed grid.
Mauro Sipsz, Series Director
“I was incredibly nervous before the start as you can expect. Seeing 31
cars pull-away was a great milestone and achievement for everyone
concerned in this project. I would like to congratulate Gatto on being
the first ever winner of an International Formula Master race and all
the drivers for what turned out to be a truly exciting round for this
Series.”
Salvatore Gatto, Alan Racing
“My start was ok but I struggled a bit with the clutch, the first lap
went well though and I stayed in position. After that I kept pushing
and was able to keep a very fast pace and control my competitors. I
want to thank the team for this race, to be the first winner for IFM is
unbelievable, I have no words for it….I’m on cloud nine at the moment!”
Arturo Llobel, Cram Competition
“This was my first race start with clutch paddles so I was worried it
could have been an issue but it was ok, I got away well. I still
finished second though which is great”
Johnny Cecotto Jr, Ombra Racing
“I got a great start, it was a shame there was no opportunity in the
first corner because I was very close to Gatto. I struggled with my
pace for the first half of the race but after that it was better so I
could push. Tomorrow I will have new tyres so let’s hope for a good
result again!”
International Formula Master Race One – Provisional Results
1. Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Alan Racing
2. Arturo Llobel (ESP), Cram Competition
3. Johnny Cecotto Jr (VEN) Ombra Racing
4. Oliver Campos Hull (ESP), Iris Project
5. Kasper Andersen (DEN), J.D. Motorsport
6. Jerome D'Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition
7. Juho Annala (FIN), Jenzer Motorosport
8. Alberto Costa (ITA), Euronova Racing
For the complete results please visit www.formulamaster.net
Live coverage of IFM’s inaugural race weekend will continue on Sunday
20 May with coverage starting from 13.45 (local time) on Eurosport 2.
Live streaming will be available on www.eurosport.com and
www.formulamaster.net
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