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Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • 19 April 2018 • 3 Ricciardo Must Stay on Lewis Hamilton after his team mate Max Verstappen went off FORMULA 1 while trying to pass the Mercedes. Red Bull team principal “He’s got that balance of Christian Horner says Daniel experience and pace. He’s one of Ricciardo would be best off the best overtakers in the business. staying at the team in 2019 And his judgement is impeccable in providing they can continue to terms of judging a gap, getting the give him a competitive car. car stopped and getting it rotated. Ricciardo’s contract expires at I really feel that he’s in a different the end of this season and rumours part of his career to where Max is have connected him to rival teams at the moment who’s very young such as Ferrari. and fresh and going through that Asked after Ricciardo’s experience.” Chinese Grand Prix victory about the importance of keeping him at Picture: Red Bull Content Pool the team next year, Horner said: “I think Daniel’s happy in this environment. If we can provide a GOING?: Ricciardo’s contract car like we did today why would he expires at the end of this want to be anywhere else?” season and rumours have Horner praised Ricciardo’s pass connected him to rival teams such as Ferrari. F1 TV Launch Streaming launch in May, ahead of the 2018 desktop, followed by mobile access features live races and all 20 driver and qualifying races will be Spanish Grand Prix, which runs with Apple, Android, and Amazon cameras. Premium tier subscribers available for live viewing, FORMULA 1 May 11-13. For the time being, F1 Fire. Amazon Fire TV, Android also get side-by-side live race along with press conferences After some delay, Formula 1 will continue its closed beta run TV, and Apple TV users will have viewing and more exclusive feeds. and interviews. Later in the racing is finally getting its own of the service for testing during access by summer. Viewers can also personzalize season, the FIA Formula 2 streaming service. the Chinese Grand Prix and the Race fans will have two service the way they watch a race, Championship, GP3 Series, and The motorsport organization Azerbaijan Grand Prix. options with different price points. controlling what they want Porsche Supercup will be added announced that F1 TV will F1 TV will first be available on At the top is F1 TV Pro, which to see and when. All practice to the service. Hamilton Chinese Disaster Hamilton admitted that it was a FORMULA 1 case of underperforming on his side of the Mercedes garage, and Lewis Hamilton admits that that a solution needs to be found his side of the Mercedes quickly if he’s going to fight for a garage is underperforming, fifth title. based on what he’s described “I was in no man’s land. I had as a “disaster” of a Chinese no pace. I was just trying to hold on Grand Prix. for whatever I had,” said Hamilton. The world champion dropped “Obviously we’ve got a tough several spots with a sluggish battle ahead of us, particularly opening lap, before spending on my side. I’ll say my side, but the first stint of the race battling also us as a team, we’ve been to hold on to the back of Kimi underperforming.”Yesterday and Raikkonen in fifth position. today have been a disaster on He struggled to make much my side, so I’ve got to try and headway from there, ultimately rectify that and get myself back being passed by both Red Bulls on into normal performance mode. fresher rubber in the late stages of Otherwise more valuable points the race, and only finishing fourth will be lost. thanks to the clash between Max Picture: Pirelli Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. NO PACE: The world champion dropped several spots with a sluggish opening lap, before Reflecting on the performance, spending the first stint of the race battling to hold on to the back of Kimi Raikkonen

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Got A Story? Mail Craig - [email protected] 4 • 19 April 2018 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Ekstrom Winning Comeback for victory, but when he exited the RALLY CROSS joker, Ekstrom retook the lead and defended the racing line to keep Mattias Ekstrom made a Kristoffersson at bay. comeback to win the opening Bakkerud finished fourth, while round of the World Rallycross Niclas Gronholm made his second Championship in Barcelona as career World RX final on the debut polesitter Petter Solberg was of the GRX team’s Hyundai i20 forced out of contention at the and was fifth. Solberg completed first corner. the race in sixth. Ekstrom had been fifth on lap Timmy Hansen had dominated one of semi-final two, the Swede semi-final two and was set for a jinking his Audi S1 wide on the victory that would have put him on entry to Turn 1 in a bid for an the front row of the final alongside outside move, but lost out to the Solberg, but suffered an electrical chasing gaggle of cars. problem that slowed his Peugeot He fought back to be second 208, before being spun as the pack in the latter stages of the race behind forced its way passed. and when Timmy Hansen’s race- leading Peugeot slowed, Ekstrom Picture: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull took the lead and the victory. Content Pool Kristoffersson pushed hard on PACE SETTER: Mattias Ekstrom made a comeback to win the opening round of the World the last lap in a bid to jump Ekstrom Rallycross Championship in Barcelona.

was 100 percent legal because we had so much trouble this year – including my underwear – that we had to make sure that everything Di Grassi Candid Camera is legal. “They asked me to go Rome ePrix. each FE driver’s second car for the was re-examined and Audi gave there and did some questions and It was announced towards the first time at the Rome event had a demonstration of its procedure, in the end it was very clear that end of the race, won by DS Virgin detected a potential issue. which cleared both team and driver it was [OK]. They have a camera Reigning Formula E champion Racing’s , that Audi driver This was to do with the of any infraction. on each car for the pitstop and was the first di Grassi was under investigation placement of di Grassi’s belts and “They wanted a clarification on the question came because of driver investigated over a for a possible problem during his his mechanics hands as he climbed our pitstop procedure,” di Grassi, the video. possible pitstop infringement mid-race car swap. into his second machine, which who finished second behind Bird, due to the presence of new One of the FIA-mandated the stewards asked the driver and told Motorsport.com. cameras during the inaugural cameras that were installed above his team to explain. The video “Before going there I knew it Davies Up – Fores Down corner to take the lead. The order of the top three did WSBK not change for the rest of the race, Chaz Davies won the second with Rea even running off-track on World Superbike race in Aragon the final lap. from Jonathan Rea and Marco However, despite losing a Melandri after Xavi Fores second due to his mistake, the crashed from first place. Kawasaki rider still secured second Fores passed early leader Marco place, with Melandri having an Melandri on Lap 5, but the local even slower final lap. rider only held first place for three Ducati junior rider and WSBK laps before he went down at Turn debutant Michael Ruben Rinaldi 16, at the end of the back straight. held fourth for a long time before His crash promoted Rea into the losing pace during the late stages of lead, and the Northern Irishman, the race, and dropping to