Had a 2nd place in the Championship before this race, but only 2 points ahead of Bob. Thus worrying when he posted having done a 1:59 lap, as I had not yet breached the 2-minute barrier
Tried all I could to get the Abarth faster. Removed toe-in front & rear, and overinflated the tyres, in an attempt to reduce rolling resistance. Not even sure if it's modelled, but had to try something. Later also firmed up the shocks & arb a notch, as it seemed to work better for me. Whether because of this, or simply because of the added practice gained when testing it, I was finally able to do sub-2-minute times, culminating in a 1:59.2. Thus all set for an exiting race with Bob, so felt a bit like a deflating balloon, when he announced that he wouldn't be able to attend
Next one behind him was 26 points after me, so even with a win (entirely likely, as it was Ziu), I only needed 5 points to keep my 2nd place. Bar a DNF, that should be possible, even on a bad day.
Surprised to be the fastest Abarth on the grid - with Geoffers around, I surely expected him to run with that honour. Equally surprised to find most of the Abarths I had outqualified, practically queuing up to pass me on the run to the first curve. Thus both Geoff & John got past. Btw, even though they quickly regained their positions, it was great fun jumping the Minis ahead at the start
Latched onto John and managed to get past on the entry to Parabolica. Saw John's car twitch and then he went into the gravel. Worried of contact between us, but as I didn't feel anything, I continued. Replay thankfully confirmed that he was a victim of snap oversteer.
Chased after Ziu, who chased after Geoffers over the early laps, while behind me, Clive's Skoda got replaced by Bill's Mini. Then Ziu lost control exiting Lesmo, slamming into the hedge. As always difficult to predict where his car would end up, and I was lucky to narrowly avoid him. Continued chasing Geoffers, but not making any inroads. Bill did however, and nothing I could do to prevent him catching and ultimately passing me. Next event was Kai going off at Parabolica, so I gained a place. Next lap however, it was my turn. Momentarily lost focus at Parabolica and couldn't make the turn. As I was digging myself out, Kai & Clive came zipping past. Nothing to do about Kai, but Clive I could reel in again over the following lap, with a bit of slipstreaming. Side by side towards Parabolica. Did my best 'demon braking' impersonation. Really too late, so car did a coquettish twitch with the rear. Luckily didn't hit Clive, as a nudge would most likely have sent him into the gravel. Thus regained my 5th, which held to the end. On the final 3 laps, my car became pure poison on the entry to Parabolica. Rear lashed out violently on my downshifts. Maybe a result of my missing toe-in, coupled with ever so slight tyre wear ? Barely kept it under control, and hardly dared downshift on the last lap
Grats to the podium, especially Bill
Grats also to Geoffers on the Championship
Very surprised to be 2nd myself, as I have had so many problems in this series.
Thanks to Tony, Merry Christmas to all.
Cheers,
Erling
