Blaszka Blazes, Hallikäär Hobbles: Fuel Fiasco Ends Title Hopes in Portugal
Race Report — Portugal Circuito das Caldas
By Murray Ledger, Pitwall Times
Welcome to the late stages of the season, where title dreams start to die — sometimes quietly, sometimes in a puff of embarrassment and an empty fuel tank. The eighth round of the championship at Portugal’s tight, high-speed Circuito das Caldas brought plenty of action, but none more decisive than the moment Bilal Hallikäär coasted to a halt, stone dry, on lap 11. From a front-row start to walking distance from the pits — it was a disaster, and likely the final nail in the coffin for his title hopes.
Meanwhile, K. Blaszka continued his one-man masterclass. The Polish driver for Japan Super Mirafiori Race added another flawless performance to his growing legend — pole position, total control, and a race win without a single scare. That’s win number six, and with it, 133 points in the standings. Unless something catastrophic happens in the final two rounds, Blaszka’s got one hand — maybe two — on the driver’s trophy.
The Circuito das Caldas, with its blend of speed, cornering demands, and tight pit infrastructure, was always going to challenge teams. But Blaszka and his side of the garage didn’t blink. Three smooth stops on medium tires, a string of 1:54 laps, and a 6-second gap over the field made the win look effortless. But behind him, things were anything but.
Daniil Viirok delivered a quietly excellent race to finish second, managing hard tires well and maximizing what his UK Team Destroyers machine had to offer. Jamie Elcock, his teammate, took third, marking another strong result in what’s been a consistent (if not title-threatening) campaign. Elcock and Viirok now sit fourth and fifth in the standings, both within striking distance of third overall.
Italy’s Gianmatteo Pasqui took fourth after showing strong pace early on, but he never quite got the clean air or perfect pit timing to crack the podium. He now holds third in the standings with 67 points, but will need something special in the final rounds to keep it from becoming a Blaszka victory lap.
Geoff Abbot brought it home in fifth for ElMayoGPTeam, a decent salvage after a frustrating qualifying. And Dave O’Callaghan, wrestling an inconsistent Arun Racing car all season, finished sixth — steady, if not spectacular, and now sits seventh in the standings.
Further back, I Pasek Tabrani worked his way up to seventh, having started from deep in the grid. A clean drive and well-managed mediums brought him ahead of a gaggle of underperforming midfielders. Brazil’s A. Ribeiro Machado finished eighth but never looked like a threat to anyone above him — the soft tire gamble simply didn’t pay off.
The bottom half of the field was a rotating circus of tire degradation, pit lane chaos, and bad decisions. Portugal’s de Sousa Coutinho added local heartbreak by spinning out just two laps from the end. Austria, meanwhile, had a weekend to forget — both Eidler and Schachinger exited early with errors and no pace to show for their time on track.
But let’s talk about the man of the moment — for all the wrong reasons. Bilal Hallikäär, who started second and had outside hopes of clawing back the points gap to his teammate, ran out of fuel. In lap 11. In a title fight. In a world championship-level series. The pit wall will no doubt issue a formal apology, a full analysis, and perhaps a GPS tracker for their fuel cap. But the damage is done. Hallikäär now trails Blaszka by 42 points, with only 50 left on the table. Mathematically alive? Technically. Realistically? He’ll need divine intervention and for Blaszka’s car to spontaneously combust twice.
Japan Super Mirafiori Race still leads the constructors’ standings with 224 points, comfortably ahead of ElMayoGPTeam (147) and Team Destroyers (123). The team’s dominance has been built on Blaszka’s relentless form, and with Hallikäär's implosion, they’re effectively a one-driver wrecking ball now.
Two races to go. The championship may not be wrapped up officially, but if Portugal showed us anything, it’s that one driver has fuel, form, and focus — and the rest are just trying to catch up.
After K. Blaszka’s dominant win and Hallikäär’s… unscheduled jog back to the garage, I caught up with Japan Super Mirafiori’s team boss, Philip E., who was pacing around the paddock chain-smoking a cigar and scowling like someone had just insulted his gearbox ratios.
Pitwall Times: Philip, another dominant win for Blaszka. Must be pleased?
Philip E.: "Pleased? Yeah, of course I’m pleased. When your driver drives like a bloody machine and doesn’t ask stupid questions on the radio every five minutes, things work. He says, ‘Tires are fine,’ we say, ‘Copy,’ and boom — he wins. That’s how it should be. It's not rocket science. It’s racing."
Pitwall Times: And Hallikäär… ran out of fuel. What happened there?
Philip E.: (sighs, throws hands up)
"What happened? We forgot to feed the car! It’s a car, not a camel. You don’t just hope it survives 54 laps on wishes and unicorn juice. It’s embarrassing. He was on for a podium, maybe more — and we send him out with half a tank like it’s a school run. Honestly, I thought I was running a race team, not a bloody IKEA delivery van service."
Pitwall Times: Does this end his title bid?
Philip E.: "Oh yeah. For him? Done. Kaput. Over. He can still race, maybe win something if he doesn’t run out of tires next time — or air. But the championship? Blaszka’s already halfway to carving his name on the trophy. Unless he forgets how to drive or we somehow put diesel in the car next week, it’s his now."
Pitwall Times: Confidence seems high for the final two rounds…
Philip E.: "Look, we’re not popping champagne yet — I’m not an idiot — but if the rest of the grid wants to catch us, they better start by showing up with a full tank."
Classic Philip. No sugar-coating, no nonsense — just fast cars, full fuel loads, and blisteringly honest opinions.
Sunday 10:17 pm
Blaszka Snatches Cheminiere Win as Hallikäär Dozes, Principal Enjoys Nap
Pitwall Times Race Report – Cheminiere ...
By Murray Ledger
Some circuits demand finesse. Some demand power. France's Cheminiere, on the other hand, demands nothing. It’s a 4.66-kilometre ribbon of mildness, where cornering isn’t crucial, speed is optional, and handling is just a polite suggestion. A track with the personality of lukewarm soup, then—perfect for an absolutely bonkers Grand Prix.
We arrived with K. Blaszka sitting pretty on pole by just 0.023s over the ever-persistent B. Hallikäär, both evidently preparing to duel for more than just French bragging rights. With the track more forgiving than a Labrador and overtaking notoriously tricky, you’d think Lap 1 would be a procession. Think again.
Before the first wine cork could pop in the paddock, Hallikäär had launched himself past Blaszka like a man possessed, opening up nearly a second gap by the end of Lap 1. Pasqui in third looked interested, but only in a “if-the-front-two-explode-I-might-win” sort of way. Elcock, Abbot, and Viirok, all on medium tyres, ran a waiting game that would eventually pay dividends—or at least a discount voucher.
While the early laps delivered the usual tyre chess, pit strategies quickly turned this tranquil French affair into a full-blown soap opera. Blaszka, perhaps fueled by equal parts rage and Red Bull, went for a 4-stop strategy, leaving many pitwall engineers sobbing quietly into their spreadsheets. Yet somehow, it worked.
Come the final lap—Lap 61, if anyone was counting—it all came to a head. Hallikäär, who’d led the early charge and had been lurking in the mirrors like a tax audit, made his move at Sector 1. But in classic Cheminiere fashion, his overtake attempt fizzled like a damp firecracker. Blaszka, cool as a cucumber in a walk-in fridge, had already snuck past at the start/finish line just moments earlier in what turned out to be the decisive move. Timing, as they say, is everything. Hallikäär tried to respond, but his attempt was as effective as using a baguette as a sword.
And just like that, Blaszka took the win—and possibly the driver’s title—by defending like a man who’d just been told his bonus depended on it. Hallikäär crossed the line a sulky second, and Pasqui completed the podium somewhere in the same time zone.
Further back, the midfield and rear runners appeared to be reenacting a slow-motion parade. G. Abbot and D. Viirok ran the long game on hard tyres and finished fourth and fifth respectively, separated only by the kind of margin that makes you question their career choices. As for O'Callaghan, Dupiré, Ali, and poor Tabrani—they finished somewhere behind the concept of hope.
Post-race, we caught up with Philip E., team principal of Super Mirafiori, whose drivers somehow managed to finish the race without violating any laws of physics—just the laws of entertainment.
His thoughts?
“Oh, the race is already ended? I thought we were just finishing Lap 20 or something. Honestly, I had a lovely nap. Woke up, saw the car still running, so that’s a win. I mean, Cheminiere? It’s like watching paint dry—on a cold day. You put in a strategy, you hope nobody parks it in a wall, and you wait. What can I say, the coffee was good, the chairs were comfortable, and the race? Eh. It happened. Now let’s go somewhere where the track actually wants to race back.”
Words to live by.
Onward to somewhere—anywhere—less sleepy.
July 6, 2025 07:32 pm
Team Destroyer does it where Super Mirafiori fails in bad and worse luck
Pitwall Times Race Report
Germany Fürst A – 50 Laps
By Murray Ledger
The Germany Fürst A circuit, notorious for chewing through tires and guzzling fuel, delivered a punishing, heart-stopping race that tested every ounce of skill and nerve.
Right from the start, Poland’s K. Blaszka blasted off the line, holding a tight lead while Micronesia’s B. Hallikäär — driving for Super Mirafiori — stalked him closely, throwing down fierce lap after lap on soft tires. Estonia’s D. Viirok and the UK’s J. Elcock from Team Destroyer fought hard behind, already playing a tactical game of pit stops and tire management.
By lap 10, the early pit window opened, and Hallikäär took the gamble on a fresh set of softs, hoping to undercut Blaszka’s lead. But Blaszka was relentless on mediums, refusing to surrender a millisecond. Meanwhile, behind them, the battle for P3-P6 was an intense chess match, with drivers swapping positions by tenths of seconds every lap.
Disaster struck on lap 21 when Dieudonné Lama crashed violently at sector three — the car shredded and sparks flying. The safety car slammed onto the track, freezing the action and setting off a frenzy of pit stops. Teams scrambled, hoping to gain track position during the slow laps. Hallikäär took advantage and jumped to the front, with Viirok and Elcock right behind him — all within a heartbeat of each other.
The restart was chaos. Hallikäär’s charge faltered as his tires started to degrade quickly, while Team Destroyer’s Elcock and Viirok pounced, slicing through the field with surgical precision. Meanwhile, the Belgian ElMayoGP Team’s Pasqui and Abbot fought a brutal midfield war, inches apart and refusing to yield.
Lap 34 brought more drama as Habib Amer’s tire catastrophically blew on the main straight, sending his car careening into the barriers. Another safety car, another reset. The track was littered with tension as teams recalculated their strategy.
With just 10 laps left, Hallikäär stormed back, showing why he was a threat all day — charging like a man possessed to reclaim the lead. But then, cruel fate intervened again. Just before the final lap, his car began to falter. Missing crucial parts in the pit lane meant a last-minute stop and a heartbreaking DNF for Super Mirafiori’s best shot at victory.
That left Elcock in front, cool under pressure and managing his tires to perfection. Viirok backed him up, with Blaszka hanging on to a hard-fought P3. Team Destroyer emerged with a killer performance — solid, relentless, and perfectly timed — much to the delight of their manager Adam Eggbeer, who surely was grinning from ear to ear.