seventh. along with the Ducati factory duo Yamaha duo Alex Lowes and of Melandri and Davies, was part Michael van der Mark completed of the leading group for the rest of the top five, the former making a the race. move on the latter on the final lap. ON TOP: Chaz Davies won the Davies made a forceful move Tom Sykes was only ninth on settled for sixth. Behind Rinaldi, completed the top 10. on his teammate at Turn 4 and also the opening lap despite starting second World Superbike race MV Agusta’s Jordi Torres, Toprak in Aragon from Jonathan Rea outmanoeuvred Rea two laps later third and, after spending the entire Razgatlioglu (Puccetti Kawasaki) Picture: WorldSBK.com on the outside line of the same race in the second half of the top 10, and Marco Melandri after Xavi and Aprilia rider Lorenzo Savadori Fores crashed. Verstappen Threw Win Away Helmut Marko. move on Ferrari rival Sebastian the incident, and Marko insisted he lost. “There was a victory for FORMULA 1 Verstappen had benefitted from Vettel ended with the duo making the driver was aware that he had him on the table, but he gave the safety car period triggered by contact and spinning. As a lost victory. it away. Max Verstappen gave victory a clash between the Toro Rosso result, Verstappen was handed a Asked what he had told in the Chinese Grand Prix drivers to switch to soft tyres and 10-second penalty which relegated Verstappen after the two were away with his incident with attack his medium-shod rivals in him to fifth position, the Dutchman seen talking after the race, he said: Sebastian Vettel, according the latter part of the race. having finished fourth on track. “That his time will come. He just to Red Bull motorsport boss However, an overoptimistic Verstappen accepted blame for shouldn’t overdo it. He knows what Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • 19 April 2018 • 5 Loeb’s Decision In His Hands WRC Citroen’s chief executive officer Linda Jackson says any decision about whether Sebastien Loeb returns to the WRC full-time in 2019 remains entirely in the nine-time champion’s hands. Loeb won a quarter of the stages of the Tour de Corse, despite last competing on the island 10 years earlier and having been away from a full-time WRC programme since 2012. The Frenchman was a frontrunner early on in Corsica, as he had been on the Rally Mexico, but lost his chance of fighting for victory on the second stage when he got his C3 stuck in a ditch. That forced Loeb into retirement on the Friday, before he returned over the weekend to set the quickest time on three of the Saturday’s six stages. DECISION AWAITED: According to a spokesperson from Citroen, the big decision as to whether international Rally legend Sebastien Asked if she would consider Loeb will return full-time to the World Rally Championship stage in 2019 or not, remains entirely in the nine-time champion’s hands. chasing Loeb for a full-time for him to compete in Germany the right thing to do?’ I think we calmness and confidence and “It’s the summer,” he told WRC return in 2019, Jackson in August, Jackson added: “With have shown that it seems to be it’s nice having the experience Motorsport.com, “and it’s still time told Motorsport.com: “You need Sebastien it’s three rallies. It’s his working well.” of Sebastien, the team can feed for the beach. to ask me that question later on in agenda and his diary.” She added that the nine-time off this. “What happened in Corsica, the season. Jackson said Loeb’s speed on champion’s influence had been felt “Clearly, we still want results, it’s frustrating; in the first stage the “But that [a full-time return] two of his planned three WRC at Citroen. but things happen and nobody rhythm was good, I could fight and would depend completely on outings demonstrated the decision “What you can see – and this was more gutted an upset than have fun and then finally everything Sebastien and his availability and to replace Craig Breen was the starts from the very top with [team Sebastien himself.” stopped in the first corner of the what he wants to do.” right one. principal] Pierre Budar – is a real Asked about his availability second stage.” Loeb’s 2018 WRC campaign “We made the right choices at team spirit and a real calmness for August’s Rally Germany, is only set to comprise one more the start of this season,” she said. about the team,” said Jackson. Loeb maintained his summer Photo: Red Bull Content Pool event - Rally Catalunya in October “A lot of people asked, ‘Is this “You can see the consistency, holiday line. - and question about the potential Going To Do Battle In KZN route includes a variety of terrain SA CROSS ranging from ridges to open fields and combines technical and fast flowing sections. COUNTRY “More than 50 percent of the route is virgin territory and SERIES will demand a high level of concentration,” said route director Cross country motor racing Adri Roets. “From a spectator point enthusiasts who like to of view there are good vantage combine a little South African points that are easily accessible history and game viewing from the Battlefields Lodge, and with their racing need look no access to these areas and event further than the Battlefields headquarters is free of charge. 400, in Dundee on May 4 and “There is something for every 5, to satisfy a trio of passions. enthusiast and the weekend includes The event is Round 2 of the the national event, round two of the South African Cross Country SxS interprovincial challenge and Series (SACCS) and is in the heart rounds two and three of the KZN of KwaZulu-Natal’s battlefield regional championship.” locations where some of the most From the start competitors will significant battles between British tackle an action packed spectator forces, Boers and Zulus were stage in the outdoor entertainment fought in the 18th century. The area at the lodge. That will get OFF TO WAR: SA Cross Country competitors like Johan and Werner Horn (pictured) are looking sites of the battles of Blood River, proceedings off to a fast start, forward to Round 2 of the South African Cross Country Series (SACCS) which is to be staged is in Rorke’s Drift, and Isandlwana are and from there the event heads the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s famous battlefield locations from 4 to 5 May. a stone’s throw from Dundee as is north towards Nigsana and the a 45 kilometre course in the The qualifying race on Friday enthusiasts can also follow the Nambiti Big 5 Game Reserve. Buffalo River. qualifying race on Friday May May 4 will start at 13:00 and the the progress of the event via Race headquarters and the The route then runs east 4, with the route for the main main race on Saturday May 5 the RallySafe App which can designated service point (DSP) along the Buffalo River towards race to be run over two laps of at 08:00. National competitors be downloaded free of charge are located at the aptly named Vryheid and Tayside and across approximately 170 kilometres. will be flagged away first for iOS and Android devices Battlefields Lodge, on the Landmansdrift towards Nquthu SxS crews will only complete followed by the SxS crews and and enthusiasts can follow outskirts of Dundee, with the Road, the Spitskop, Marino one loop of the race on Saturday regional competitors. the fortunes of their favourite lodge renowned for its hospitality Vlakte and the Greytown road. May 5, while for national and Dundee and surrounding KZN teams via detailed maps, times and a wide range of homemade Competitors then head back to the regional competitors there will be a towns are easily accessible from and results. fare. The entire area is lush and