First podium in the Slovakia's round of FIA WTCC for an Alberto Cerqui in sensible growth 30.04.2012: Three apprenticeship rounds have been enough for Alberto Cerqui to get the first podium in FIA

Three apprenticeship rounds have been enough for Alberto Cerqui to get the first podium in FIA WTCC. The young driver from Brescia, 19 years of age, has been among the main protagonists of the Slovakian round of the world touring cars championship, the fourth of the season, where he has been one of the best of BMW drivers in race one.


Qualifying envisaged that Cerqui was ready to aim to top positions. For the first time in Q2, the Superstars Series Italian reigning champion, aimed to the tenth place that was worth the pole position in race two, but he finished twelfth instead (2'15.288).


A good start in race one allowed the ROAL Motorsport's driver to gain three positions. The successive laps lived a long battle with Stefano d'Aste (BMW), with the latter being overtaken by Cerqui during lap eight, a position that was promoted to fourth place due to the retirement of some rivals. The champion from Brescia crossed the line in fourth position, best of the BMW drivers and second in the Yokohama Drivers' Trophy.


Positive was also the outcome of race two. At the standing start, Cerqui got the most out of the traction of his BMW ending lap one in tenth position. His recover continued flawless in the following laps and he stabilized in P8 during lap four, keeping the place until the chequered flag; this result awarded him with the fourth place in the Yokohama Drivers' Trophy and with some points in the world championship.


Alberto Cerqui: "After three difficult rounds my first positive weekend in WTCC eventually arrived. Getting in Q2 has been an important signal: the tenth place, that would have given me the pole position of race two, was well at my reach but I made some little mistakes in my fastest lap that made me end a few positions back. 


My car was really well balanced in the races and it allowed me to keep easily a good rhythm, which confirms that I am working in the right direction with the team's engineers.The first podium in the Yokohama Trophy renewed the enthusiasm within the team and I cannot wait to get again on track in Budapest in a week time, where I hope I can aim again to a good result".


Cerqui is currently fifth in the Yokohama Drivers' Trophy at 25 points, 13 lenghts short of the fourth place. The FIA WTCC will be back on track next weekend in Budapest (H).


 
       -Alberto Brojanigo  -   also photo