Post-Race Interview with Philip E., principal of Super Mirafiori
Q: Philip, this must be infuriating. What the fuck happened to Hallikäär in those last laps?
Philip E.: Jesus fucking Christ, it’s the worst kind of bullshit. We had him in the bloody bag. The guy was flying, fighting back like a fucking warrior, and then the car just starts falling apart. Missing parts? How the hell does that even happen at this level? I don’t give a shit if it’s logistics, suppliers, or whatever — it’s a fucking joke. We were robbed. Absolutely fucked over.
Q: How did the safety car phases affect your race strategy?
Philip E.: Those fucking safety cars? They threw everything into chaos. The first one came at the worst time for us — just as Lama smashed up his car, bam, safety car. We tried to gamble, make moves in the pit stops, but this track’s brutal on tires, and everyone was playing a game of Russian roulette. Then the second safety car after Amer’s blowout... it felt like we got pushed around by fate itself. No one can prepare for this shit.
Q: So what now? What’s next for Super Mirafiori after this clusterfuck?
Philip E.: Next? We fix the fucking mess. No more excuses, no more missing parts, no more fuck-ups. We’ve got the talent, but if the car doesn’t come together and the team can’t deliver, we’re just spinning our wheels in the mud. I’m pissed off, yes — but goddamn it, we’re coming back harder, and we won’t get screwed over like this again. Fuck anyone who doubts it.
A race filled with guts, glory, and heartbreak — and a brutal reminder that in motorsport, sometimes the worst enemy isn’t the other drivers, but the merciless hand of bad luck and broken machines.
June 29, 2025 06:31 pm
Super Mirafiori Samba Their Way to Total Domination in Brazil
Pitwall Times – Brazil GP at Maneira
By Murray Ledger
Super Mirafiori Race delivered a masterclass in domination at the Maneira Grand Prix, a track known for its high-speed flow and samba-like rhythm. But while the Brazilian sun baked the 4.7-kilometer circuit, the real heat came from Blaszka and Hallikäär, who made the rest of the field look like they were driving rental cars.
From lights out to the chequered flag, K. Blaszka was untouchable. Hallikäär followed in formation — a clean one-two that wasn’t just impressive, it was clinical. Not even the chaos brought on by Majstrovic’s crash and the resulting safety car phase could derail their momentum. They lost over a minute during the caution period, yet restarted like it never happened and instantly rebuilt the gap.
The rest of the field scrambled for leftovers. ElMayoGPTeam’s Abbot and Pasqui showed brief signs of life, but were outgunned. Arun Racing clung on with a bit of midfield consistency, but without a hope of threatening the front. Guest drivers filled the grid like carnival dancers who’d missed rehearsal — lively, colourful, but ultimately just background noise.
Perhaps the most frustrating headline came before the race even began. Team Destroyer, tipped to shake things up, failed to complete a single lap in qualifying. With both cars missing the race, any potential threat to the top vanished before it even started.
After the race, I caught up with Philip E., the ever-outspoken team boss of G-Power-BMW Racing.
“They drove off like they were in a different bloody league,” he said, sunglasses still crooked from a pit wall outburst. “This wasn’t domination — this was bullying. We’re out here trying to find two tenths per lap and those guys are out there gaining half a minute just by breathing.”
When asked about his team’s development for next season, he didn’t mince words. “We’re already working on next year’s car because clearly this year’s one is built from recycled supermarket trolleys. We need grip. We need power. Hell, we need a miracle — or a regulation change.”
On the no-show from Team Destroyer, his answer came with a bitter laugh. “Look, I’ve seen teams implode, but not even showing up? That’s a new one. Maybe their simulator crashed. Maybe they mistook Thursday for Sunday. Who knows.”
As for the overall state of the competition, he leaned in, voice lower but no less sharp. “It’s not a championship if one team is in another timezone. Someone’s got to step up. Because if Super Mirafiori keeps this up, we’ll all be racing for silver.”
With 67 laps completed and only Super Mirafiori smiling, the rest of the paddock heads to the next round bruised, beaten, and praying for rain — or divine intervention.
June 15, 2025 09:50 pm
Speed, Spins & Stupidity: The Merial Meltdown
Race Report — United States Merial Speedway, Round 3
By Murray Ledger for Pitwall Times
Where the fuckin’ race took place? In the southeastern dump known as Merial Speedway, USA — a 5.337 km stretch of tarmac that’s about as technical as a brick but demands one thing: raw balls and speed. Twelve corners, long straights, and a pitlane so damn long it’s basically a torture chamber for the crews. Tiny pitboxes too, so forget fancy strategies — it’s survival of the fastest and the least stupid.
Super Mirafiori Race rolled in like the big bad wolves of this circus, locking out the front row with Bilal Hallikäär from Micronesia on pole and Karol Blaszka of Poland right behind him. Hallikäär looked set to steamroll the competition with a qualifying lap of 1:43.172 — blistering pace, brutal speed. But speed without brains? That’s a recipe for disaster.
Over the 55 laps, Hallikäär was clearly the quicker bastard on the track. Faster in every sector, smoother when it counted. Except for those “stupid spins” — and that’s putting it mildly. The guy managed to turn his own race into a tragic comedy, careening off like a man possessed by bad luck and worse decisions. Each spin ripped away any hope of a clean win, handing the race to Blaszka on a silver platter.
Blaszka didn’t have to be the fastest—he just had to not be an idiot. Which he wasn’t. Steady, ruthless, and without a single spin, he took the checkered flag with a time of 1:37:39.438, 8.3 seconds ahead of the fallen speed demon.
Behind them, Belgium’s ElMayoGPTeam shuffled in like well-behaved children, Filip Lauwers and Gianni Pasqui claiming the podium but far enough back to avoid the mess upfront. The rest of the field, a motley crew of mid-pack also-rans, just happy to see the end without crashing.
Merial Speedway is a speed freak’s paradise — and a nightmare for anyone who thinks racing is about finesse. With those brutal straights, it punishes mistakes like a drill sergeant on steroids. Long pitlane? Strategy boils down to: “Stop as little as humanly possible or die trying.”
The real show? The drivers’ championship. Hallikäär’s flair and spins make him the wildcard; Blaszka’s cold precision marks him as the steady assassin. Who’ll break first? Who’ll crack under the pressure? It’s a tightrope walk over a pit full of hungry sharks.
I cornered Philip Eder, Super Mirafiori’s manager — think Günther Steiner with a bit less charm and a whole lot more grumble:
Murray Ledger: “Philip, your guy Hallikäär was faster, but spun his way out of it. What’s your take?”
Philip Eder: “Look, racing’s messy. Karol kept it together, that’s what counts. Bilal? Yeah, he fucked up. Shit happens. We bagged the points. Next season’s the real test — Division 1’s no joke. Good luck to the others, they’re gonna need every ounce of it.”
So there it is. Merial Speedway might not be the smartest track on the calendar, but it sure exposes the weak. The season’s just starting to simmer, and the championship fight is shaping up to be as much about surviving your own demons as beating the competition.
And America? Well, the land of tech, fast food, and questionable decisions has once again offered us a race. Not a thriller, but a reminder: sometimes the fast guy doesn’t win — the smart one does. Or at least the one who doesn’t crash.
June 9, 2025 09:44 am
Division 1 - Week 5 - race summary
DISCLAIMER: this is an AI experiment, i appreciate every comment, if you like it, if you would add other informations, if it's too long or too short... anything you think about it.
Qualification Recap
Qualifying took place on a wet track, with Egypt’s R. Farag (Mexico Minardi) grabbing pole with a 1:50.459. He was closely followed by Germany’s J. Köpke (Austria Fenninger Racing) at +0.165s, and China’s L. Lum (Portugal Firespeed) at +0.193s. The top ten were separated by just over six tenths, setting the stage for a tight and competitive race.
First Part of the Race
The race started under rain showers, with the track fully wet and all drivers on wet tires. Farag made a clean getaway, immediately building a small gap to Köpke, who was closely followed by Lum, Almeida, and Tate. The first five laps saw the top five drivers—Farag, Köpke, Lum, Almeida, and Tate—running within 2 seconds per position, with Farag consistently lapping in the low 1:52s.
Early on, Farag’s pace was relentless, but Köpke matched him, keeping the gap around 2–3 seconds. Lum and Almeida swapped positions briefly after Lum made a small error in sector 2 on lap 7, but both kept close to the leaders. The first significant incident came on lap 7, when France’s Bonino spun out and retired, marking the first of several retirements.
The first round of pit stops began around lap 15. Most front-runners, including Farag, Köpke, and Almeida, opted for a three-stop strategy due to the high tire wear in the wet. Farag’s pit crew executed a flawless stop, keeping him in the lead, while Köpke lost a bit of time and briefly dropped behind Almeida, but quickly retook second. Tate had a near-spin on lap 18, losing three seconds and allowing Lum to close in.
Nava Castillo and Bora moved up steadily, taking advantage of mistakes ahead. In the midfield, Sandras spun on lap 44 and retired, while Carmona Kopp retired with brake failure on lap 37. Despite the tricky conditions, the leading group avoided major incidents in the opening stint.
Middle Part of the Race
The middle phase was shaped by evolving strategies and fluctuating gaps. Farag maintained his lead, averaging 1:51.9–1:52.1 per lap, and gradually extended his advantage to over 7 seconds by lap 28. Köpke remained second but couldn’t match Farag’s consistency, losing tenths in sector 2.
Almeida, after a strong start, began to struggle with tire degradation, dropping back from Köpke and coming under pressure from Tate and Lum. Almeida had a minor off-track moment on lap 32, losing two seconds but retaining third. Tate, recovering from his earlier near-spin, closed the gap to Almeida to under two seconds.
The second round of pit stops occurred between laps 28 and 32. Farag’s team was again flawless, maintaining his lead. Köpke’s stop was slightly slower, costing him another second. Almeida and Tate extended their stints, hoping for fresher tires at the end.
The fight for fifth intensified, with Lum, Bora, and Nava Castillo swapping positions several times, each capitalizing on traffic or small errors. Jelinskas and Potts, running clean and consistent races, climbed into the top ten as others faltered.
Final Part of the Race
In the final stint, the rain intensified, but Farag remained in control, holding a 10-second lead over Köpke. His lap times stayed steady in the 1:51.9–1:52.0 range, showing impressive composure. Köpke pushed but couldn’t close the gap, settling for second.
Almeida spun in sector 1 on lap 56, losing a second but keeping third. Tate and Lum continued their battle, with Tate ultimately taking fourth after Lum lost time in the pits and with a minor off. Bora and Nava Castillo fought for sixth, with Bora’s pace in the final stint giving him the edge.
Jelinskas and Potts completed the top ten, both benefiting from clean driving and well-timed pit stops. Potts even set his personal best lap on the final tour. The last lap saw drama as Wheater (UK) ran out of fuel while in the points, promoting others. Mosetti (Italy) launched several attacks on Walrond (New Zealand) for 14th but couldn’t complete the overtake.
Pit Stop and Strategy Analysis
The wet conditions forced most of the top ten into three-stop strategies, balancing tire wear and pace. Farag’s Mexico Minardi team delivered three flawless stops, never giving up the lead. Köpke’s team matched the strategy but lost time in the pits, which proved decisive.
