THRILLING RACE 1 IN THE RS CUP AT VARANO

An exciting first race at Varano for the RS Cup, with Paolo Tartabini getting off to a flying start and taking on Luca Franca, who made a good getaway from pole position, and Mattia Lancellotti. Meanwhile Manuel Stefani was embroiled in a fierce fight with Giulio Bensi and Fulvio Casciandrini. In the second half of the race Tartabini took advantage of the scrap and attacked Lancellotti at the Parabolica, initially being repelled. Among the Over 50 drivers, Mariella’s spin left Andrea Bonifazi and Cipolla fighting for the win. With a few minutes to go, Stefani made a clever move to pass both Bensi and Casciandrini, who dropped out in a collision. On the following lap, because of a brake problem, the Veneto driver spun at the Ferro di Cavallo just as the full course yellow was shown: with a skilful recovery he managed to rejoin after a heavy impact with the barriers. Soon afterwards the red flag was shown, which confirmed Tartabini’s third place. Stefani saved fifth, and Bonifazi, eighth overall, also took home the Over 50 win. There was cause for celebration for Massimo Massaro too, who passed Beltrami at the last moment to finish second behind Covini among the New Clio Aspirate cars. Finally, an honest apprenticeship for Pieralberto Maffia. See you this afternoon for Race 2.