CIK–FIA SICC WORLD CUP - ICC (ROUND 3) AND JUNIOR (FINAL) EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - SARNO (ITALY), SEPTEMBER 2nd/3rd/4th, 2005

125 ICC: BIREL SUCCEEDS WITH ERIK JANIS

The positive tradition and competitiveness of Birel chassis in the Icc category is confirmed also by the 2005 season: Erik Janis, of the team Birel Joka – Charouz, was already crowned champion after Race 1, thanks to his second placement and to the great margin he had gained in the previous races (Angerville and Mariembourg). The Czech driver was the fastest in all the three events of the continental championship, and claimed a success that places him rightfully among the big drivers of the 125cc class. Next year he will take part in the Sicc alongside the great names of the World Cup, and you can bet he will be able to reach the top. As he did during the whole weekend in Sarno, from the qualifiers up to the two scheduled races. After the heats, the Birel driver had achieved the fifth place, having won as many as two times. Only Bleek, who won the pole position, and Maillard, Albertini and Spirgel, who came respectively 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, did better than Janis. We have also to report the fine performances of Birel drivers Principe and Frasnelli, who were 6th and 7th after the heats. In Race 1, Janis took mostly care of the title, reaching soon the second place and controlling his direct opponents. A wisely conducted race, without taking risks and also favoured by his team-mate Spirgel, who reached Janis’s back and followed him until the finishing line. The chequered flag went to Bleek, with Janis second and mathematically European Champion. Frenchman Spirgel arrived behind Janis after an excellent race, adding more Birel-red to the podium. The other Frenchman, Lavanant, finished 12th, while a scrimmage slowed down both Principe and Frasnelli. In Race 2, Bleek repeated himself, as did Janis, once again second and once again on the podium. Albertini finished third, while Principe ran a very good race making it up to the 8th placement immediately in front of his team-mate Lavanant.

REPORT ON THE RACES: