FRENCH F4 CHAMPIONSHIP - ALBI - RACE 2

06/09 - Important points for Pierre Gasly in Albi

Pierre Gasly, Victor Colomé, Matthieu Vaxivière and their mechanics: Ambroise Belin, Jérémy Brissiaud, Mathieu Pommier © DPPI

By signing another victory, the former member of the FFSA French Go-kart Team comes back in force in the championship as is now at the foot of the general podium. He has now confirmed his performance in Spa-Francorchamps just like the Spaniard Victor Colomé who climbs onto the 2nd step of the podium in front of Matthieu Vaxivière. The latter now has 17 points advance (15 if we take into account the subtraction of points at the end of the season) on Andréa Pizzitola who was able to pocket only one small point after yesterday’s victory. The last round in Castellet promises to be breathtaking!

For this Sunday race, the academicians have no choice but to manage a tricky and wet track after the rain that had fallen in the morning. At light extinction, Andréa Pizzitola flies off but the pole-man, Matthieu Vaxivière is able to place himself at the head of the race. In the first chicane, both young men present themselves at the same time, Andréa Pizzitola tries to squeeze through from the inside but the vibrator makes him take off allowing Pierre Gasly to rush in. Victor Colomé and Pierre Sancinéna are really close and the Spaniard is able to outstrip Andréa Pizzitola after one lap. The five leading drivers -all grouped together with possible changes to arise- have the public’s entire attention. A little farther, the Spaniard Francisco-Javier Suárez and Jordan Perroy touch each other and are unfortunately eliminated after only lap. Paul Petit also has to give up. Alexandre Mantovani, however, and mostly the Belgian Kévin Balthazar, after having left from the last position on the starting grid, enter into points.

At the head of the race, the situation is also becoming difficult as Pierre Gasly is finally capable of giving the final blow to seize the leadership. Andréa Pizzitola and Victor Colomé will try and do the same, but under the yellow flag… they get a warning and not a penalty as the situation was confusing, stated the marshal’s steward. Matthieu Vaxivière is now under the threat of Pierre Sancinéna who has set himself in his gear box. As far as Patrick Kujala is concerned, he is ready to seize the slightest opportunity whereas Aurélien Panis can see Alexandre Mantovani coming dangerously close. Then, the race is to witness an unfortunate event with Andréa Pizzitola who makes a mistake in the Parc corner. He regains the track in 14th and before-last position in front of Marie Baus-Coppens.

The leader of the race Pierre Gasly is a little more comfortable now but that is without counting on Victor Colomé who is pacing up hard to catch up on him. Matthieu Vaxivière firmly maintains Pierre Sancinéna, himself threatened by Patrick Kujala. Cyril Raymond comes and takes part in this fight for 6th position that is opposing Aurélien Panis to Alexandre Mantovani. But a mistake will make him step back in the classification. Our attention then goes to a tight group composed of the Indian Parth Ghorpade, the Belgian Kévin Balthazar, the Polish Tomasz Krzeminski, the Andorran Alex Loan Ventura and the French Tristan Papavoine.

Whereas Alexandre Mantovani overtakes Aurélien Panis, Tristan Papavoine comes out winner of this match opposing him to the foreign drivers, whilst signing the best lap in race. Andréa Pizzitola swooshes by the Polish driver in the last second to enter into points. Pierre Gasly manages his race to the perfection although it is great time the chequered flag is shown as Victor Colomé is growing bigger and bigger in his rear mirror. Five tenths of seconds separate them at arrival.

Pierre Gasly: « My departure wasn’t fantastic and this is a problem I must work on. Once I found myself at the head of the race, it became very difficult as we were very close to each other. Andréa went into a spin behind me which gave me a little breathing space but I must admit that I was waiting for the chequered flag because Victor was getting dangerously close. I am really delighted with this new victory and even more so for the championship! »

Victor Colomé: « Yesterday, it was complicated as I found it hard to regain the correct pace after the summer holidays. I really fought for this podium but unfortunately, I came into contact with Tristan. Quite disappointing fact seeing that I felt rather confident for this race in spite of the difficult conditions of the track. I lacked a few more laps to attempt an attack on Pierre but I really wanted to guarantee this second place. »

Matthieu Vaxivière: « My departure wasn’t that great but I was able to maintain my position. Afterwards, the following laps were breathtaking. After Pierre had overtaken me, I stayed in his trail but Andréa then Victor overtook me. After Andréa’s mistake, I kept Victor within sight but was unable to bring an attack. Ten more points in the championship are important - I could have pocketed an extra point if Tristan hadn’t snapped it away from me in the last lap! »