FRENCH F4 CHAMPIONSHIP - VAL DE VIENNE – RACE 2

29/06 - Matthieu Vaxivière takes his revenge

Author of the best lap in race, Matthieu Vaxivière makes a full score by transforming his pole position into victory. In this way, in spite of his blunder the previous day, the young driver maintains his leadership with two points advance on Andréa Pizzitola who climbs onto the second step of the podium in front of Cyril Raymond.

Under the scorching sun, the single-seaters take place on the starting grid of the second race with yet again Matthieu Vaxivière in pole position. At extinction of lights, all drivers swoosh off without problems, including the pole man. However, Andréa Pizzitola manages to pass him in the first corner. Other drivers loose positions in this first lap, especially Pierre Gasly who finds himself in 11th position behind the Indian Parth Ghorpade and Alexandre Mantovani, who is virtually positioned at the rear end of the group. Taking advantage of a mistake on behalf of Cyril Raymond, Aurélien Panis pinches 3rd position. He is now pacing Raymond, himself threatened by Tristan Papavoine. Before the end of the first lap, Pierre Sancinéna is victim of a slight contact, definitely not voluntary but even so eliminatory.

Determined to regain his initial position, Matthieu Vaxivière takes the best out of Andréa Pizzitola who decides not to insist face to Matthieu’s swiftness. The battle between the drivers in front continues. Cyril Raymond has regained the upper hand on Aurélien Panis, who is unable to resist as he must come by the pits due to an anticipated departure. The Andorran Alex Loan Ventura has the same penalty but doesn’t stop and is therefore presented the black flag. At the doors of the Top Five, the Spaniard Victor Colomé is on his own whereas a little farther, a compact group composed of Francisco-Javier Suarez, Kévin Balthazar and Paul Petit are fighting over the best place.

In front, Matthieu Vaxivière already has a good advance whereas a little farther behind, things are getting very tight. In 7th position, Francisco-Javier Suarez is getting closer and closer to his compatriot Colomé, followed by Paul Petit, left in 13th position, Kévin Balthazar and Pierre Gasly, back in tow for points after 3 positions lost by the Indian driver. At ease on this track, Paul Petit successfully attacks the leader of the group and does his best to catch up on Victor Colomé. As far as Pierre Gasly is concerned, he is defending his position the best he can face to Patrick Kujala, quite sharp. But he has no other choice than to watch out closely as the Finn is within Aurélien Panis’ eye line! With his fighting spirit, Olivier’s son didn’t release the pressure after having got a drive-through penalty! The three youngsters steal the spectators’ attention as the gaps are more or less stable between their fellow drivers. The better placed to watch this fight is Alexandre Mantovani who, after having got the best out of Jordan Perroy, tries to catch up on the group but in vain.

In the last lap, the Belgian Kévin Balthazar brings an attack on Francisco-Javier Suarez but the latter resists. It’s with an “indecent” 6 seconds advance, that Matthieu Vaxivière passes the finishing line in front of Andréa Pizzitola and Cyril Raymond. By pocketing the points of 4th position, Tristan Papavoine can be happy of his performance. Victor Colomé signs the best performance of the foreign drivers by crossing the finishing line in 5th position in front of Paul Petit, who leaves the Vigeant with his first points, six in one go! The second Spaniard of the group, Francisco-Javier Suarez, logically crosses the finishing line in 7th position in front of Kévin Balthazar. Pierre Gasly and Patrick Kujala close the Top Ten. In spite of his efforts, Aurélien Panis was not able to destabilize the Finn.

Matthieu Vaxivière: « My departure wasn’t really perfect but at least this time it was valuable. Andréa and I were next to each other in the entry of the first corner – he entered on the inside and I didn’t want to block him – it would have been stupid to crash our cars. After having regained advantage, I had to speed up to dig the gap. I am very happy with this new victory but I still have some regrets about yesterday. I could have made a real difference in the Championship. »

Andréa Pizzitola: « After Matthieu overtook me, I tried to remain in his wheels but he was really too fast. I can’t wait to be in Spa where I hope to step onto the podium once again and, if possible, on the highest step and in first position! »

Cyril Raymond: « I really wanted this 3rd place! I made a mistake and Aurélien was able to take advantage but I never gave up my concentration. I passed him without great difficulty – Aurélien was very fair. Afterwards, I had to keep a close eye on my follower as Tristan was very insistent. We were racing at the same pace – I was allowed no mistake. I am very happy with this 3rd place that I believe I deserve. »