Round 1 – Italy, (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola)

The defending champion, Adrian Manduca (Alfa Romeo) showcased his unrivaled skill and experience to secure a remarkable victory in the midst of unpredictable weather conditions in the first race of V1 Malta Series Main Championship Season 6.

The first qualifying left everyone stunned as one of the youngest drivers, Daniel Cini (Red Bull) took his first ever pole position in front of Matthias Farrugia (Alpine) by 0.124s, with Adrian Manduca (Alfa Romeo) just 0.004s behind. 

The drama began before the race started, as heavy rain took over the track making it a difficult season start. Drivers struggled to find their braking point, but despite all the chaos of drivers going wide and spinning, Cini maintained his lead. At around lap 6, the rain started to settle down, so some drivers risked their current position by entering the pits for Intermediate tyres. This gamble worked, as they managed to overtake many drivers that stayed with the Extreme Wet tyres. The safety car was deployed in the perfect time as the track dried up. Manduca gained a position by overtaking Bonello in the pits. In the final few laps, Adrian Manduca (Alfa Romeo) used his experience to pressure Cini which in the final three laps, Manduca managed to overtake him and escape into victory with the fastest lap. On the last lap, Cini went wide and exceeded track limits for which he received a penalty that dropped him out of the podium. His effort was still recognized as he was awarded the Driver of the Day award. Brandon Bonello (Ferrari) got promoted to second place and Matthias Farrugia (Alpine) in third.

Stay in touch with us next Monday at 9pm on the Velocity Esports Racing Facebook or YouTube page for the first round of Tier 2 and in two weeks’ time for the next round of the V1 Malta Series Main Championship.