Almeida and Tate tried longer stints for fresher tires at the end, but the wet conditions limited the benefit. Potts and Jelinskas made four stops, using fresher tires to climb into the top ten. Drivers who gambled on fewer stops or delayed their last stop suffered from excessive tire wear and lost positions late.
Fuel management was critical, highlighted by Wheater’s retirement on the final lap due to running out of fuel. Teams with precise calculations were rewarded, while mistakes proved costly.
Race Highlights: Spins, Errors, Retirements
Lap 7: Bonino (France) spun out and retired.
Lap 18: Tate (Norfolk Island) had a near-spin, losing three seconds.
Lap 32: Almeida (Brazil) went off-track, losing two seconds.
Lap 37: Carmona Kopp (Chile) retired with brake failure.
Lap 44: Sandras (France) spun and retired.
Lap 56: Almeida spun, losing one second but retaining third.
Lap 56: Wheater (UK) ran out of fuel on the final lap from a points position.
Lap 56: Mosetti (Italy) repeatedly attacked Walrond (New Zealand) for 14th but failed to pass.
No safety cars were deployed, as incidents occurred off the racing line.
Key Themes
Wet Mastery: Farag’s performance was a masterclass in wet conditions—fast, consistent, and error-free.
Strategic Precision: Pit stop timing and fuel management were crucial. Small errors had big consequences.
Pressure Handling: The top ten showed resilience, recovering from minor mistakes and capitalizing on rivals’ errors.
Attrition: Difficult conditions led to several retirements and spins, testing drivers’ adaptability.
Race Results – Top 10
Pos Driver (Country) Team Pit Stops Gap from 1st Race Summary
1 R. Farag (Egypt) Mexico Minardi 3 — Led every lap, flawless in wet
2 J. Köpke (Germany) Austria Fenninger 3 +10.001s Consistent, lost time in pits
3 A. Ferreira de Almeida (BR) Finland Renttu 3 +20.295s Fast, minor spin, held podium
4 S. Tate (Norfolk Island) Italy Handbrake RD 2 +40.011s Aggressive, recovered from error
5 L. Lum (China) Portugal Firespeed 2 +47.397s Quick, lost out in pit cycles
6 E. Bora (Turkey) Mexico Minardi 2 +54.530s Strong finish, gained late
7 E. Nava Castillo (Mexico) Portugal Firespeed 3 +55.570s Steady, capitalized on mistakes
8 R. Bernardas Jelinskas (LT) UK SGA Racing 4 +1:04.939 Clean, benefited from extra stop
9 M. Maniu (Romania) Australia PYKE 3 +1:16.877 Consistent, avoided mistakes
10 E. Potts (UK) UK SGA Racing 4 +1:21.071 Fastest lap late, strong recovery
June 1, 2025 08:44 pm
Division 2.1 – Japan Sinkei Grand Prix
Written by Murray Ledger for Pitwall Times
The second round of the Division 2.1 season took us to Japan Sinkei – a track known more for its confusion than its corners. It’s a medium-length circuit with a tight pitlane and barely enough box space to park a bicycle. Handling, speed, cornering – none of it seems to matter here, which might explain the chaotic results.
After a brilliant 1–2 finish in the season opener, Super Mirafiori Race came to Sinkei as the team to beat. Hallikäar, the winner of Race 1, looked set to continue his strong form. But qualifying told a different story. He struggled with setup and the new chassis, and could only manage third on the grid. His teammate Blaszka, on the other hand, was untouchable. With just one flying lap, he set a blistering 1:43.211 and took pole position with nearly a second in hand over Pasqui, who slotted into second. Hallikäar’s time was only one-thousandth slower than the Italian’s, but in racing, that’s the difference between front row and second row.
The race itself was a showcase of dominance from K. Blaszka. He launched cleanly from pole, executed three medium-tyre stints flawlessly, and never once looked under pressure. His fastest lap – a scorching 1:33.077 – was a statement, and he crossed the finish line nearly 55 seconds clear of the field. It was a complete performance, and one that firmly plants him in the title conversation.
Pasqui drove a clever, controlled race to finish second, defending his position with calm consistency. Behind him, the battle for third was fierce. Elcock and Hallikäar traded sectors all race long, but it was the Brit who ultimately prevailed. Hallikäar’s decision to run hard tyres didn’t pay off. His pace was solid but not sharp enough to recover lost ground. A fourth-place finish was respectable, but after a victory in Race 1, it felt like a step backward.
Further down the order, Viirok and Abbot fought closely in the mid-pack, with both Destroyers drivers managing the tricky Sinkei layout without incident. Holzträger and Tomii kept each other in sight for most of the race and finished safely inside the top 10.
Drama struck Forza Mutte Racing, as both M. Dupiré and M. Ali ran out of fuel. It’s unclear whether this was a strategic miscalculation or a simple oversight, but either way, it ended both their races prematurely. Monaco’s R. Gamerdinger also retired, but information is scarce – some say he simply parked it and walked away.
At the back, the usual suspects struggled. Stockhausen and Ritchie brought their G-Power-BMW machines home, albeit many laps down. The bottom six were locked in their own fight for pride, with the likes of Fonseca, Palacios Navarrete, and Nikander trading purple helmets and underwhelming lap times in a race of their own.
After two rounds, Super Mirafiori Race continues to look like the team to beat, but there’s tension in the garage. Hallikäar may have won the season opener, but Blaszka has responded in style.
Post-Race Interview: Philip E., Team Principal of Super Mirafiori Race
in the style of Günther Steiner
Murray Ledger: Incredible result from Blaszka, but a disappointing follow-up from Hallikäar after his Race 1 win. Thoughts?
Philip E.:
"Blaszka was f***ing awesome today. Pole, fastest lap, race win – he did everything right. That’s how you drive a bloody race car. Hallikäar? Yeah... not impressed. He won the first race, sure, but today? He looked like he was asleep. We tried a different strategy, fine, but he needs to stretch, find something extra. Fourth is not what we came here for."
Murray Ledger: You rolled out a new chassis this weekend. How did that affect performance?
Philip E.:
"It made things harder, definitely. New chassis is like Margot – beautiful, complicated, and a bit wild. You know it's got potential, but right now, it’s costing us time. Long term? It’ll pay off. But today? We paid the price. I’d rather suffer now and fly later than do mediocre the whole damn year like some midfield monkeys."
Championship momentum is swinging between the Super Mirafiori drivers, but with Pasqui and Elcock showing consistent pace, this title fight is far from over.
June 1, 2025 08:28 pm
Race Report – Armakov Grand Prix
By Murray Ledger for Pitwall Times
BANG, AND WE’RE OFF!
Super Mirafiori lays down the law in Armakov
Welcome to the start of the season—and what a start it was at the punishing Armakov circuit in the Russian Federation. The 5.43 km "car buster" lived up to its name, chewing through tires, fuel, and hopes in equal measure. But through the smoke, chaos and pitlane drama, one team came out with both fists swinging: Japan Super Mirafiori Race.
Relegated from Division 1 last season, the team clearly had a point to prove—and prove it they did.
QUALIFYING: A SWEEP WITH STYLE
Pole position? Blaszka.
P2? Hallikäär.
Both in Mirafiori. Both fast. Both deadly accurate through the 28 punishing turns of Armakov.
It wasn’t even close. While Team Destroyers and ElMayoGPTeam did what they could to hang on, the writing was already on the pitwall.
RACE: DOMINANCE, DELIVERED
Race day saw B. Hallikäär flip the script and take the top step ahead of teammate K. Blaszka, making it a 1-2 finish for Super Mirafiori, leaving the rest of the field gasping over 1:10 behind.
Further down the grid, G. Abbot and J. Elcock fought valiantly, while fuel issues ravaged the lower half—Paraguay Mercedez and Forza Mutte Racing both suffering early retirements. Ouch.
INTERVIEW WITH PHILIP E. – TEAM PRINCIPAL, SUPER MIRAFIORI
(After a crushing 1-2 finish at Armakov. The pitlane smells like rubber and fear.)
Murray Ledger: Philip, 1-2 at Armakov. That was more than just a win — it looked like a demolition job.
Philip E.: Demolition? Nah, mate — that was a fuckin’ execution. Nobody touched us. Hallikäär was out there like a missile, Blaszka just cruising in second and still made the rest look like they were stuck in second gear. That car is so fast it scares our own engineers.
Ledger: Let’s talk numbers. Your team finished in 1:32:21.026. Division 1 wrapped up their race at the same track in 1:33:50.845. That’s over a minute faster. You got fucking relegated — how much does that sting now?
Philip E.: You think it stings? It fucking burns. We were kicked out of Division 1 because of some shitshow season with technical DNFs, bad calls, you name it. Now we’re sitting here watching Division 1 teams finish slower than our so-called “second-tier” car. That’s the pain — knowing we should be up there destroying them too. But we’re not. So guess what? Now we’ll just destroy everything down here until they have no choice but to beg us to come back.
Ledger: But track conditions weren’t identical—
Philip E.: Yeah yeah, I’ve heard that shit — different wind, track evolution, unicorns on the straight. Look, conditions might change, but a minute is a fucking minute. You don’t lose that much from a breeze. That car isn’t just fast for Division 2 — it’s fast, full stop. And it’s pissed off. Just like us.
Ledger: What’s the goal now? Promotion?
Philip E.: Promotion? That’s a given. We’re not here to climb. We’re here to crush. I don’t give a fuck if it’s Division 1, 2, 3 or a go-kart race — we’ll show up, throw a grenade in the strategy room, and take the win. This isn’t racing. This is revenge.
Ledger: So what would you say to the Division 1 teams looking at your lap times right now?
Philip E.: Simple. Enjoy your fake little comfort zone. Because we’re coming back. And when we do, you better hope to fuck you’ve built something better than the shit we just lapped in Division 2. Otherwise, we’ll eat your podiums for breakfast — again.
Murray Ledger – Pitwall Times
Division 1 better keep an eye on the rearview mirror. There’s a monster down in Division 2, and it’s already faster than the top.
May 25, 2025 05:52 pm
Division 2.1 stuck in neutral, but Blaszka and Hallikäär still deliver
Interview with Philip E., Team Principal of Super Mirafiori Race
With Murray Ledger (Pitwall Times)
Murray Ledger (Pitwall Times):
Philip, Baend was supposed to be your big opener in Division 2.1. Instead—no race. What’s the story?
Philip E. (Super Mirafiori Race):
Honestly? It’s a joke. We show up, we do everything right, the car is ready, the drivers are ready. Qualifying goes great—and then what? Nothing. No lights, no race. Just sitting there like idiots on a perfectly good grid. Feels like someone built a race track and forgot to bring the key to the control tower.
Murray Ledger:
So the whole thing just… didn’t launch?
Philip E.:
The game works. Mostly. You can click around, see lap times, all that crap. But the actual race? Nope. Division 2 and 3, apparently, are not important enough to be allowed to race. We don’t even get a warning—just silence. And we sit there refreshing like it’s going to magically start working. Ridiculous.
Murray Ledger:
But qualifying looked fantastic for you. Front row lockout. That’s something, right?
Philip E.:
Yes, finally something good! Blaszka? Mega lap. Hallikäär? Right behind him. We absolutely smashed it. This is what makes it even more frustrating—we had the pace. We earned that front row. And then we can’t even show it in a race. It’s like winning a lottery ticket and then the machine eats it.