Battlefields Lodge via the Tangeni compulsory 20 minute service halt Durban and Pietermaritzburg and green after higher than average feed lots. and regroup after the completion of major centres in the Free State Supplied by Charmaine late season rainfall, and a scenic All competitors will complete the first lap. and Gauteng. Cross country racing Fortune 6 • 19 April 2018 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Agostini Slams Rossi of an honest mistake. MotoGP Speaking to Italy’s Radio 24, 15-time world champion Agostini Valentino Rossi “exaggerated” said Marquez doesn’t deserve any in his critique of Marc Marquez further punishment for the incident in Argentina and was wrong and that Rossi was guilty of similar to suggest the Honda rider hit moves in his career. him deliberately, says grand “Marquez has made a mistake prix motorcycling legend and has said sorry, we hope he Giacomo Agostini. won’t do it again, but he shouldn’t Yamaha man Rossi pulled be disqualified,” Agostini said. “He no punches when addressing the was already punished in the race. media after Marquez made contact “If we disqualify people every with him in the latter stages at time, then we won’t race [each Termas de Rio Hondo and caused other] anymore. This is true for him to crash. everyone: I think it was Iannone It reopened the bitter feud who hit Dovizioso two years ago, between the pair sparked at Sepang then he was [given a three-place in 2015, with Rossi accusing grid penalty], but this way no-one Marquez of intentionally aiming races anymore. for his leg with his bike and “What happened between “destroying our sport” with his Marquez and Rossi has happened aggressive riding. to everyone – it happened to me, Marquez denied Rossi’s it happened to Rossi, it happened even this race to Zarco, who made allegations and insisted his attempt and they are exaggerating.” “joke” – Agostini said the reigning LEGEND CRITICAL: MotoGP to pass the Italian after an earlier Pedrosa crash. “It’s not true, as Rossi says, that Asked about Marquez’s attempt champion should have waited legend Giacomo Agostini, has ride-through penalty was “nothing to apologise immediately after the longer to make his move. spoken out against Valentino crazy” and the contact was a result Marquez aims for riders’ legs. After the race they are all a bit nervous race – which Rossi dismissed as a Rossi’s attitude. Honda’s Helping Hand championship lead. difficult MotoGP - “even harder” MotoGP “The Honda is a good bike but to ride. the engine last year was not as fast “It also comes with its MotoGP championship leader as this year,” Crutchlow said after downside because the bike is so Cal Crutchlow says the new the race. difficult to ride,” he said. “We have engine Honda has introduced “We asked many times to make to manually ride the bike a lot, and for the 2018 season has it with some more power and we with more power it makes it even allowed its riders to “take got some more power. It makes harder again. fewer risks”. it easier for us to be fast and be “I think we have to take less Honda’s RC213V bike has competitive. You can imagine how risks in the corner, but in change struggled on acceleration and much we had to push in the corner of direction, corner to corner, the straightline speed in the recent last year to be competitive. The acceleration is actually harder than years, and the marque tested engine now is strong, sure, and it last year. Just on the straight we several engine specifications makes us more competitive, all obviously have more power, you in the off-season to address the Honda riders more competitive can see I was able to be competitive its weaknesses. without taking as many risks.” and go past Johann with ease when It settled on a more Crutchlow quipped that his I needed to. But this is just a tool - I “aggressive” version, and the Honda “murdered” Zarco’s still don’t think we have the fastest new spec was used by LCR Yamaha on the back straight during bike on a straight line and we rider Crutchlow to great effect his pass for victory, but did insist continue to work as a manufacturer, in Argentina as he slipstreamed there was a negative point to the riders and team, to make the engine past Tech 3 Yamaha’s Johann new engine, which made the bike – and the bike stronger again.” DIFFICULT RIDE: Cal Crutchlow says, despite improvements, Zarco to win the race and take the already acknowledged as the most the 2018 Honda is still a difficult bike to ride. After Lorenzo of 2017. He finished 13th in last two races of the season. MotoGP year’s standings, and has also been His lack of results, combined outperformed this year by Rins, with the rise of Andrea Dovizioso Suzuki is targeting three- who took the squad’s first podium as Ducati’s number one rider, time MotoGP champion finish since 2016 last weekend means Lorenzo will not be able to Jorge Lorenzo to partner in Argentina. command the 12 million Euros a Alex Rins for the 2019 season, Lorenzo has emerged as year he earns currently if he stays Motorsport.com understands. Suzuki’s preferred choice to put in 2019. While Rins is all but certain partner Rins for 2019, with many Set against the backdrop of to extend his relationship with in the team convinced that the growing doubts over whether Suzuki beyond the end of the GSX-RR would be a good match Lorenzo will ever be able to fully year, the Hamamatsu marque for the Ducati man’s smooth adapt to the Ducati, a switch to WANTED MAN: Jorge Lorenzo is being targeted by Suzuki for is thought to have run out of riding style. Suzuki would appear to offer a their 2019 team. patience with Andrea Iannone After a challenging debut clear way out of the situation. terms with the fact Suzuki doesn’t to Lorenzo are limited, and it and is searching for a replacement season at Ducati last year, Lorenzo The next three races will be have the resources to ever offer has decided - for now - to throw for the Italian. has continued to struggle to feel critical, as a sudden resurgence him the kind of money he is its efforts into convincing the Iannone has failed to live comfortable aboard the 2018 in form could convince Lorenzo currently earning. 30-year-old to jump ship. up to his role as Suzuki’s lead version of the Desmosedici, having to stay put even with a pay cut; However, Suzuki’s alternatives rider since joining at the start scored just one point in the opening he would also have to come to Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • 19 April 2018 • 7 2017 Sportsman Of The Year Mans race at Road Atlanta in the AWARDS United States. • Wilhelm Baart who won The South African Guild of his class at the Jaguar Simola Motoring Journalists’ 2017 Hill Climb in 2017 in his 1000hp Motor Sportsman of the Year, Nissan GT-R, breaking the 40 sponsored by Michelin, is second barrier for the event in a 21-year-old Kelvin van der time of 39.892 seconds. Linde of Johannesburg. • Ryan Hunt who has raced This is awarded to him for his Moto-X for nearly four decades, many achievements racing an Audi winning 12 South African titles. He R8 with great success in Australia, also competed with great success America, and Europe, where he in the United Kingdom, Europe, was part of the team that won the and the United States. He has been 24-hour race at Nürburgring. This awarded Springbok colours and has is the third time that Van der Linde a Motorsport South Africa lifetime has been awarded this trophy for achievement award for representing his racing achievements. our country in international events. Other South African • Richard Leeke who became motor sportsmen who were the youngest driver to ever win a nominated were: national rally. Richard won the • Matthew Scholtz, who Volkswagen Rally aged just 21 won the American super stock years. He missed out on winning ON BEHALF OF: Shaun van der Linde (middle) proudly shows off the trophy he collected on behalf 1000 championship and was the overall championship by a of his son Kelvin who was crowned 2017 SAGMJ Sportsman of the Year. inducted into the AMA (American small margin during the last event championship event of this scale. 