2006 CIK-FIA WORLD CUP FORMULA A - ASIA PACIFIC ICA CHAMPIONSHIP SUZUKA (JAPAN), 28TH MAY 2006

WITTMANN CLIMBS ONTO THE HIGHEST STEP OF THE PODIUM

THE GERMAN DRIVER OF BIREL MOTORSPORT WINS THE 100 ICA; TRUELOVE ALSO MAKES IT ONTO THE PODIUM IN 3RD PLACE. IN THE WORLD CUP FA, CESETTI AND RISITANO FINISH IN 7TH AND 8TH PLACE

The race at Suzuka offered the umpteenth title to Birel, thanks to Marco Wittmann’s unblemished success in the 100 Ica. The German driver was in evidence for the whole weekend by conquering 3rd place at the end of the qualification legs, then gaining 2nd place in the Pre-Final behind Meters and in front of his team mates, Truelove and Millroy. At the green light of the Final, Wittmann immediately took the lead before Truelove and Millroy but had to surrender the lead in the 14th lap in favour of Meters, who had been following him close behind. But 2 laps before the end of the race, Wittmann once again took the lead and proceeded to pass the chequered flag first. The Birel team had conquered the Asia-Pacific title, another important victory both in terms of international prestige and the Asian market. Birel’s technology confirmed its position at the top of International karting and Marco Wittmann is also likely to be a firm favourite in his category at the European level. In Formula A’s World Cup on the other hand, Birel’s drivers reacted well after the difficulties encountered during the first trial of the European championship, as confirmed by the 3rd and 4th place achieved by Lancaster and Cesetti after the qualification legs. The British driver also won one leg and arrived among the top ten in the Pre-Final gaining 8th place overall despite an unlucky start. Cesetti followed immediately behind, whereas Risitano gained 12th place. In the Pre-Final, victory went to Koslinski who finished in front of Thonon. At the green light of the Pre-Final, Koslinski immediately took the lead in front of Bianchi, Thonon, Ardigò and Lancaster who had an excellent start. Risitano also started well and was 7th at the first transit, in front of Christodolulo, Forè and Cesetti. Despite having a good chance of conquering the podium, Lancaster’s race was once again tainted by bad luck when, during the fourth lap, he touched Catt resulting in his losing several positions and subsequently breaking the engine when attempting to climb uphill. While the top positions remain the same with Koslinki’s victory, Cesetti and Risitano ended the race in 7th and 8th place respectively. The next venue for International karting will be the 4th trial at Sarno on 17th and 18th June.