Murray Ledger:
Any surprises from the rest of the field?
Philip E.:
I mean, there’s quality there. Team Destroyers look sharp, ElMayoGPTeam is consistent, Animal Racing could be dangerous on a long run. You can tell people have done their homework. It's shaping up to be a proper season—if we actually get to drive the damn cars.
Murray Ledger:
How do you keep the team motivated when nothing’s moving?
Philip E.:
You swear a little, drink some coffee, and get back to work. That’s what you do. The drivers know what they’ve got under them. The crew sees the data. We’re not here to give up because someone forgot how to push a button. We’ll be ready—every single time they do decide to run a race.
Murray Ledger (Pitwall Times):
Thanks, Philip. Let’s hope Division 2.1 gets its act together soon.
Philip E.:
Yeah, tell them we’re ready. Just press “start,” for f***’s sake.
May 18, 2025 03:23 pm
Minardi Enters Season 42: Ready to Defend the Crown Amid Fierce New Rivals and Technical Challenges
After a dominant performance in Season 41, where Minardi clinched the championship with 377 points, our team is gearing up for the highly anticipated Season 42 of Pitwall Manager game.
Season 41 saw Minardi fights win against rivals like Finland’s Renttu Racing and the UK’s SGA Racing, thanks to consistent results, flawless strategy, and exceptional team management. With an average finishing position of 2.2 and zero retirements, Minardi established itself as the team to beat.
However, defending the title in Season 42 will be far from easy. A significant technical change, particularly affecting the chassis, has shifted the competitive landscape. Teams such as SGA Racing, Renttu Racing, Fenninger Racing, and Firespeed have emerged as stronger contenders, leveraging the new regulations to enhance their performance.
Moreover, the presence of outstanding lead drivers Tate (Handbrake RD) and Sandras (Paolonio Racing) adds further intensity to the championship battle. These formidable pilots are expected to fight fiercely for top positions, making the competition even more unpredictable.
Minardi remains committed to excellence and innovation, confident that our strategic approach and team spirit will keep us in the hunt for victory. We look forward to a thrilling season filled with fierce battles and unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned to our official channels for updates and insights as Season 42 unfolds.
Forza Minardi – the race for glory continues!
May 17, 2025 10:50 am
Pitwall Times – Interview with Philip E., Team Principal of Super Mirafiori Race By Murray Ledger
Murray Ledger (Pitwall Times):
Philip, thanks for speaking with us. Last season in Division 1 didn’t go to plan. You're now heading into Division 2.1. How are you feeling about the relegation?
Philip E. (Super Mirafiori Race):
Honestly Murray, it was a shitty season. Let’s not sugarcoat it. We had more bad luck than a black cat walking under a ladder while breaking a mirror. Division 1? It ate us alive. The pace wasn’t there, the development stalled, and we had reliability like a 1980s microwave in a thunderstorm. It was a mess. But look—when you hit the wall, you either rebuild or retire. And I’m not bloody retiring.
Murray:
You’ve rebranded from Pika Evo GP to Super Mirafiori Race. That’s quite a shift. What’s the story behind the name change?
Philip:
Look, "Pika Evo GP" sounded like a Pokémon with a turbocharger. I couldn’t take it seriously anymore. We needed something with balls—something gritty, nostalgic, a bit mad. Super Mirafiori is a nod to that beautiful Fiat box from the '70s and '80s—aggressive, underdog, full of spirit. It’s the opposite of sterile. And right now, that’s exactly who we are: underdogs with a grudge and a point to prove.
Murray:
You’ll be racing against tough teams in 2.1—Team Destroyers, Animal Racing, Neopolis, Arun Racing. Adam Eggbeer and Fadlul Fathoni are known for being sharp operators. Are you ready?
Philip:
Adam Eggbeer, yeah—I’ve seen that guy’s data sheets. It’s like he’s building a rocket, not a race car. Fadlul? That guy could probably run an entire GP from a hammock in Jakarta with a laptop and a coffee. It won’t be easy. These teams have resources, consistency, and frankly, their cars don’t explode every third race like ours did.
But we’re coming in with a cleaner package—Karol Blaszka is hungry, Ludovic Voet’s designs are finally pointing in the right direction, and Friedrich Cerník is doing more than just tightening bolts—he’s thinking. It’s a new start, Murray. If we get through the first three races without blowing up or losing a wheel, we’re already ahead of last year.
Murray:
Any thoughts on the tech specs this year? You're still running AB engines, Halftrack tyres, Melachro fuel…
Philip:
Yeah, well, it’s like choosing your poison, right? AB engine—solid, not flashy. Halftrack tyres—bit unpredictable in wet, but manageable. Melachro fuel—smells weird, works fine. The brakes—Mebo, Jesus, we need them to stop cooking like pizza ovens mid-race. But look, we don’t have a manufacturer war chest. We just make the most of what we’ve got, and scream loudly when it breaks. That’s racing.
Murray:
Final question—what’s the goal for Super Mirafiori in 2.1?
Philip:
Survive. Get back into Division 1. Kick some arrogant ass on the way. And maybe—just maybe—remind everyone that grit beats spreadsheets when the lights go out.
Murray Ledger:
Thanks, Philip. Always a pleasure.
Philip E.:
Anytime, Murray. Now let’s go break some lap records—or at least, not break the car.
May 2, 2025 12:02 am
Dramatic Finale at Upperwirth: Farag and Minardi Crowned Champions Amidst Chaos
Upperwirth, United Kingdom –
The final race of the season at the tight and twisty Upperwirth circuit delivered everything fans could have expected – drama, controversy, and ultimately, the crowning of new champions.
On the small but demanding 3.8-kilometer track, handling proved to be the decisive factor as the season came to a thrilling close over 62 intense laps.
Turmoil Right from the Start
The race start was nothing short of chaotic. Bilal Hallikäär of Pika Evo Race ended up in the tyre barriers almost immediately after lights out. Despite trying to limp back to the pits, the car was clearly undriveable, and a second loss of control ended his day early. Thankfully, Hallikäär escaped uninjured.
More drama followed: A. Ferreira de Almeida, starting from the front row, inexplicably plummeted to 16th position in the first few corners – a mysterious incident that surely left Renttu Racing team boss Henri Kuivanen fuming.
Meanwhile, Eulalio Nava Castillo was slapped with a 5-second time penalty for a false start after video replays confirmed he jumped the lights. He would have to serve this penalty during his next pit stop – or risk it being added to his final race time.
To add to the early chaos, a Safety Car was deployed as race stewards investigated further collisions. No additional penalties were handed out, but the early interruptions set the tone for a messy afternoon.
A Ticker Failure and Further Confusion
In an unexpected turn, technical problems with the official timing system plagued race control for the second weekend running. Details of collisions and pitlane activity remained patchy throughout the event, leaving fans, teams, and commentators frustrated.
"Frankly, it’s a disaster," one insider said. "It's unclear who collided with whom – the situation is embarrassing for an organization of this caliber."
The Final Result
After the dust settled, R. Farag led a flawless race from pole to finish, claiming victory and securing the Drivers’ Championship in style.
Meanwhile, Minardi celebrated a dominant season by clinching the Constructors’ title.
The top 10 finishers were:
R. Farag (Minardi) – Winner
A. Ferreira de Almeida (Renttu Racing) – +20.520s
E. Wheater (Renttu Racing) – +35.512s
E. Bora (Minardi) – +51.465s
J. Köpke (Fenninger Racing) – +57.466s
A. Sandras (Paolonio Racing) – +1:01.241s
L. Lum (Firespeed) – +1:05.337s
S. Tate (Handbrake RD) – +1:06.461s
R. Bernardas Jelinskas (SGA Racing) – +1:18.155s
K. Blaszka (Pika Evo Race) – +1:30.989s
Relegation Battle – A Bitter End for Some
As it stands, Pika Evo Race will be relegated to Division 2, marking a major shift as the team loses its spot among the elite. Joining them are Zeroforce F1, MPM Motorsport, and JVRacing, who also failed to gather enough points to survive the season.
However, given the chaotic nature of the last two races and ongoing investigations, final standings might still be subject to change – meaning the relegation battle could yet take another twist.
Philip E. Unleashed: "Get Your F**ing Sht Together!"
Pika Evo’s team manager Philip E. delivered a now-legendary rant in the paddock post-race, channeling his inner Günther Steiner:
"Well, fing great to make a fing point, isn't it? We would have needed eight to stay up. With that stupid crash at the start – no fault of Bilal's, just a shit situation – we're just happy he’s OK.
We fought like lions, we fought fair, but we simply weren't good enough this season. We need to f***ing improve everywhere – drivers, strategy, development – if we want to get back to Division 1.
Congratulations to Matteo [Rossi] and Minardi – they did a f***ing awesome job, no bullshit, totally deserved. And props to all the teams who managed their seasons better than us.
But honestly, race control and the fing management organization need to pull their heads out of their aes.
This is not a f**ing kindergarten, it's supposed to be a professional racing series.
We're risking cars, money, careers – and they can't even get a fing timing system to work? Absolute fing joke."
Philip stormed out of the interview area, leaving stunned journalists and half the paddock nodding in agreement.
What's Next?
All eyes now turn to the race organizers. If the results are confirmed, preparations for Division 2 will begin soon – promising thrilling battles and new storylines next season.
Stay tuned as investigations conclude and the final official standings are released!
April 27, 2025 10:24 pm
FUEL FAILURE FIASCO: Minardi Seals Title as Renttu's Championship Dreams Run Dry in Wet Spain
By Murray Ledger for Pitwall Times
LOS VUTURS - The Spanish Grand Prix will forever be remembered as the day Mexico Minardi clinched their championship in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, while Finland Renttu Racing suffered a humiliation so complete it will haunt them for generations.
As the rain lashed the 5.5km Los Vuturs circuit, the stage was set for a championship showdown. Pole-sitter Enver Bora led teammate Rajab Farag in an early Minardi 1-2, while Renttu's title hopefuls floundered - Alvaro Ferreira de Almeida spinning spectacularly at Turn 22 on Lap 6, losing 14 crucial seconds in the gravel trap.
The Safety Car period on Lap 13 proved pivotal. While Minardi executed flawless pit stops, Renttu's race continued to unravel. Ferreira de Almeida, clearly rattled, spun again at Turn 8 just laps later. The Portuguese-Brazilian's frustration was visible as he slapped his steering wheel, the championship slipping through his fingers.
Then came Lap 53 - a moment that will live in Formula 1 infamy. First Allan Keith's car sputtered to a halt at Sector 3, the British driver hurling his steering wheel in disgust. Mere seconds later, Ferreira de Almeida coasted to rest at Sector 2, completing Renttu's nightmare double retirement. Team principal Henri Kuivanen could only stare in disbelief as both his cars sat motionless, their fuel tanks dry.
"Oh how cruel!" as the great Murray Walker might have said. This wasn't just a defeat - it was a humiliation of historic proportions. Veteran paddock observers were immediately reminded of Nigel Mansell's 1991 title collapse when his Williams ran dry in Barcelona, or more recently, Sebastian Vettel's 2010 Korean GP disaster that handed the initiative to Fernando Alonso.
