Gianni Morbidelli leads Honda 1-2 in second free practice
Gianni Morbidelli was fastest in the second free practice session at Imola, Italy at the wheel of his Honda Civic TCR. The local hero was almost three tenths quicker than new WestCoast Racing team-mate Mikhail Grachev, the Russian showing impressive progress compared to his previous spell at Liqui Moly Team Engstler. Stefano Comini made a last gasp improvement to complete the top three in the Leopard Racing Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.
Pepe Oriola, who had set the pace in the first session in his Craft-Bamboo Lukoil SEAT, was fourth ahead of younger brother Jordi, who beached his Target Competition Honda Civic TCR in the gravel at Villeneuve while leading early in the session. Alain Menu was sixth in the WestCoast Racing Honda, less than a tenth quicker than Liqui Moly Team Engstler’s Davit Kajaia, however the Georgian was black flagged for repeatedly ignoring track limits.
Jean-Karl Vernay improved massively on his first free practice pace, finishing eighth in the Leopard Racing Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, with Attila Tassi ninth in his B3 Racing SEAT. Jordi Gené completed the top ten, the Spaniard having to park his Liqui Moly Team Engstler Golf out of Villeneuve due to a technical issue. Dusan Borkovic managed to get back out on track after issues stopped him in the first session, but could perform no more than an installation lap.
Besides Kajaia being disqualified, BD Racing’s Carlotta Fedeli also received a warning due to track limits infringements. Alain Menu and Davit Kajaia both had an off at Tamburello, whereas Stefano Comini slid out of Villeneuve and just managed to save his Golf. The Swiss still hit the wall but came out with only minor scratches on the bonnet of the car.
Qualifying will start at 11.30 CET.
