The EFRA GP took place at a great track in Lisabon which is also the host for the WC in 1/10 200mm next year. This race was an excellent opportunity to not only compete and try to make the best result, race but also to test the car for the 2008 Worlds.
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I started practice on Thursday with the Sirio team and I got a lot of help and info from these guys so my car was very good right from the beginning. The car handled very well but it needed some chassis changes compared to the one I normally use in North of Europe. The front diff was the best solution for this race while I did a lot of tests with the solid axle, but the car was more consistent and faster with the diff. The temperature and traction was not at the level as it will be at the World Championship, but the feeling of the car was good so I am confident and very anxious.
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When we started qualifying I had a good feeling, my car was perhaps not the fastest in a single lap but was so easy to drive. I won the first 4 rounds of qualifying, but Tironi from Kyosho/Sirio had a good run in the 5th round and beat my TQ by only 0.1sec, so it was very close. I hoped I could improve in the last qualifying but I made a mistake in the warm-up and damage the car, so it was not possible for me to improve. However, I actually clocked the fastest lap at the event - 19.3sec.
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I stared in 2nd starting position in the final, took the lead in the first corner and lead for 3 minutes. I made a small mistake which was enough for Tironi to take the lead again. We ran very closely for the next 7min when I tried to overtake Tironi but I hit a curb and my car went on its roof... I was then 1 lap down. I was faster and started to gain on the leader, so after 20min I was in front again. I stayed in that position to the end and crossed the finish line in 1st place, taking home the victory. I was very happy and satisfy for taking the overall win and trophy of EFRA GP winner for Team XRAY.
Final results:
1. Martin Christensen XRAY NT1
2. Bruno Coelho
3. Francesco Tironi
4. Joao Malveiro
5. Paulo Santos
I would like to take this opportunity and to thank to my sponsors: XRAY, HUDY, SIRIO, and ENNETI.