Through the chaos, Minardi remained ice-cool. Bora took victory by 26.662 seconds over Farag, the perfect result to seal their championship with one race remaining. Rolandas Bernardas Jelinskas claimed an impressive podium for SGA Racing, while Eduardo Nava Castillo delivered Firespeed's best result of the season with fourth.
The final standings told the story:
Minardi: 340 points (Champions)
Renttu: 256 (Their challenge ended not with a bang, but with two silent engines)
Farag extends drivers' lead to 176 points over Bora's 154
In a tense post-race debrief, Renttu team principal Henri Kuivanen delivered a scathing assessment of his drivers' performance, though he stopped short of outright condemnation.
"The spins were unacceptable," Kuivanen said through gritted teeth. "Every time we were fighting back, another mistake, another trip through the gravel. Do the math - each of those incidents burns extra fuel trying to recover position."
The normally composed Finn paused for a long moment before adding: "This wasn't just bad luck. It was a cascade of errors that left us with nothing. The drivers know this. I know this. The whole world saw it today."
A word from Philip E. manager of Pika Evo
Well, holy fucking shit. We finally scored points. After a season of pure fucking misery, Blaszka brings home P8 and 4 championship points at Los Vuturs. Do I think we earned them? Fuck no! This was pure fucking chaos and we got lucky as hell."
"First of all, that goddamn Safety Car on Lap 13 - what the fuck were race control smoking? Mosetti spins, they wait three fucking laps to deploy it, and suddenly half the field gets a free pit stop. Then Renttu forgets to put fucking fuel in their cars like a bunch of drunk amateurs. And don't get me started on Hallikäär's crash - that cost us a car too, you motherfuckers!"
"Blaszka drove like a man possessed, but let's be real - without Köpke's spectacular crash and Renttu's fuel fuckery, we'd still be at zero. Even our own goddamn car got taken out in this shitshow. But you know what? I'll take it. Four fucking points after this disaster season tastes sweeter than a cold beer after prison."
"To the other teams crying about luck - fuck you. We've had 8 races of pure suffering. If we steal some points because your engineers can't do basic math or your drivers spin like ballerinas on ice, that's your fucking problem."
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to drink enough vodka to forget the first half of this season. Pika Evo out."
SIDENOTE FROM OUR ENGINEERS:
The Safety Car gifted us ~30 seconds. Renttu's fuel miscalculation was ~45 seconds. Without these, we finish P12. But as Philip says - fuck it, points are points.
FINAL NOTE:
To Bilal Hallikäär - you crazy bastard, glad you walked away from that crash. Now go buy lottery tickets, because surviving that wreck means you've got all the luck we didn't have all season.
April 20, 2025 11:06 pm
Murray Ledger, Pitwall Times, Vienna, 13.04.25 Interview with Philip E. – The Harsh Reality of Pika Evo’s Struggles in Division 1
Murray Ledger: "Philip, we’re deep into the season now, and things aren’t looking too good for Pika Evo. Can you give us your honest assessment?"
Philip E.: "What the fuck do you want me to say, Murray? We’re shit. There’s no other way to put it. The car’s slow, the drivers aren’t exactly lighting up the timing screens, and let’s not even talk about the strategy. Honestly, we’ve been trying to figure out if we’ve pissed off some higher power because it feels like the universe is against us right now. But let me tell you something, we’re fucking relegated. I don’t need a crystal ball to know that. It’s a fucking reality check."
Murray Ledger: "You were optimistic at the start of the season, hoping to avoid relegation. What went wrong?"
Philip E.: "Optimistic? Yeah, I guess I was a bit deluded back then, thinking we could turn the ship around. I’ve learned the hard way, mate. When the car doesn’t have the pace, it doesn’t matter how much you want it to work. The fucking thing just won’t move. It’s like trying to make a dog bark at a cat—it just ain’t happening. We’ve got no fucking pace, no consistency, and I’m sick of hearing about how ‘things will get better.’ When’s it gonna fucking happen, huh? If we were any slower, we’d be going backwards."
Murray Ledger: "It’s clear the team’s struggling. What’s the plan for the remainder of the season?"
Philip E.: "The plan? Oh, the plan is simple: we’re going to give every race the middle finger and fight like hell for every single point. We know relegation’s coming, but that doesn’t mean we’re just gonna roll over. We’re gonna fight for every scrap, even if it’s just to save a bit of dignity. If I have to rip my fucking hair out to make that happen, so be it. I’m done pretending like it’s all sunshine and rainbows."
Murray Ledger: "What about the drivers? Are they pulling their weight?"
Philip E.: "Drivers? I mean, let’s be real here. I don’t give a shit if you’ve got a fucking Formula 1 license or a fucking go-kart one. If you can’t put the car on the fucking track and make it go fast, what use are you? Blaszka? He’s been alright at times, but let’s not pretend like he’s saving the team. And Bonino? The guy’s a fucking joke. We brought him in thinking he might spark something, but what do we get? A guy who looks like he’s never driven a car in his life. It’s fucking embarrassing, Murray. It’s like putting a racehorse in the glue factory and hoping it’s gonna win."
Murray Ledger: "That’s some harsh criticism. How do you plan on fixing this?"
Philip E.: "Fixing it? Shit, I wish I had a magic fucking wand. We’ve got development issues, we’ve got driver issues, we’ve got car issues. We’re fucked. Simple as that. But you know what? We’ll keep pushing until the fucking end. I’m not gonna lie down and die. I’m not gonna be the guy who just folds and goes home. But the reality is, unless some fucking miracle happens, we’re done for. And next season? Well, I wouldn’t bet on us making a fucking comeback with this clusterfuck of a situation we’ve got going."
Murray Ledger: "What do you expect next season? Do you have hope for a fresh start?"
Philip E.: "Next season? Oh, don’t even get me started on that shitshow. New rules, new fucking headaches, and a team that’s barely holding itself together. I don’t know what’s gonna happen. We’ve already got issues with development, and now we’ve got these fucking new rules that could just turn everything upside down. If I was a betting man, I’d say it’s gonna be just as bad, if not worse. I’m not here to sugarcoat it, Murray. The reality is, it’s gonna be tough as hell. But hey, maybe we’ll surprise ourselves. I doubt it, but who knows?"
Murray Ledger: "Looking at the rest of the season, is there anything you can take from these failures to help next year?"
Philip E.: "Take something from it? What, like a fucking lesson in how not to run a team? Look, I’ve learned a lot this season—mostly that we’re a fucking mess. But you don’t just sit there and cry about it. We’ll take what little we can, fix the issues we can fix, and then try to survive the fucking fallout. It’s not a fucking championship-winning season, that’s for sure, but we’re not gonna sit on our asses and whine about it. We’ll fix what we can, but right now, it’s a fucking uphill battle. A steep one."
Murray Ledger: "A tough season all around. Any final words?"
Philip E.: "Yeah, I’ve got a few: this season’s been a fucking shitshow, but I’m not done yet. Relegation’s coming, we’ve got no pace, and the car’s a fucking joke. But I’ll tell you this: Pika Evo doesn’t quit. We’ll go down fighting, and when next season rolls around, we’ll fucking be back. Hopefully with a fucking competitive car. So yeah, buckle up. It’s gonna be a rough fucking ride."
End of Interview.
Philip E. doesn’t hold back in this raw, no-holds-barred interview. From facing the hard truth of relegation to reflecting on the team’s complete lack of pace and struggles, he’s made it clear that the season’s been a disaster. But as he says, even though they’re going down, Pika Evo won’t go out without a fight. It’s grim now, but there’s always a glimmer of defiance that the team will carry into the future.
April 13, 2025 09:35 pm
Farag Extends Championship Lead with Controlled Win in Portugal
Circuito das Caldas, Portugal – Egypt’s Rajab Farag continued his strong championship campaign with a composed victory at the Portugal Grand Prix held at the 6.4 km Circuito das Caldas. The race, contested over 54 laps, saw Farag lead from the front and finish with a comfortable margin of 21.743 seconds over teammate Enver Bora, delivering a 1-2 finish for Mexico Minardi.
While the race did not offer much in the way of drama, it was another consistent display of race management and strategy from the title contenders. Farag, on soft tyres with three pit stops, maintained steady pace throughout and never looked under real threat after the opening laps. Bora, also on softs, was unable to match Farag’s pace but kept a solid gap to third place.
That final podium spot went to Brazil’s Alvaro Ferreira de Almeida of Finland’s Renttu Racing. He edged out teammate Allan Keith by just under 31 seconds, both Renttu drivers managing their medium tyres and three-stop strategies effectively, but unable to challenge the Minardi duo.
Further down the field, Jörg Köpke (Fenninger Racing) took fifth, continuing his role as a reliable upper-midfield presence. China’s Lei Lum finished sixth for firespeed, just ahead of Lithuania’s R. Bernardas Jelinskas (SGA Racing), who once again picked up valuable points with a seventh-place result.
Handbrake RD’s S. Tate delivered a decent run to eighth on hard tyres, benefitting from a low-pit strategy, while teammate R. Walrond finished a lapped 22nd after a four-stop race. Eulalio Nava Castillo (firespeed) and N. Capogrossi (Fenninger) rounded out the top ten.
Notably, there were no major incidents or safety car periods, and all but one car finished the race—W. Belling (Paolonio Racing) ran out of fuel with 22 laps to go, the only retirement of the day.
With just two races remaining, Farag now extends his lead in the driver standings to 20 points over Ferreira. Enver Bora and Allan Keith remain mathematically in contention, but they will need standout performances in the final rounds to overturn Farag’s momentum.
provisional construtors Standing
Position Team Vorherige Punkte Neu Gesamt
1 minardi 254 43 297
2 Renttu Racing 229 27 256
3 SGA Racing 72 6 78
4 Fenninger Racing 67 11 78
5 firespeed 50 10 60
6 Paolonio Racing 18 0 18
7 RSA Racing 10 0 10
8 Handbrake RD 7 4 11
9 Zeroforce F1 0 0 0
10 JVRacing 0 0 0
11 MPM Motorsport 0 0 0
12 Pika Evo Race 0 0 0
Driver Points Gap Max. Possible Still in Title Race?
Rajab Farag 158 — 208 * Leader
Alvaro Ferreira 138 -20 188 * Yes
Enver Bora 129 -29 179 * Yes
Allan Keith 118 -40 168 * Yes
Jörg Köpke 69 -89 119 No
April 13, 2025 09:20 pm
Race Report – Cheminière Grand Prix
Welcome back to Cheminière – that 4.6 km slice of France that nobody likes but everyone has to pretend is charming because it’s "historic" or something. Sixty-one laps of uninspiring tarmac where, let’s be honest, cornering, speed, and handling might as well have stayed at home.
And yet, despite the track being as thrilling as a lukewarm espresso, drama still found its way in. Let’s dive into this beautiful mess.
The “Battle” at the Top (if you can call it that)
Rajab Farag started on pole and stayed on pole. Three pit stops on hard tires and still finished 22 seconds ahead of Almeida. That’s not a race, that’s a clinic. Or more accurately, a snoozefest. Farag barely broke a sweat out there, probably because the others were busy sabotaging themselves with strategy so bad it should be taught in “How Not to Win” seminars.