1995 Jaki Scheckter 2007 Serge Damseaux Motorcyclists Association) Hall of of 2017. Their successe sees them signed up 1996 Wayne Taylor 2008 Fame. The 18th presentation of the for the next five years. 1997 Etienne van der Linde 2009 Giniel de Villiers • Sheridan Morais, former Colin Watling award for non- Other nominees were Ian 1998 Alfie Cox 2010 Ralph Pitchford South African Superbike champion competitors in motorsport was Shrosbree, Gavin Williams,Glyn 1999 Thomas Scheckter 2011 Leeroy Poulter who won the Super Sport Class in taken by Des Easom and his team Hall and the entire Hallspeed 2000 Grant Langston 2012 Giniel de Villiers the World Superbike Championship at the Western Province Motor motorsport team and Waldo van 2001 Schalk Burger & 2013 Kelvin van der Linde in Germany was also nominated for Club at Killarney in Cape Town. der Waal and Hannes Visser. Piet Swanepoel 2014 Kelvin van der Linde his two-wheeled achievements. They successfully organised the Previous winners of the 2002 Tschops Sipuka 2015 Leeroy Poulter • Sheldon van der Linde (18) final round of the World Rally-X Sportsman of the Year award are: 2003 Alan van der Merwe 2016 Brad Binder who finished 3rd overall in the Championship. This was the first 1992 Greg Albertyn 2004 Cornel de Villiers ADAE championship in Germany time in 25 years that South Africa 1993 Greg Albertyn 2005 Alfie Cox Photo: Supplied and winning the 24-hour Petit Le hosted a motoring-related world 1994 Jan Habig & Douglas Judd 2006 Giniel de Villiers Productive Prologue For Gazoo from 69% more fuel than the bringing the car back to the pits. WEC Toyotas as well as other technical As planned, the #8 TS050 advantages intended to enhance HYBRID ran for the daytime Toyota Gazoo Racing made their performance. sessions on the Friday and Saturday a productive start to the The #7 car ran for the full in a high-downforce configuration 2018-19 FIA World Endurance 30 hours in the low downforce as used to win last season’s 6 Hours Championship (WEC) season specification which will be used of Bahrain and completed 163 laps during a busy Prologue test at at Spa-Francorchamps and Le of set-up and tyre evaluations. In Paul Ricard in southern France. Mans. Mike Conway, José María total the two cars completed 1,002 The team entered two TS050 López, Sébastien Buemi, Anthony laps, a total distance of 5,802km. HYBRIDs for the official test Davidson and Alex Wurz all drove Race drivers Kamui Kobayashi session, which ran from 10am on the car during the 839 laps. and Kazuki Nakajima were absent the Friday to 4pm on the Saturday The main focus of that car was from the Prologue due to racing and featured most of this season’s to test the reliability of components, commitments in Super GT in season and, with the team’s pre- YOUR TURN: Toyota Gazoo WEC entrants, including seven as well as optimising procedures in Japan while Fernando Alonso season testing programme now drivers get into the swing non-hybrid LMP1 cars. case of unexpected issues. To that was participating in Formula 1’s complete, all efforts turn towards of things during the busy The Prologue is the first time end, the team simulated technical Bahrain Grand Prix. the opening race of the season, at Prologue test held at Paul for the TS050 HYBRIDs to problems to allow mechanics, Overall, the team made Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on Ricard in southern France share a track with this season’s engineers and drivers to practice important progress in its 5 May. for the FIA World Endurance LMP1 competition, who benefit parts changes and procedures for preparations for the new WEC Photo: Toyota Gazoo Championship (WEC) season. Ed Murray Lands Top Award operational excellence in furthering satisfied customers. AWARDS BRP-Rotax’s marketing efforts With 43 authorized distributors in their respective areas around and a network of more than BRP-Rotax recently honoured the world. 600 service centres and dealers, its 2017 distributors with the The award confirms the BRP supports its customers Distributor of the Year award. professional work and good worldwide. Over the years Congratulations go to South practices implemented in the daily Rotax kart distributors have Africa’s Ed Murray Racing CC business and race organization accumulated extensive experience who shared the prestigious throughout the past years. Both in successfully supporting and annual award with the French recipients of the award are promoting the Rotax kart business outfit Sodikart S.A. long-time business partners of with its outstanding marketing Six parameters are used by BRP-Rotax. activities in their local markets and BRP-Rotax to evaluate each All Rotax kart distributors work beyond. Strong partners such as distributor’s performance. The hard throughout the year to achieve Ed Murray enable the company to annual award program recognizes the goal and with no doubt, the further improve the business. PROUD TEAM: The Ed Murray Racing team pictured with its distributors demonstrating best appreciation comes from the Well done to the Ed the international award they won jointly as 2017 BRP Rotax sales achievements linked with positive feedback received from Murray team. Distributor of the Year. 8 • 19 April 2018 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 FORMULA WORLD New Prizemoney Structure commercial rights holder Liberty is worth more than some teams’ not continue under Liberty’s plan. reflects their ranking in the FORMULA 1 Media presented its proposed entire prize revenues, will be Instead the prize fund will be constructors’ championship. changes to teams in Bahrain. scrapped. The payment, worth $68 more closely linked to where each Ferrari and Mercedes stand Ferrari and Mercedes will RaceFans has learned from sources million last year, will be replaced team finishes in the constructors’ to lose the most. While Red receive a much smaller share how it intends to cut top teams’ by a $40 million payment which championship. Bull will also see a substantial of F1’s prize money from 2021 payments and hand more money must be taken as company profits, The new prize money structure reduction in their payment, its under new plans for how the to F1’s smaller outfits such as RaceFans understands. will result in a flatter distribution owners will recoup some of this near-$1 billion fund will be Williams and Force India. The Constructors’ of income across the teams. It through the increased payment to shared out. Ferrari’s unique Long Standing Championship Bonuses and other will also mean the amount of its sister outfit Toro Rosso. Formula One Management’s Team payment, which by itself special payments to teams will money they receive more closely McLaren Expectations Unrealistic Racing director Eric Boullier “Last year in three races we FORMULA 1 said after the Bahrain Grand had zero points. Last year Stoffel Prix that the start of the season [Vandoorne] didn’t even make the Fernando Alonso says had “definitely” been harder start in Bahrain, he was pulling expectations that McLaren than anticipated. the car into the pitlane so this should have done better at the However, Alonso