Friday, May 16, 2014

EuroV8 Series: After thrilling 1-2-3 at Vallelunga, Audi Sport Italia drivers brace up for Mugello


Audi Sport Italia Press Release

  • Thomas Kostka, Davide Stancheris aim to close gap from series leader
  • Ermanno Dionisio pledges to continue streak of awesome outings
Scarperia, Italy – The V8 circus is headed for Tuscany, two years removed from from the last appearance at the scenic Mugello venue. Several things have changed since, but not the penchant for nail-biting racing that is EuroV8 Series trademark, as the riveting show performed by the three Audis in Vallelunga race two confirmed. However, taking into account the previous Mugello meetings, next Sunday is unlikely to offer the perfect backdrop for another quattro-fest. Tomas Kostka, Davide Stancheris and Ermanno Dionisio, who finished race two in this order, are likely to find themselves in a position pretty familiar to Audi drivers back in 2013: toiling on Saturday -- but rallying as race day beckons. The Tuscan track features the longest straight line in the V8 schedule, therefore the sizeable capacity of beefier engines will play a role in sorting out race one grid. Moreover, M3s fairly balanced chassis will boost the performance of Bimmer drivers, who have yet to post their maiden 2014 win.
If anything, Audi Sport Italia can be positive on the different tilt of the current Balance of Performance concept: with the old BoP in place Kostka, Stancheris and Dionisio would be certainly facing a crackdown on their car performance after the 1-2-3 in Rome. But this time out the Nibbiola, Piedmont-based outfit is not gearing up for a second leg of performance shrinking after the one that predated Vallelunga. As a matter of fact, keeping in mind the past unfriendliness of Mugello to Audi, RS 5s will stick to the same minimum weight as in Vallelunga, but the crew will be able to trim their ride height to 75mm from 90 in Rome. The cars air restrictors will be gauged at 85mm. This host of measures possibly will not make of Audi drivers the best bet in Tuscany, but will give them chance to work out a game plan that may see them bide their time until tyre fatigue comes into play. Kostka and Stancheris hope to leverage on this in order to get closer to series' leader Francesco Sini, whereas Dionisio, who joined them in Rome, looks forward to keep intact the streak of amazing performances that he has put in since he stepped in the RS 5 at the 2013 Superstars finale. Photo credit: Audi Sport Italia