Alvaro José jr. Ferreira de Almeida, with his four-stop soft tire special, somehow thought wearing out rubber faster than a drum solo at a metal concert was the way to win. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Good pace, yes. Good judgment? Missing.
Enver Bora and Allan Spencer Keith? Just there, floating around like they were practicing for a different race. Both ran the same soft tire strategy but couldn't manage anything sharper than mid-pack pace. You’d expect more from the third and fourth in the standings. Instead, they delivered the racing equivalent of white bread: technically fine, but utterly forgettable.
Köpke’s Krusade
Props to Jörg Köpke for holding it together with mediums and taking fifth. The only guy on that compound in the top five, probably because everyone else was too busy believing in tire fairy tales. Maybe not a spectacular result, but at least he didn't set his own race on fire.
Midfield Mayhem
The rest? Pure chaos. Softs, mediums, pit stops like musical chairs, and nobody looking particularly sharp. Jelinskas in P6? Four stops and still beat Lum who only needed three. That's not racecraft, that’s lottery luck.
Capogrossi, Sandras, Tate—all just doing laps for the sake of it. No threats, no promise, just existential driving.
Also, let’s talk about F. Mosetti. Five stops? FIVE? Unless he was running a free tire test for next season, someone in that pit box should be questioned.
Downright Dreadful
Bringing up the rear was L. Flores, four minutes off the pace. You could’ve gone for a snack and come back before he crossed the line. I. Parabolos? Ran out of fuel. In 2025. That’s not retro, that’s ridiculous.
Standings Shake-Up
Farag now leads with 133 points, comfortably ahead of Almeida at 123. The rest? Drifting further behind with every baffling strategic decision. Bora and Keith are still mathematically in it, but unless the front two start racing blindfolded, it’s a two-horse race from here on.
Final Thought
Cheminière reminded us of one thing: strategy matters, but common sense matters more. Next time, maybe leave the ego in the garage and the soft tires in the freezer. Because right now, it looks like the only people racing properly are wearing Farag’s team colors.
Let’s hope the next track actually makes the drivers drive.
last but not least some inspired words of Philip E.
Let me be absolutely fucking clear: the strategy this weekend was not the problem. We nailed it. We split the cars—Blaszka on four stops, Hallikäär on three—covering both ends of the tactical spectrum. And what did we get in return? Ten seconds apart, both buried in the arse end of the field, three fucking minutes behind the leader.
So don’t come to me with “maybe we should’ve done this or that” bullshit. The strategy was solid. The tyres were managed. The pit stops were clean. Everything that could be done from the pit wall was done right. And yet again, the performance of the car was absolute dogshit. Pace? Nonexistent. Straight-line speed? Laughable. Cornering? Might as well have been on shopping trolleys.
And I hate to say it, but maybe—just maybe—the drivers need to take a look in the fucking mirror too. When the car's not perfect, you dig deep. You hustle. You fight. I saw none of that. No grit, no aggression, just passive laps like they were out on a fucking Sunday cruise.
This isn’t bad luck. This is bad performance. And I’m fucking tired of it.
—Philip E.
Pika EVP Racing Principal
April 6, 2025 09:50 pm
Fürst Grand Prix: A Battle of Speed and Nerve
The sun hung low over the Fürst circuit. Fifty laps of high-speed warfare stretched ahead. Speed was king, cornering the assassin. The track demanded both. The drivers knew it. Their machines knew it too.
The Start: A Duel for Supremacy
E. Bora led the pack. Minardi had locked out the front row, but R. Farag was hungry. The lights went out, engines roared, and the race was on. Farag stayed close. Keith and Almeida, the Renttu Racing duo, fought to keep up.
Trouble in the Pack
Lap 7. Wolf Belling felt something give. His wishbones betrayed him. Could the suspension hold? It did—for now. But in Lap 8, he spun, costing him six seconds. The car was fragile. The battle was relentless.
Lap 15. Evelien Pouillie of JVRacing misjudged a turn. A spin, a seven-second penalty, and a bruised ego.
Lap 21. Disaster loomed for Karol Blaszka. His Pika Evo car spun wildly, gravel spitting in all directions. He saved it. Barely. Ten seconds lost, but he carried on.
Mid-Race Madness
Lap 23. Stefan Tate’s Handbrake RD machine struck debris. A damaged front wing, a costly mistake. Lap 32. Blaszka’s gamble ended. His tyres betrayed him. One burst. His race was over.
Lap 38. Jörg Köpke misjudged Sector 3. The grass and gravel claimed him. He lost seven seconds. Damage? Perhaps.
Lap 43. Blaszka, already a wounded soldier, spun again. Four more seconds vanished. His day had been one of struggle.
The Closing Laps: Minardi’s Charge
Farag hunted Bora. Lap after lap, he stayed patient. When the time came, he struck. A clean overtake, calculated and ruthless. Bora fought back, but the fight was over. Farag crossed the line first. A victory earned in fire and steel.
Behind them, Keith and Almeida held firm. Renttu Racing secured the points but lost the championship lead. SGA’s Wheater, Fenninger’s Köpke, and Firespeed’s Lum completed the top seven.
Championship Shake-Up
The standings shifted. Renttu Racing led Minardi by a single point. One point. Nothing in the grand scale of war, but everything in a championship.
Among the drivers, Almeida stood tallest with 93 points. But Farag, with 83, lurked dangerously close. Keith had 79. Bora, 78. The fight was far from over.
The war rolls on. Five races remain. The kings are not yet crowned.
Press Statement – Philip E. Prinzipal, Pika Evo
"Alright, let’s be honest here. We’re halfway through the season, and we’re fucked. Absolutely fucked. Neither the car nor the drivers are doing what we expected, and it’s been a shitshow from the start. This race? A complete disaster. Bad strategy, bad decisions, and Blaszka’s tire popped like a virgin in a hotel room. That could’ve been a goddamn catastrophe. And don’t get me started on Bonino—without bad luck, he’s still at the back, with zero pace. He might as well be sitting in the fucking stands.
At this point, I’m starting to think it might be better to just bring in some young blood. Maybe we have a chance when the car is actually working, when it’s competitive. But right now? We’re fucked. Done. Finished in Division 1 unless some fucking miracle happens. And I’m not holding my breath. Miracles don’t happen in motorsport—they happen in fairy tales. We’ve got a lot of work to do, or we’re packing our bags for Division 2. Simple as that."
March 30, 2025 09:28 pm
Strategic Showdown at the Brazil Maneira Grand Prix
### Strategic Showdown at the Brazil Maneira Grand Prix
The Brazil Maneira track, renowned for its 10 quick corners and fast-flowing layout, made for an exhilarating backdrop to an unforgettable race day. Set against the vibrant Brazilian landscape, the 4.7 km circuit challenged the drivers' speed and precision, rewarding only the smoothest and most skilled behind the wheel. As the lights went out, fans were treated to a spectacular show, with the stakes high as teams fought for vital points in the Constructors’ Championship.
**Pre-Race Overview: A Tight Championship Battle**
Coming into the Brazil Maneira Grand Prix, the constructors standings were fiercely competitive. Minardi led with 138 points, closely followed by Finland Renttu Racing with 135 points. Each team was aware that every second on the track could make the difference in the championship race. The driver standings also highlighted the fierce competition, with Rajab Farag and Alvaro José Jr. Ferreira de Almeida tied at 68 points each, a situation that promised intense battles throughout the race.
**Starting Grid**
The starting positions saw Alvaro José Ferreira de Almeida of Finland Renttu Racing on pole, followed closely by his rival, Rajab Farag of Minardi in second. With two more drivers from Minardi, Enver Bora and Allan Spencer Keith, occupying third and fourth, the race was set for fireworks right from the start.
**Race Start: Excitement and Drama Unfolds**
As the race commenced, the roar of engines echoed through the Maneira circuit. Ferreira de Almeida immediately surged ahead, showing his intent to dominate. However, drama struck early on lap 1 when Jean-Jacques Bonino from Pika Evo Race executed a successful overtake on Gilberto Alkon Gruspan, showcasing the competitive spirit of the field.
Nevertheless, the excitement was short-lived for some. By lap 4, Ross Walrond from Handbrake RD spun out due to an error, losing precious seconds. The turnovers continued as Lionel Flores of MPM Motorsport suffered a similar fate shortly after, mirroring the chaos that comes with the demanding nature of Maneira’s quick corners.
**Key Moments Up to Lap 11**
By lap 11, Ferreira de Almeida had established a commanding lead with no pit stops yet, closely followed by A. Keith and E. Wheater. The intra-team battle between rivalries brought an added layer of tension as teams monitored lap times closely, eager to strategize around the tire choices made by their drivers. Tire strategy was crucial, as some opted for softer compounds while others prioritized enduring pace.
**Tire and Pit Stop Strategies: A Critical Element**
Tire selection and pit stop timing played pivotal roles during the race. The combination of varying tire compounds allowed teams to customize their strategy based on driver skill and track conditions. Softer tires provided faster lap times but required earlier pit stops, while harder compounds lasted longer but sacrificed speed. Teams like Minardi opted for an aggressive pit strategy to maximize track position, pitting drivers during the early laps to gain an advantage over competitors. This tactical approach ultimately paid off, allowing Enver Bora to gain several critical places after an early steer. Conversely, Finland Renttu Racing’s choice to keep Ferreira de Almeida out longer on softer tires kept him in front initially but necessitated a more cautious run toward the end as tire wear began to impact performance.
**Mid-Race Pivots: Tactical Decisions Lead to Surprises**
As the race progressed beyond lap 20, strategic decisions took center stage. Teams began deploying their pit strategies, and the calls were met with tension and excitement. Lap 22 witnessed significant position changes as drivers made critical pit stops, modifying the race landscape. Ferreira de Almeida maintained his lead, but Enver Bora and Allan Keith began lurking closely behind, capitalizing on any mistakes.
However, not every driver enjoyed the same fortune. On lap 23, Evelien Pouillie of JVRacing tragically ran out of fuel, an all-too-frequent mishap in such high-pressure environments that left her unable to continue and visibly upset in her post-race comments.
**Late Race Turbulence**
As the race entered the closing laps, the stakes escalated. On lap 44, Karol Blaszka of Pika Evo Race retired due to a catastrophic failure of his rear wing. Just moments later, Nazzareno Capogrossi from Austria Fenninger Racing faced another spin, reflecting the high stakes and pressure once more as drivers pushed limits to gain even the slightest advantage.
Finishing the race under such intense circumstances, A. Ferreira de Almeida crossed the finish line first, claiming a well-deserved victory. E. Bora from Minardi followed him across the line, while Rajab Farag settled for a third-place finish despite earlier errors in the race.
In his post-race comments, Matteo Rossi, principal of Minardi, expressed his disappointment regarding Farag's performance, stating, "Even considering the unlucky start of Farag, I'm off the pace with both drivers today; weird thing." The team can take solace in the stronger performance shown by Bora, but the championship race remains tightly contested.
**Looking Ahead: Next Race in Fürst, Germany**
With the standings now adjusted, Minardi clings to a slender lead in the Constructor’s Championship while Ferreira de Almeida moves forward as one of the drivers to watch. The next race at Fürst, Germany, promises to be a thrilling encounter following a week of testing at the challenging circuit. Teams will leverage this time to refine their setups and analyze performance data in preparation for the unique challenges of the Fürst track, known for its technical complexity and elevation changes. With the championship intensifying, drivers and teams will seek to exploit every advantage as they gear up for another round of hard-fought competition.