reckons that, year from two races four cars to start of the 2018 Formula 1 given the struggles that McLaren the checkered flag and third in the season were unrealistic. endured over the past three years, constructors’ championship. The Woking team has switched expecting a stronger performance “If we look at the facts, not to Renault engines for this year was not realistic. the feelings or the wishes or the after three dismal seasons powered “I don’t know what exactly dreams, if we see the facts, this is a by Honda units. people were expecting from very good start.” McLaren has scored points one season to another where the with both its cars in the first two regulations stay the same,” said Photo: Pinterest races of the year, but has failed Alonso ahead of the Chinese THINK AGAIN: Fernando to show the kind of pace needed Grand Prix. Alonzo says the public to match Mercedes, Ferrari or “There were three teams ahead expectations of the McLaren Red Bull, which uses the same of everyone last year and this year team tend to be a bit Renault engine. they stayed ahead of everyone. unrealistic. Minding His Manners racing in the Formula Renault go and say ‘it’s because these guys FORMULA 1 Eurocup a decade ago. are a bunch of this’. Whatever I do, Over the Australian GP they (Red Bull) have done a lot for Daniel Ricciardo says he’ll be weekend, Lewis Hamilton warned my career so it would feel wrong mindful of not “disrespecting Ricciardo to tread carefully during for me to speak badly about them anyone” at Red Bull Racing his negotiations to avoid alienating in any kind of scenario. during his ongoing Formula 1 his current team, something the RBR boss Christian Horner contract talks. Aussie says he was already acutely conceded that the ongoing grilling Ricciardo is yet to commit to aware of. from the media is likely to the Red Bull outfit beyond the “Sure, I may have more than become “annoying”, but that his end of the current season, and has one option and it’s the first time squad was mostly relaxed about been linked to potentially vacant and it’s exciting and it’s great – Ricciardo’s future. seats at Mercedes and Ferrari but I still want to go about it in “It will run its course. We are for 2019. the right way,” Ricciardo told relatively relaxed because we have A move away from Red Motorsport.com. got some great options available to Bull would be significant for “I don’t want to disrespect us, so we want people... we want HEAR, DO AND SAY NO EVIL: Daniel Ricciardo is mindful of Ricciardo, who has been backed anyone or bag anyone. Maybe I drivers that want to be in the team. what he says during his ongoing Formula 1 contract talks. by the Austrian drinks giant since do move on, but I’m not going to Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Grosjean said. so hard to adapt its car to the “Qualifying everyone was Honda engine. Surprise Form Proves A Point like ‘oh in the race they’re gonna “I saw the mechanics, I went fall down’, but actually no, they down to shake hands with them and After a difficult first race of Honda’s new partnership with STR finished fourth. For Formula 1 in congratulate them,” he said. FORMULA 1 2018 in Australia, Pierre Gasly shows what’s possible in Formula 1 general it is amazing. It shows a “It’s good for them, they was best of the midfield F1 if you keep working hard and don’t constructor, like the Haas project, deserve it – they’ve pushed hard Romain Grosjean says Toro runners in the Bahrain Grand Prix, give up. can be successful after three years. over the winter to get that engine Rosso-Honda’s surprise form recording Honda’s best result “I wasn’t happy they were I think it’s great for Formula 1. It back into the car, redesign the is “amazing” for Formula since it returned to F1 in 2015 by in front of us, but I’m happy that shows you can do it.” car. I think it’s a good story for 1, because it proves new finishing fourth. Honda, with a good collaboration Former Toro Rosso driver Formula 1.” manufacturers can come in and Grosjean said the recent success with Toro Rosso, managed Carlos Sainz agreed, saying STR be successful. stories of his Haas team and to get such a good result,” deserved the result for working Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Overtaking Needs Answers go back in the right direction. Everything we FORMULA 1 have done in the last few years has gone in the wrong direction.” The meeting of the Formula 1 Technical However, neither of the ideas generated Working Group failed to come to any much support from the team discussions. firm conclusions over ways to improve While it was acknowledged that DRS is a overtaking in 2019. relatively easy way to address the problem, As previously reported, the meeting was the system remains unpopular with fans, and called by the FIA’s Nikolas Tombazis in part is not liked by Brawn, and there was a debate as a response to an Australian GP that saw among the team technical representatives virtually no overtaking. about whether it was the right way to go. A team of engineers under F1 chief Regarding the front wing, teams felt that technical officer Pat Symonds has been it was already too late to start making such working on concepts for the 2021 package, significant changes to the 2019 package, and but in the interim, ways are being sought that in any case more research was needed. to increase the amount of overtaking in the There was also little appetite for a interim seasons of 2019 and 2020. postponement until 2020, which would The two main points of discussion were mean a lot of work being done for an aero the potential introduction of a bigger and package that would be used for just one higher wing flag intended to increase the season, prior to wholesale changes for 2021. DRS effect, and changes to the front wing In theory, technical changes for next which should to make it easier for drivers to season have to be rubber-stamped by follow the car ahead. April 30th. Research has indicated that front wing Intriguingly when the teams were asked elements designed to interact with the wake to contribute data for future research, the around the front wheels create an air flow discussion reportedly turned to gardening that has a negative effect on the following leave and the recent cases involving car. The hope is that simplifying the front FIA employees Marcin Budkowski and wing will make it easier for drivers to follow Laurent Mekies. the car ahead. The so-called gentleman’s agreement “There are some proposals going to the between the teams is also supposed to apply teams for some things we could potentially to F1 employees leaving to join teams. The do for 2019,” Ross Brawn told Sky F1. If fact that the subject came up was further you look at the front wings we have now, proof that teams are now wary of giving too they are massively complex, and the flow much information away. regime around the wing is incredibly The proposals can still be taken forward complex, which makes it very sensitive to to the Strategy Group, and then to the F1 the car in front. Commission, for eventual ratification by the “So we simplify the front wings, then World Motor Sport Council. arguably you could say that you’re going to

