Zeller extends his lead with a win and a comeback

Round 05: Austria Formula Cup – Monza (ITA)

The fifth round of the Austria Formula Cup season at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza offered spectators everything that characterises this historic high-speed circuit: spectacular slipstream duels, challenging weather conditions and numerous battles for position. Following a turbulent Sprint Race featuring a red flag and a rain-affected Feature Race, Sandro Zeller (SUI / Jo Zeller Racing) was able to further extend his lead in the championship.

Sprint Race: Perego wins after a turbulent start
The Sprint Race was marred by a serious incident immediately after the start. Laurence Balestrini came to a standstill as the start lights went out and was hit by Arthur Lorimier. At the same time, there was another violent crash at the back of the field after Giuseppe Marinaro also came to a standstill at the start. Domenico Terron was unable to swerve out of the way and collided with the Italian’s car. Race control subsequently brought the race to a halt with a red flag. Both drivers received medical attention, but fortunately serious injuries were largely ruled out. After the restart behind the safety car, an exciting race unfolded. Riccardo Perego (ITA / Corbetta Racing) seized his chance and took the lead. Sandro Zeller, who had dropped back to 17th place due to the chaos at the start, then staged an impressive comeback. With numerous overtaking manoeuvres, the Swiss driver worked his way back into the leading group. Around ten minutes before the end of the race, Andrea Benalli (ITA / Puresport) suffered a bitter setback. The Italian spun at the Parabolica; although he was able to continue the race, he dropped from second place to the back of the field and eventually finished in 14th place. A few minutes later, Stig Larsen (DEN / G Motorsport) also got stuck in the gravel after running wide at the Parabolica. The resulting safety car period meant there were no further changes at the front. Riccardo Perego thus celebrated a much-celebrated home victory ahead of Kurt Böhlen (SUI / Jo Zeller Racing), Sandro Zeller (SUI / Jo Zeller Racing) and Christof Ledermann (SUI / Franz Wöss Racing). Whilst Zeller picked up vital championship points with his comeback, Benalli and Larsen suffered a bitter setback in the title race after having been in promising positions.

Feature Race: Zeller remains in command even in the rain
On Sunday, Monza showed a completely different side to itself. Rain shortly before the start created difficult conditions, meaning the race initially began with several laps behind the safety car. Once the race was given the green light, pole-setter Sandro Zeller immediately took control of the field and pulled away at the front. Despite the difficult track conditions, the Swiss driver remained error-free and did not let himself be rattled by a further safety car phase following Markus Leidinger’s retirement. At the restart, Zeller confidently defended his lead and celebrated his third win of the season. Behind the leader, a thrilling battle for the podium places unfolded. Andrea Benalli (ITA / Puresport) made an impressive comeback following his disappointing Sprint Race and secured vital championship points by finishing second. Riccardo Perego (ITA / Corbetta Racing) confirmed his strong form with third place and was delighted to secure another podium finish following his victory on Saturday. Kurt Böhlen (SUI / Jo Zeller Racing) rounded off the top four with a convincing performance in fourth place.

Championship: Zeller extends his lead at the top of the standings
Following the race weekend at Monza, Sandro Zeller (SUI / Jo Zeller Racing) now leads the overall standings with 157 points and has further extended his lead. Michael Fischer (AUT / Red Rose Racing by LRT) holds second place in the standings with 92 points, but is ahead of Andrea Benalli (ITA / Puresport) – who also has 92 points to his name – solely on the basis of better results. Stig Larsen (DEN / Franz Wöss Racing + G Motorsport) consolidates fourth place with 69 points, whilst Christof Ledermann (SUI / Franz Wöss Racing) occupies fifth place with 62 points. With his victory in the Sprint Race, Riccardo Perego (ITA / Corbetta Racing) moves up to seventh in the championship and, like Zeller and Benalli, underlines that the battle for the top places in the remaining races of the season promises to deliver more top-class motorsport.