Pescara, Italy – Great start for Solaris Motorsport in EuroV8 Series with three podiums in the two Monza races. A problem with the starter held Francesco Sini and his Camaro away from podium battle in Race 1, but in the afternoon “Ringhio” promptly redeemed himself with an excellent second place after leading most of the race. Two third-place finishes for Domenico Schiattarella, who sits now second in the points standings. Francesco Sini is third, one point behind his teammate.

The week end in Monza started with a great competitivity demonstration by the orange Chevrolets of the Notaresco-based team, a sign that the hard work made during the winter was efficient. Francesco Sini clocked the best lap in the second free practice, while Domenico Schiattarella closed his session in the Top 6. In qualifying, the two Solaris’ cars continued to be very fast with the a second row result for the Camaro and a third row for the Lumina.

Starting in third position, Francesco Sini was determined to score the first victory of the season with his muscle car, ushering in the best way the new era of V8 championship. Unfortunately, a problem with the starter on the grid of Race 1 vanished his dream of glory, forcing him to start from pit lane in last position. “Ringhio” Sini, respecting his nickname, made an incredible comeback from the bottom to the fifth position, with a great final overtake on Mugelli in the first corner. In Race 2, due to the reverse grid rule, Sini started fourth but, after a great start thanks to V8’s 500hp, in turn 1 he was already in first place. With Schiattarella in second position, Sini led most of the race, but he got some bad luck. The wheel arches were jammed in the front left wheel, forcing Sini to run slowly for some laps. The failure has cost him the lead of a race he dominated. However, under the checkered flag Sini was second, not too far from the leader Cheever, under pressure in the final laps.

“I’m real happy! It was a positive weekend, get three podiums out four is very encouraging for us for rest of the season. The problem in Race 1 was a pity, but at least I enjoyed myself to overtake a lot of cars and I hope I have entertained the people on the grandstands and in front of the TVs! From bottom to fifth, not bad! – commented Sini – Maybe i would win Race 2 but it’s ok. That’s racing. In Vallelunga I’ll try again!”

The former F1 driver Domenico Schiattarella was the other hero of the Solaris weekend. Starting fifth in Race 1, Mimmo in a very short span of time was alredy behind the uncatchable Mercedes, always a winning manufacturer in Monza in last years. Thanks to guile and experience, Schiattarella resisted for the whole race to the attacks of Audi and Bmw, finishing the race in a great third position repaying him and all the team for the efforts made to be in Monza. In Race 2, thanks to the reverse grid, the Lumina started sixth but in htefirst corner it was already second just behind its teammate’s Camaro, covering his shoulders by attacks of opponents and making a stunning job in the laps when Sin had the problem with the wheel. Only Cheever, on the Mercedes, was able to pass him, taking advantage of his more powerful engine on the main straightaway. Final third position for him, with both Solaris drivers on podium.

“I’m quite satisfied about the week end. Yeah, we may do something better, mainly in Race 2, but it’s ok. I’m sorry for the problem of Francesco in Race 1, because we could get both on podium both again. In Race 2 maybe we could have got a one-two, though i had to manage the degrade of tires in the final laps. However, the most important thing is that we were able to be competitive in all sessions. In Vallelunga we can do something better!” Schiattarella said.

An almost perfect weekend for Solaris Motorsport leaving Monza with three podiums and the consciousness to have two very competitive cars to do well for the rest of the season.

Roberto Sini, Solaris Team owner, said: “I’m very satisfied with how we starded the season: 3 podiums out of 4 possible repay all the hard work of the team! I’m happy about the Lumina performance, Mimmo has been able to show the big value of the car. It remains a bit of taste in the mouth for two issues on Camaro, that they deprived us a something better but we’ll try to do best in Vallelunga!”

It’s possibile to relive the entire Race 1 at this YouTube link http://goo.gl/uBgbDt, and Race 2 at http://goo.gl/WKgLdQ.

Next round of EuroV8 Series will be in Vallelunga on May 3rd and 4th.

Massimiliano Palumbo

Race 1

Race 2