HE SHOULD KNOW: Ross Brawn says there are some things they could potentially do for 2019. 10 • 19 April 2018 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Malan Reigns In The Mud the overall. Malan’s team mate Caleb Tennant got 2-2 and earned a The news coming in from second overall after another Pietermaritzburg ahead of consistent performance and hangs Round 2 of the SA Motocross onto the points lead and the red National was that rainstorms plate. David Goosen had a great were coming through regularly day in the saddle and 4-3 earned and that the track was flooded! him third overall for the day. Getting machinery on to work In the Premier MX2 class, it the track was done in the small was Maddy Malan again who was sunny intervals in between a cut above the rest. A 1-2 earned showers but the rest of the time him the top spot for the day and the it was virtually impossible. points lead heading into Round 3 in The scene on the Thursday Bloemfontein on 19 May. afternoon was nothing short of Malan however faced a a mud bath! In true KZN fashion different kind of challenge in MX2 though, the blistering sun came out and David Goosen came back hard on the Friday and the track started in heat 2 to take the win. His 4-1 to shape up. Slowly and carefully earned him second overall for the team worked to ensure that the day. come Saturday morning they were After a tough day at the office ready for racing. One thing was for KTM, Kerim Fitz-Gerald certain however, the track was earned third overall with his 5-3 going to get rough and the racing finishes. The results in this class would be really tough. in each heat were a real mixed bag Despite this, in the Premier and all bets will be off once again as MX1 Class, it was hometown competitors head to Bloemfontein. favourite Matthew (Maddy) Malan In other classes the wins went that made the challenging track look to Brett Bircher (MX3); Leah relatively easy. He also showed Heygate (Ladies); Justin Sangster that his injury from last year is now (High School); Camden McLellan long behind him and he was bang Pro Mini); Troy Muraour (85cc back on form after a rocky start to Junior); Lucca Mynhardt (65cc) 2018 in the opening round in PE. and Jack Pullen (50cc). A solid day out in Pietermaritzburg MUDDY MADDY: Seemingly unfazed by the muddy conditions at the Pietermaritzburg MX track, paid off and Malan took 1-1 for Photo: Hayden Brown Maddy Malan powered his way through to take the lion’s share of the day’s MX1 and MX2 honours at the second national of the 2018 season. Who Will Be King? of a refresh, but I have been very HILLCLIMB fortunate to obtain a Gould GR55 for the Hillclimb,” Bezuidenhout The battle for the revered says. “This is a purpose-built single King of the Hill title has been seater designed specifically for stepped up several notches Hillclimb events.” in the Single Seater and As a specialist race car Sports Car category for the manufacturing and engineering 2018 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, company based in England, Gould which takes place in Knysna has been a dominant force in from 3 to 6 May. Hillclimb competition for many Although there are just two years, with no less than 19 titles classes this year, the competition notched up in the prestigious is more intense than ever. Class British Hillclimb Championship C1 caters for turbocharged or between 1998 and 2016. supercharged four-cylinder Bezuidenhout’s GR55 is ALL READY TO ROLL: Competitors like Wayne Plitt, driving a Lotus 2 Eleven, are counting down cars, as well as those naturally powered by a Nicholson-McLaren the days until the popular Simola Hill Climb is staged near Knysna from 3 to 6 May. aspirated with five cylinders 3.8-litre V8 engine, and competed or more. with great success in the British in Formula Ford and Formula has been fitted to an A1 GP chassis Class C2 features the Reigning King of the Hill Hillclimb Championship since it Volkswagen, Wolk is undoubtedly that has never been raced before. naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Andre Bezuidenhout will be was built in 2004, having scored one of the fastest and most Two Formula Renault V6 single-seaters, comprising the back to defend his title. However, numerous victories in this highly experienced single-seater drivers entries will remain in the mix, two Formula Vee entries of there’s a bit of a twist as he competitive series. in the field. Wolk will be stepping driven by Mark Lauth and Stuart Shane Helberg and Siyabonga won’t be behind the wheel of While his fiercest challenger, in out in an A1 GP car. White. Michael Verrier will also be Mankonkwana, along with the his spectacular Dallara F189 the form of previous Jaguar Simola The ill-fated A1 GP series was in the class C1 fray with a 3.5-litre Formula VW car of Garth de Formula One car with which he Hillclimb winner Franco Scribante, branded as the “World Cup of V6-powered Shelby CanAm Villiers. Ian Schofield will line set the outright Hillclimb record has elected to take his fight to the Motorsport”, and featured nations sports car, along with two rapid up in a 2018 Formula Ford and last year, having completed the Modified Saloon Car category this competing against each other in lightweight machines comprising Francis Cusens in a Toyota- 1.9 km run in 37.695 seconds at year, Bezuidenhout will still face a identical cars based on the 2004- Antony Ashley’s turbocharged powered Lotus 7. an average speed of 181.5 km/h. stern challenge for the title – most era Ferrari F1 car. Power is derived Honda-engined Ariel Atom and “The Dallara is out of notably from Robert Wolk. from a 4.5-litre Ferrari V8 engine, Wayne Plit’s force-fed Lotus 2 Photo: Supplied service as the engine needs a bit As a multiple champion delivering around 450 kW, which Eleven. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • 19 April 2018 • 11 Dog Fight On The Cards Habig are close behind and only KARTING seven points separates these four aces. A massive dog fight on the very Reigning champion Bradley fast and tricky Vereeniging Liebenberg will be fighting for top Kart Circuit is expected as honours, while Western Province’s the Rotax South African Jurie Swart, Jason Coetzee and Karting Championship lines Luke Herring are all in the hunt. up for Round Two of the 2018 Simon Moss and Robert Whiting Nationals on April 29 - a Sunday are also threats. this year instead of the usual In the DD2 Masters category, Saturday schedule, as Tuesday the top three positions are held by May 1 is a public holiday. Michael Stephen, Cris Morgado The championship table after and Brett Brito, a new name in this the first Round at iDube on March company. The DD2 class drew a 31 provides a somewhat skewed record 32 entries at Round One, picture regards the 2018 form book, and this benchmark may even be as the wet-dry-wet conditions saw broken at Vereeniging! some fancied drivers caught out Jonathan Pieterse heads up by choosing incorrect tyres and the Senior Max category after a chassis set-ups. fine performance at iDube. He It all makes for an even spicier finished ahead of Jason Coetzee, prospect for Round Two, and it is Cris Morgado (running in two notable that over 100 drivers scored categories this season) Dane van points in Round One, spread across Heerde and Nicholas Verheul. the six Rotax-engined National Jarrod Waberski heads up a Championship classes. super-competitive 20 strong field of Heading the field in terms Junior Max drivers, just two points of excitement, prestige and a clear of Charl Visser. The top six are mammoth entry for this year’s title rounded out by Aqil Alibhai, Tate chase is the DD2 class which has Bishop, Daniel Patrizi and Kwanda drawn the cream of the crop in Mokoena. Expect fireworks from LOOKING TO FOLLOW UP: Jonathan Pieterse heads up the Senior Max category after putting up a driving talent. Leyton Fourie and Jayden Els on fine performance at iDube in the last round. The wily Michael guessed right home turf and Joseph Oelz was at iDube to bank 97 championship very quick in the dry at iDube. In the Mini Max class, Mikhail Brooks will also be right there at as a National Championship class caught out by the wet-dry-wet at points. But hard on his tail-pipe the sharp end. in 2018. Joshua de Paiva heads up with 93 points is Arnold Neveling, a Fernandez leads from Liam de Beer iDube, as well as Reese Koorzen and Josh Le Roux - all within four The incredible growth in the the “rat-pack” from Reza Levy, and Kyle Beukes. former Rotax European Champion, new Micro Max class for drivers Troy Snyman, Bjorn Bertholdt who also has the home advantage at points of each other. Joaquin De For more information, visit Oliveira, Joshua De Paiva, Reece aged 7-11 years old has seen large and Dhiyven Naidoo. Expect www.kart.co.za. the Vereeniging kart circuit. KZN’s fields around the country in 2017 Muhammed Wally to be right back Cristiano Morgado and Benjamin Fuller and Jayden Goosen are all Preview: Stuart Johnston in the points hunt, while Jordan and so will be recognized by MSA in the mix for honours after being Photo: Werner Viet