The thrill of racing at the Brazil Maneira Grand Prix showcased not just speed but also the significant unpredictability of motorsport, leaving fans eager for more in the upcoming German showdown.
Philip E., Principal of Pika Evo, on the Grand Prix:
"Fucking hell, what a rollercoaster. We got a bit closer in qualifying, Blaszka did a great fucking job, put the car in a solid spot, while Bonino—yeah, we don't even fucking know what happened there. The pace just wasn’t there, which is frustrating as shit. But alright, into the race we went aggressive, strategy was on point, we had some fucking track position, and by lap 55 it actually looked like we might scrape something out of this goddamn mess.
AND THEN A SHITSHOW!!!
What the actual fuck?! We are so fucking close to a fucking point, everything is running smooth, and then—BAM!—the rear wing just fucking gives up on life, like it had enough of racing today. Out of the fucking blue, no warning, nothing. I mean, what the actual fuck is that? Not acceptable, not tolerable, not fucking anything. The only good thing is that Blaszka isn't hurt, otherwise I’d be flipping fucking tables right now.
As for Bonino—shit race, nothing else to say. No pace, no grip, just a fucking waste of a Sunday.
We need this break now. Have to fucking sit down and figure out if we even have a fucking future in Division 1, because right now, it’s looking like a giant fucking uphill battle. We need to fix our shit, and fast."
March 16, 2025 10:03 pm
Thrills and Spills at Merial Speedway: A High-Speed Melodrama in Division 1
The sun shone brightly over the lush green expanse of Merial Speedway, located in the heart of the southeastern United States, providing the perfect backdrop for what promised to be a high-octane Division 1 race. Fans flooded the stands, eagerly anticipating the thrilling spectacle that this relatively non-technical, yet fast-paced 5.3 km track would deliver. Now, while it lacks the twisty finesse of more intricate circuits, Merial is a veritable cathedral of speed—offering just 12 corners that are more than enough to create drama!
The day began with a qualifying session where speed reigned supreme, and it was nothing short of a masterclass in time attack. Alvaro Ferreira de Almeida from Finland Renttu Racing snatched pole position with a mesmerizing lap of 1:41.032, setting the tone for his team and building palpable excitement around an expected duel with his teammate Allan Keith, who finished just a whisper behind with a time that left them sniffing each other's exhaust fumes. The crowd erupted in cheers, but little did they know that fiercer battles awaited them on the asphalt.
Ah, the nuances of this track—known for its long straights and several overtaking opportunities—remind us that speed is indeed king. Teams, fueled by the roar of their finely-tuned machines, strapped in for an adrenaline-pumped showdown. And just like that, the lights turned green—the metallic symphony of engines roared to life, marking the start of a battle that would test the mettle of men and machines alike.
The first lap began with Keith rocketing out of the gates, promptly showcasing his skills as the early leader. But the joy for Renttu Racing danced precariously close to disaster when pole-sitter Ferreira de Almeida made an error, spinning off-track and into the grass on lap one. In a matter of moments, he lost two seconds and a significant chunk of precious positions, finding himself in a sea of traffic that would be the bane of his race. "Oh dear, spins again," lamented Henri Kuivanen, Renttu's exasperated team manager, who could only watch in horror. "It's a nice killer to lose 10 positions and get stuck in traffic. Absolute joke."
Had that disconcert from the pitwall signaled the unravelling of Ferreira's hopes? Perhaps. The action continued to unfold like a finely crafted play. On lap two, Jean-Jacques Bonino from Japan’s Pika Evo Race joined the drama with a wild spin—his car pirouetting expressively before landing in the gravel trap, losing a staggering nine seconds. The pit wall bore witness to the unraveling narratives as one racer after another tussled with their machines in a battle for control, knowing that overtaking would be as challenging as threading a needle in a windstorm.
As the race settled into a rhythm, Keith continued to stretch his lead, doing everything he could to fend off pressures from Lum and Farag, both eager for the fight. Lum, driving for Portugal Firespeed with an aggressive strategy on soft tires that promised better grip, edged himself closer to Keith, nibbling away at the leader’s cushion. Meanwhile, Farag, undertaking a relentless charge in his Mexico Minardi machine, hovered ominously behind, forcing Keith to dance to the rhythm of his own heartbeat.
As the laps rolled by, strategy rather than sheer speed took center stage—teams began to assess pit stop tactics on a course that encouraged fewer stops due to its long pit lane, highly favoring drivers who could conserve fuel while maintaining speed. The high-pressure environment was palpable; every pit stop had the potential to change the outcome, as we witnessed on lap ten when Lum clocked in a 4.945-second pit stop to switch to medium tires, hoping to execute the fabled ‘undercut’ that haunt teams in their dreams.
But strategies unfolded like a well-scripted drama. While some charged ahead, others struggled under the weight of misfortune. On lap 12, Eusebio Torrillas from South Africa’s RSA Racing made a brief but impactful appearance in the chaos of pit stops. With his team strategizing a long stint, it appeared he could emerge stronger as others spun, whirled, and fell victim to the tedium of constant speed.
The question on everyone’s mind—would the Minardi duo of Farag and Bora capitalize on other drivers' misfortunes? Oh, how they hushed amidst the grumbling ground! With over fifty laps remaining, dirty air brought challengers perilously close to the brink of chaos. Lap 16 saw the top four drivers—Keith, Farag, Bora, and Wheater—like cautious lions stalking their prey, each maneuver fought for with grit.
Mid-race excitement reached a crescendo as the tire strategies came to the forefront. Farag, with his soft tires, possessed the weapons needed to strike, and the battle for the lead unfolded in encore. Would he be able to execute a flawless overtaking maneuver? Keith, seemingly in a world of his own on hard tires, drove as if he were unyielding stone amid roaring flames.
With each lap a new chapter, the race counted down to its climactic moments, with Farag determined to breach those hallowed gates. The tense atmosphere was bolstered by Keith’s growing unease, and the collision of chance and strategy became palpable. Would he falter?
Lap 51 proved to be an iconic chapter in the unfolding saga. Under fierce pressure, Farag executed a stunning and bold overtaking maneuver that blistered the hearts of witnesses. “WHAT A MOVE—INCREDIBLE!” shouted the commentators, who surely have seen it all but could not mask their awe as Farag pulled alongside Keith, launching into the lead at the most opportune time. It was methodical and brilliant, crossing the line of decision-making with split-second reflexes. Speed and strategy collided beautifully on the very precipice of racing prowess.
The final lap was a slow unveiling of resignation and exhilaration, with Farag cementing his place as a masterful tactician while his rival Keith fought to reclaim lost ground. The fringes of the track were littered with the unfortunate remnants of a race punctuated by spins and enduring tensions, reminding everyone just how taxing it could be to hunt, but equally so to be the prey. Through a perfect mix of skill and strategy, the Minardi man inched past to cross the finish line first, securing a triumphant victory of 4.369 seconds ahead of Keith.
The tale at Merial Speedway etched itself firmly in the annals of racing history—not just as a contest of speed, but as a testament to the indomitable human spirit characterized by grit, strategy, and the ecstasy of victory snatched from the jaws of despair. Amid the glitz and glory, the day had borne witness to excellence, and racing folklore gained yet another chapter to embrace within its endless pages.
In the aftermath of the exhilarating race at Merial Speedway, voices echoed the sentiments of triumph and disappointment among the teams and fans. Joseph Stam from the United Kingdom reflected on Ilias Parabolos’ unfortunate performance, stating, "Five spins—a real shame for his last race. Just not enough. Well done everyone!" Clearly, the pressure of the track took its toll on the talented driver as he bid farewell with a mix of frustration and nostalgia. Meanwhile, Finland's Henri Kuivanen, the ever-animated pitwall supporter, couldn’t help but commend the Minardi team while offering a sharp critique: "Good tactics for Minardi. Did choose the stupid ones," he quipped, highlighting the razor-thin line between brilliant strategy and missed opportunities that characterized the day’s gripping events. Each voice added a distinct layer to the rich tapestry of emotions, encapsulating the unpredictable spirit of racing in its finest form.
Philip E was not exactly over the moon and kept it pretty tight-lipped: "Look, let’s not kid ourselves. The drivers had their moments—not just crawling around; when the car was actually pointing the right way, they even looked kind of quick. Almost. But let’s face it: the team is just not there yet to fight for a top-10 on pure pace. Bonino’s first race? Not a disaster. He was already quicker than Blaszka, which either means Bonino’s got something—or Blaszka’s got nothing, I don’t know. Bottom line, there’s a hell of a lot of work ahead. If it doesn’t come together now, maybe next season. Or the one after. Who the hell knows?"
March 9, 2025 10:05 pm
A. Keith Dominates Japan Sinkei in Season 41’s Third Round
### A. Keith Dominates Japan Sinkei in Season 41’s Third Round
The third round of Season 41 at Japan's Sinkei Circuit featured a relatively uneventful race, with A. Keith from Finland Renttu Racing putting on a masterclass to clinch victory, finishing the 56-lap race in 1:25:50.900. From the get-go, Keith demonstrated dominance, setting the fastest lap at 1:31.710 late in the race and proving why he holds the championship lead. His commanding victory gave him a cushion of 7.671 seconds ahead of Mexico Minardi's R. Farag, who also managed to salvage a solid performance despite a couple of minor spins.
Finishing third was A. Ferreira de Almeida, also from Renttu Racing, crossing the line +10.279 seconds off the pace. The team’s one-two finish highlights their ongoing synergy, suitable for any story where two teammates aren’t just paddling in the same boat but are aligned in terms of strategy and performance. As they raced around the tight confines of Sinkei, it was almost as if they were a pair of synchronized swimmers, elegantly navigating the twists and turns of this tight 4.47-kilometer track.
The mid-field saw some intriguing battles, particularly for fourth through sixth places. E. Bora's effort for Mexico Minardi landed him in fourth, just +11.750 seconds behind Keith, showcasing significant improvements in speed consistency this season. Austria Fenninger Racing's J. Köpke finished fifth, +30.610 seconds adrift, while R. Bernardas Jelinskas from United Kingdom SGA Racing rounded out the top six with a time gap of +38.315 seconds. The gap between the top teams vividly illustrates the varying levels of performance this season, as Renttu and Minardi seem to be on a different performance trajectory compared to the rest of the field.
The narrative of the race quickly turned from thrilling to tepid as gaps widened. At one point, the commentary team whimsically suggested that the only real entertainment left would come from spotting the occasional cat slinking through the paddock, evoking chuckles among fans. Indeed, the race featured just a handful of spins—most of which barely affected the outcome—like those from Belgium JVRacing's E. Pouillie and South Africa RSA Racing's Eusebio Torrillas who both saw minor slips without significant impact on their final standings.
As for the backmarkers, the struggle was all too vivid. South Africa's F. Mosetti and Portugal's L. Lum demonstrated that while it’s great to participate, not everyone can compete at the front, particularly during a race where both speed and handling were sidelined in favor of tire management—a facet more important at Sinkei than usual track intricacies.
