The Hurly round of the Women’s European Championship has now concluded at the Brno circuit, after a weekend of high-octane action!
The race weekend got underway with two free practice sessions on Friday, in which Natalia Resel Rivera (#2 Team Trasimeno) set the fastest time, a 2’21”245. She was followed by Polish riderPatrycja Sowa #14 and Italian Josephine Bruno (Gradara Corse). Rounding out the top five but almost a second behind were the two MotoXracing riders, Denise Dal Zotto #8 and Silvia Comincioli.
Saturday morning brought the two qualifying sessions and Race 1 at 6.30pm. During the morning’s first session, #2 proved to be the quickest on track, with a time of 2’21”471. Denise Dal Zotto andJosephine Bruno followed close behind. In Qualifying 2, which ran in the early afternoon, none of the front group was able to improve further, with the starting positions confirmed and Natalia Rivera therefore securing pole position. At 6.30pm it was time to race! After a scorching few minutes on the grid in very high temperatures, it was #14 who got away very well from third, immediately moving into the lead. But Rivera wasted no time in fighting back. There was very little her rivals could do as the Spaniard once again broke away and built a solid lead. The battle for second and third continued behind her. Sowa found herself fifth, at the back of the chasing group due to a technical problem, but she was ultimately able to make up ground and cross the line third, while Bruno finished a solid second. The top five was rounded out by Arianna Barale #41 and Denise dal Zotto #8, fourth and fifth respectively.
The conditions for Sunday’s race 2 were very different. At 11.20am the riders headed out on track in torrential rain. Making a fast start, Patrycja Sowa moved straight into first through the initial corners and dominated the race, showing real determination and building an 18-second lead over the chasing group. Demonstrating strong pace, Silvia Comincioli #93 and Josephine Bruno battled hard for second but in the end, it was #80 who had to settle for the bronze metal. Beatrice Barbera #94 and Denise Dal Zotto #8 rounded out the top five. It was a difficult race for championship leader Natalia Rivera, who crossed the line seventh.
The riders will be back at the Croatian track of Rijeka on 09-11August.
Natalia Rivera #2 – 1st Race 1
“It was a great race, we secured pole, and I can say that I’m very pleased to have taken the win!”
Josephine Bruno #80 – 2nd Race 1
“I tried my best right to the end, but Natalia was able to get away. I’m pleased anyway, because Brno is a very difficult track.”
Patrycja Sowa #14 – 3rd Race 1
“I’m pleased with third, I was hoping for more but I admit I’m really tired - it was a double round for me and so that meant double the sessions!”
Patrycja Sowa #14 – 1st Race 2
“I can’t believe it. It means so much for me to win with such a lead in the wet. This win is really important and I’m super happy!”
Silvia Comincioli #93 – 2nd Race 2
“I’m very pleased and excited! My first time in the wet, my first time at Brno and everything went really well! Thanks to my family, and to my team for all their hard work.”
Josephine Bruno #80 – 3rd Race 2
“The rain really shook things up. I had a technical problem that prevented me from fighting for the podium until the end. But I scored some important points for the championship anyway.”
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