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OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 12 • 19 April 2018 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 The Hunt Is On For Engen Audi GTC AFRICA

Tension always mounts in anticipation of Race Week! Excitement has been racing through the Mother City over the past few days as the Engen Audi team geared up for Round Two of the Sasol GTC Africa to be hosted by Cape Town’s scenic Killarney racetrack. Pressure weighed in after Round One, with three engine overhauls and a complete rebuild of Michael Stephen’s car in just three and a half weeks following the season-opener at Kyalami racetrack in Johannesburg. This was due to a delay in the availability of spare parts and the lengthy process of the task at hand. Mechanical works aside, both Engen Audi drivers Michael Stephen and Simon Moss, both highly accomplished kart racers, kept their race shape sharp by competing in the recent SA National Karting Championship staged in rather unpredictable weather conditions at the iDube kart track in KwaZulu-Natal. (For the record, Michael Stephen had a rather good day out in his kart at iDube where choosing the correct set-ups for the wet and then dry conditions became crucial. He won CHASING POINTS AT HIS FAVOURITE RACETRACK: Engen Audi driver Simon Moss will be back at one of his favourite racetracks the first race in the DD2 class and when he steps out at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town for Round Two of the Sasol GTC Africa series. He will be then followed up with a second looking to build on his impressive start to the 2018 season by closing the small gap on the current championship leader Gennaro place in the second race. Stephen Bonafede. then closed off with third place in the third and final race which gave him the Overall class win for the day.) With Killarney International Raceway being one of Moss’ favourite tracks, he will be looking to build on his impressive start to the season by closing the gap on the current championship leader Gennaro Bonafede. Bonafede leads the current points’ standings with 47points to his credit. Simon Moss finds himself in second place with 42 points whilst his teammate and the defending champion Michael Stephen lies fourth on the log with 27 points. Team owner and principal, Terry Moss is confident that his charges will take some beating at Killarney. “During the past few weeks, my team has shown immense agility. I expect us to be fighting for both wins and overall victory,” says Terry Moss. “The complete overhauls of the engines, combined with our experience of the new turbo engines at sea level, will give us a competitive edge.” Live coverage of the weekend will start on Friday morning (20th April) at: https://www.facebook. com/racing.terry.moss/

Issued by: Openfield on behalf of Engen Petroleum Limited Photos: Supplied READY TO RUMBLE: The Engen Audi team are raring to go to make up for a day of mixed fortunes in the opening round of the Sasol GTC Africa series at Kyalami in Gauteng. Three engine overhauls and a complete rebuild of Michael Stephen’s #1 car in just three and a half weeks followed the running of the first leg where a delay in the availability of spare parts lengthened the task at hand. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • 19 April 2018 • 13 Bird Flies In Rome on multiple occasions, but was Bring Back Rosenqvist’s hopes cutting the Formula E gap to drivers’ standings leader soon more occupied with the faster Jean-Eric Vergne with victory were di Grassi, who ultimately made a Sam Bird soaked up late dashed when he suffered a failure pass for second place to demote the pressure from on his rear-left wheel after hitting Jaguar driver to third. and Lucas di Grassi to clinch one of the kerbs too hard, forcing The battle gave Bird some breathing room at the front, and The Girls his second victory of the him to park up at the side of the special case in that it has more 2017/18 Formula E season track and retire from the race. while di Grassi was able to close the control over what happens on the in Rome’s E-Prix, catapulting The incident allowed Bird to gap to just nine-tenths of a second Formula 1 grid, but other races have also up to second place in the move into a healthy lead at the by the chequered flag, he could not The Russian Grand Prix is on a been lobbying Liberty. drivers’ championship. front of the pack, only for the DS make it through for victory. growing list of races calling for The Singapore GP organisers Virgin Racing driver to soon come The result lifts Bird to second After qualifying second, Bird a return of grid girls following are also pushing to allow the under pressure from Jaguar driver place in the drivers’ championship; spent the first half of the race the ban announced by Formula country’s national airline staff, Evans and defending champion di putting him 26 points shy of holding position behind pole- 1 in January. regarded as ambassadors for the Grassi of Audi, both of whom had Vergne, who recovered from a sitter , who Several races are seeking a race, to continue to participate. extra usable energy after going one tough qualifying session to take managed to retain his lead until compromise that could see girls Russia has now followed suit, with lap longer before pitting. fifth place at the finish. after the car swaps at mid-distance return to the grid in some capacity, deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Evans attempted a pass on Bird for Mahindra. possibly while the grid kids – an Kozak insisting that he wants innovation for this year – continue girls on the grid at October’s to hold the driver sign boards. Sochi race. Pressure from race sponsors is Sergey Vorobyev, deputy one obvious reason why some general director of Sochi promoters are keen to see a change promoter Rosgonki, confirmed to F1’s plans, especially those with that he shares Kozak’s view. “It’s airline backers who traditionally the Russian GP and he has all the use full-time cabin crew in rights to voice an opinion,” he told their normal uniforms for the Motorsport.com. “We have a lot grid ceremony. of creative options, and we’re in Automobile Club de Monaco the process of searching. For the boss Michel Boeri insisted that audience it’s been a hot topic, and girls, traditionally sponsored by it’s a problem for our sponsors. TAG, would still be on the grid We have to find a way to make the for this year’s race. Monaco is a sponsor happy as well.”

FLYING HIGH: Sam Bird clinched his second victory of the 2017/18 Formula E season in Rome’s E-Prix.

SuperGP Joins Africa Bike Week IN DEMAND: There is a call to reinstate the grid girls used to Two wins at his home track Kewyn Snyman (KTM390) leads add sponsor glamour to Formula 1. SuperGP have moved Capetonian Hayden the way from Dino Iozzo (Honda). Jonas (Yamaha R6) to the top of Lady rider Zante Ott (Yamaha R3) East London will reverberate the Super600 standings but Adolf is next up, just ahead of Taric van to the sounds of high-powered Boshoff (Suzuki GSXR600) and der Merwe (Yamaha R3). motorcycles, both on and off Blaze Baker (Yamaha R6) are not The national riders will be Nicky Hayden track, when the third round of far behind and will be out to reduce supported by a number of regional the 2018 SuperGP Champions the deficit in East London. categories, making for two full Trophy takes place at the The Super300 category has days of track action. Grand Prix Circuit on 27 & 28 provided spectators with some of April. The event forms part of the closest racing seen on South Supplied by Paul Bedford African circuits in a long while. Remembered the Africa Bike Week which is Building work began recently headquartered in Buffalo City with an opening date planned to from 26 to 29 April. WSBK mark the first anniversary of his In the premiere SuperGP A memorial garden is being death on May 22. category, each of the three races installed in Misano honouring “The installation will take held so far this season has had a the late Nicky Hayden. The the name of ‘Giardino Nicky different winner, leaving no clear garden is near the area close to Hayden’,” Stefano Giannini, favourite in the title race. David where he suffered a tragic road Misano Council Mayor, said. “The McFadden (Kawasaki ZX10) accident last year in Misano. Council of Misano immediately leads the way after he followed As the one year anniversary decided to accept the request two second places with a win in of Hayden’s passing approaches, received from Nicky’s friends. the final race in Cape Town. He Misano council have given land Last year on May 17 – three has a seven-point advantage over for a memorial to be made on the days after competing for Red Michael White (Yamaha R1) street corner of Ca’Raffaelli e via Bull Honda at the Imola World who won the season opener at Tavoleto. The garden will be built Superbike round – Hayden was Zwartkops. Daryn Upton (Suzuki and maintained by one of Hayden’s involved in an accident while GSXR 1000) has consistently friends and former Repsol training on his bicycle in the finished on the podium, or just off Honda MotoGP mechanics Denis Misano region. The American rider it and lies in third place ahead of Pazzaglini who was with the 2006 suffered a traumatic brain injury defending champion Clint Seller ALTOGETHER: Round 3 of the SuperGP Champions Trophy will world champion on the day he was and died of his injuries in hospital (Yamaha R1). form part of the Africa Bike Week involved in the accident. five days after the accident. 14 • 19 April 2018 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995

A Touch Of Nostalgia At Zwartkops Mining Solutions BMW E36 M3) Bridgestone rounded out the top ten positions. Further back in fourteenth BMW Club position Salvi Gualtieri (Eataly/ Racing Series Savspeed BMW E36 328i) headed up Class D ahead of Neil Reynolds The BMW Club Racing Series (Vision Automation BMW joined the nostalgic Historic E36 M3). Tour at Zwartkops Raceway for The first race got off to a clean their third round of the 2018 start with Gualtieri taking the lead championship on 7 April. and Coetzee slotting in behind It was a welcome return to him. Behind them, it was a blur the series for Lorenzo Gualtieri of activity through the first few (F and R Auto/SavSpeed / corners as the rest of the field were Vari/ Powermods BMW F30) jostling for positions. It would be announcing his intentions with Rick Loureiro taking the lead for pole position. He was joined on the the Class B cars with Paulo hot on first row by another man returning his heels as he shot past Eversteyn to the series to head up the Class on the start. Eversteyn closed the B attack: David Coetzee (ELKSA gap on Erasmus that had no choice Competition/ SavSpeed BMW E36 but to slot in behind him. Craig Ball 328i Turbo). The rest of the top took the lead for the Class C cars six saw a familiar look of regular with Antonie Marx who got past protagonists with Rick Loureiro Oz Biagioni on the start. Gualtieri (Combined Racing/CPW/Tune took charge of Class D leading Neil Tech BMW E30 325is) lining up Reynolds and the rest of the field ahead of Jan Eversteyn (Bavaria through the first few corners. BMW E46 M3). Paulo Loureiro Rick retired on lap three with (Combined Racing/Tune Tech electrical issues which released from the incident but had to crawl Cochran (Arrow Automotive BMW entertainment throughout. Biagioni BMW E36 M3 GTS) qualifying in Paulo to chase after David Coetzee back to the pits which saw him lose E46 325ti) would see him getting made a good start but Marx sliced fifth place ahead of Willie Erasmus leaving Eversteyn having to work a few places. With 10 laps over past Reynolds to take the lead in his way through Class C early on (Big Boss Auto BMW E36 M3). hard to retain his position with the 2.4 km circuit backmarkers Class D. Cochran’ s car started to finish in the sixth position just Seventh place on the gird belonged Erasmus in close contention. A would always play their part in the overheating, forcing him to slow behind the Class C winner - despite to Craig Ball (Rock Solid Industries brilliant lap by Salvi Gualtieri saw proceedings. Although Coetzee down which allowed Reynolds to a broken left rear shock absorber. BMW E36 M3) who headed up him break out of Class D. However, could use this effectively to narrow get past to lead Class D. Further back Shane Grobler Class C ahead of Oz Biagioni (Bio a scary moment through turn 3 in the gap on Lorenzo, he could Lorenzo took the race and Class (Mayfair Gearbox BMW E36 M3) Pool Maintenance BMW E46 M3) the dying stages of the race sent however not get close enough to T win ahead of Class B winner finished in the seventh position. and Antonie Marx (Atomic Oil him spinning when a radiator hose challenge for the win. Coetzee. Paulo finished the race in Eversteyn managed to finish just in BMW E46). Renier Smith (Viking came off. Luckily, he recovered A brilliant performance by Troy overall third position; comfortably front of a hard-charging Lamprecht. ahead of Eversteyn and Erasmus. Trevor Long (Roof Surgeon/Big Sixth place went Ball’s way ahead Boss Auto BMW E36 M3) rounded of Marx; closely followed by out the top 10. Alan Hilligenn Biagioni. Shaun Lamprecht (Viking (BMW E36 328i) delivered a Mining Solutions BMW E36 318is brilliant performance to take Class Turbo) made his way past Smith D victory in the eleventh position early on to finish in ninth position; with Reynolds finishing behind treating the sizeable crowd to a bit him within striking distance. of sideways action in the process. The overall results are Smith held off Shane Grobler calculated by accumulating the (Mayfair Gearbox BMW E36 M3) championship points scored during for tenth. The Class D battle saw both races. In the event of a tie, the Reynolds finishing ahead of Troy accumulated time for both races are Cochran for the twelfth position. used as the deciding factor. Giessing finished the race in the In Class T it was Gualtieri who eighteenth position with Withers took the honours as sole entry. rounding out the results for the Class B saw Coetzee and Paulo 22 finishers. tied on points with Coetzee taking The second race saw an inverted the win due to his mammoth lead grid per Class made for an action- in the first race. It was a similar packed opening few laps. As sole situation for the third position with Class T runner Lorenzo was left to Erasmus rounding out the podium build up a five-second gap over the ahead of Eversteyn who finished rest of the field while the Class B a considerable margin behind the runners battled for position. Paulo Class B runners in the second race. made his way past both Erasmus It was a close call in Class C and Eversteyn to second place on with Biagioni and Marx tied on the opening lap and recorded his points with the split coming down fastest lap of the day. Eversteyn, to 0.284 of a second in the end Coetzee and Erasmus battled it with Biagioni taking the win. Ball out for the podium positions. took the final podium spot. A win Eversteyn’s car got stuck in fourth and second place saw Reynolds gear allowing Coetzee and Erasmus taking the Class D win with his to pass him and Coetzee then got performance also earning him the past Erasmus. It was however too Driver of the Day award. Hilligenn late for him to chase down Paulo finished in second place ahead that took full advantage at the start of Cochran. opening a 5-second gap. The battle in Class C provided Photos: RacePics