In the context of motorsport lore, one cannot help but imagine a mythical scene where A. Keith, the unflappable hero, might have emerged from the garage a few minutes late after dealing with a troublesome pit stop. Perhaps he stumbled across a wise old mechanic whose tales of bygone eras rang true. "In racing, young man," he'd say, "finesse beats fury, and patience usually pays out." This metaphorical touchstone resonates particularly for teams at the mid-field who strive for the speed of a racing cheetah but often find themselves running at a mere jog—somewhat lost in translation.
As the checkered flag waved at Sinkei, glances towards the championship standings revealed that gaps were not just on the racetrack. Teams and drivers are left reassessing their strategies as the next race looms. With a few rounds ahead, it is clear that the battle for supremacy in Season 41 remains fierce, but for now, A. Keith has positioned himself as the formidable titan of this ongoing saga, conjuring tales of future rivalries and challenge on the horizon for all who aspire to wrest the crown away from his grasp.
Philip E – Team Statement
"So, what can I say? We're racing in Division 1 with a car that feels like an F2 car in F1! We should be happy if we even make it to the finish line, and points? Forget it. Our chances of staying in this division are as slim as a piece of paper after a 300 km/h crash.
The competition is leaving us in the dust on the straights like we're towing a trailer. And strategy—yeah, we've got one! But it doesn’t help when the car slides more than it drives. Maybe we should start a go-kart team instead; at least there, we might see a podium!
But okay, there are rumors that Pika Evo is looking for a lifeline, and the name Jean-Jacques Bonino is floating around. The guy has more races under his belt than some team bosses have contracts signed. Maybe he can bring the spark of hope we’re missing—but without a proper car, even he can’t work miracles!"
March 2, 2025 01:55 pm
Financial Crisis Blunts Arrows
"We had a big slice of good luck today" was all Amber Arrows' Team Principal would say on the subject of a safety car that wrecked Olivetti's chances of a second win on the trot. The Arrows will be hoping this marks something of a turnaround given the dreadful year they endured in the top flight.
Still the team are not yet out of the woods. The engine snafu at the start of the year cost them dear, wiping out their prize money fund and cushion to pay for the Level 5 facilities currently underway. "It makes you wonder. To compete in Div 1 you have to have the best facilities possible, yet were happier when running on a shoestring budget and buying in driver talent to fill the gap"
"We are risking outright bankruptcy," West revealed. There are glimmers of hope. The Arrows have cut their driver roster to 2, ditching the expensive Mangili and promoting test driver, Belletti, to leading role. Few are confident that either him or his partner, the experienced Kopp will stay ahead of the Olivettis for long.
And there is no money to pursue new talent. The team now find themselves facing an awkward choice: Without a prize money fund, Try to win, risk bankruptcy; or sit back and not compete. At the end of the day, much of this will be taken out of our hands soon. The Olivettis have a wider margin for development than we do, plus they have Frisch, who seems a Championship winner.
If things go badly, the Arrows may have to follow many of their peers by going Public. This was always something West wished to avoid, especially given the parlous state of their finances.
Time will tell. But buckle up, the ride might get rocky.
February 24, 2025 09:07 am
FERREIRA DE ALMEIDA CLAIMS DRAMATIC VICTORY AT ARMAKOV AS DRAMA UNFOLDS!
In a thrilling display of motorsport excellence at the Russian Federation's Armakov circuit, Antonio Ferreira de Almeida stormed to victory after a masterful drive that saw him overcome early race leader Emre Bora in a dramatic final few laps. AND WHAT A RACE IT WAS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
The 5.43-kilometer circuit, notorious for being a true car buster, lived up to its fearsome reputation, with teams facing a particularly puzzling challenge today. Three cars - yes, THREE! - retired due to fuel issues, leaving engineers scratching their heads. Sources in the paddock suggest teams are already poring over data to understand why this track seems to have such a unique thirst for fuel!
The start saw pole-sitter Ferreira de Almeida maintain his lead, but the real drama began to unfold as early as lap 5. Bora, whose seat at Minardi had been the subject of intense paddock speculation, made a stunning move to take the lead. The Mexican team had been dealing with behind-the-scenes legal issues that almost saw Rajab Farag leave before the race weekend, but their last-minute decision to put Toby Hunter in the second car proved inspired. AND WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT, Hunter, in his FIRST EVER Division 1 race, brought the car home in a remarkable 5th place!
But speaking of remarkable stories, WHAT AN ABSOLUTE COMEBACK FROM JÖRG KÖPKE! The Austrian driver, who had been languishing in Division 3 due to team issues, showed he hasn't lost an ounce of speed. "It was like being trapped in a cage," a paddock source quoted him saying, "but today proved I still belong in Division 1." And prove it he did, claiming a brilliant third place for Fenninger Racing!
The real masterclass today came from Renttu Racing's strategy department. Word in the paddock is they spent countless hours analyzing previous races at Armakov, and it showed! Their perfect timing of pit stops for Ferreira de Almeida proved crucial in the final outcome. As one team member put it, "We knew exactly when to bring him in - down to the second!"
And ladies and gentlemen, if you thought ballet was only performed in theaters, Eduardo Torrillas had other ideas today! In what must be some kind of record, the South African RSA Racing driver managed TEN - yes, TEN! - spins during the race. Not to be outdone, Francesco Mosetti treated us to eight pirouettes of his own! Incredibly, after his seventh spin, Torrillas was heard joking on team radio, "I'm just practicing ballet!" Now THAT'S keeping your sense of humor in difficult circumstances!
The closing stages of the race were absolutely breathtaking. Ferreira de Almeida, armed with the perfect strategy from his Finnish team, hunted down Bora like a hungry wolf. The gap came down lap after lap until finally, with just a few laps remaining, he made his move stick. From there, he pulled away to win by over three seconds.
This result sets up what promises to be a fascinating championship battle. Minardi, despite all their pre-race drama, leads the constructor's standings with 40 points, but Renttu Racing, with their strategic masterclass, sits just 10 points behind. AND DON'T FORGET FIRESPEED, who quietly accumulated 16 points to hold third place!
As the teams pack up and leave Russia, many questions remain. Will Minardi's legal issues affect their championship challenge? Can Köpke maintain this stunning form? And will someone please teach Torrillas and Mosetti that this isn't Dancing with the Stars? One thing is certain - this season is shaping up to be an absolute classic. The next race can't come soon enough!
AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED! What a day of racing, what a showcase of talent, and what stories we've witnessed here at Armakov!
[Interview conducted in the Pika Evo Race hospitality area after the Russian Grand Prix]
Interviewer: Philip, tough day for Pika Evo Race. Can you talk us through what happened?
Philip E: What happened? I tell you what fucking happened. We spent a fuckload of money, a stupid amount of money, on this fancy new chassis. Then we get this expensive engine, all the shiny shit, and what do we get? No fucking points. Zero. Niente. It's a joke. If I wanted to burn money, I could've just lit a bonfire in my backyard.
Interviewer: Blaszka finished 12th though, showing some pace...
Philip E: Some pace? Some fucking pace? Look, my grandmother could’ve done better, and she doesn’t even have a driver’s license! We bring all these upgrades, spend nights in the wind tunnel, run a million simulations, and for what? P12? It’s like buying a Ferrari and using it to deliver pizzas. Complete fucking waste of money.
Interviewer: What about Artis in 16th?
Philip E: (laughs sarcastically) Ah, don’t even get me started on that one. He’s out there like he’s on a Sunday drive through the countryside. P16? We’re not here to just participate, we’re here to fucking compete! Both cars outside the points after spending more money than my house is worth on upgrades. It’s like going to a fancy restaurant, ordering the best steak, and they serve you fucking tofu instead.
Interviewer: Do you think the upgrades weren't working as expected?
Philip E: The upgrades? Oh, they work perfectly fine in the fucking factory! In the simulator? Beautiful! But on track? We look like a bunch of fucking amateurs! The other teams must be pissing themselves laughing. "Oh look, Pika Evo Race, spending all that money to fight for P12!" Maybe we should’ve spent the money on some fucking driving lessons instead.
Interviewer: What's the plan moving forward?
Philip E: Plan? (shakes head) Right now, the plan is to not throw my laptop through the fucking window. Then maybe we figure out why we’re slower than a fucking turtle with these expensive new parts. We need to go back to basics. No more fancy shit until we can at least fight for points. We look like rockstars in the factory, but on track, we’re operating like a bunch of fucking cowboys.
Interviewer: Any positives to take from the weekend?
Philip E: Positives? (starts laughing) Yeah, the catering was good. And at least neither driver did ten spins like Torrillas. But that’s like saying, "Hey, at least the house didn’t burn down" when your car gets stolen. We need to do better. Much fucking better. This is Formula racing, not a fucking charity event.
Interviewer: Thanks for your time, Philip.
Philip E: Yeah, yeah. I need a headache pill. And maybe a new job. Or new drivers. Or both. Fuck it, I need a drink.
[Philip E walks away, muttering about expensive paperweights and wasted money.]
February 23, 2025 05:47 pm
Team minardi responds to the underhanded maneuvers of an unknown team!
Team minardi showcased its strength and determination, securing a second and fifth place with our drivers. However, we cannot overlook the underhanded and unscrupulous tactics of an unknown team that attempted to poach our driver Farag, by offering him an unacceptable contract.
An attack on our integrity
This situation is not just a matter of sportsmanship; it is a direct attack on our integrity as a team. It is clear that some teams are willing to do anything to gain an advantage, even at the cost of violating the unwritten rules of mutual respect in motorsport. We want to make it clear that Team minardi will not tolerate such behavior.
A clear warning
To those who attempted to steal our talent: know that our team is strong and united. We will not back down in our efforts to protect our drivers and our reputation. Your actions will not go unnoticed, and we reserve the right to respond to these provocations appropriately.
Looking ahead
Despite these underhanded maneuvers, we are proud of our drivers' performances today and will continue to work hard to ensure that Team minardi remains competitive and respected in the championship. Our determination is stronger than ever, and we will prepare for the next Grand Prix with renewed energy and resolve
February 23, 2025 02:07 pm
Farag Dominates Rain-Soaked Denmark, But Early Signs Hint at Potential Team Disparity
R. Farag of Minardi has emerged as the clear victor in a dramatic, rain-lashed opening race of the Division 1 season at the Denmark Baend circuit. The challenging conditions and strategic complexities of the race provided a captivating spectacle, but the significant performance gap between some teams raises questions about the season's potential narrative.
Farag's pole position in qualifying laid the foundation for his dominant performance. He capitalized on his starting advantage, leading from lights out and controlling the race despite the treacherous conditions. The first lap saw a major incident involving S. Tate and N. Capogrossi, with Tate suffering suspension damage and Capogrossi requiring a pit stop for a new front wing. The stewards' decision to take no further action on the collision will likely be a point of contention among the other teams.
The relentless rain created a fascinating strategic puzzle. While all drivers were forced onto full wet tires, the timing of pit stops and the risk of gambling on track position became crucial. B. Artis of Pika Evo Race attempted an early pit stop, a move that ultimately backfired and relegated him to the back of the pack. K. Blaszka of Pika Evo Race, after a poor qualifying performance, showed impressive pace in the wet, only to spin and lose valuable ground.
The mid-race period was punctuated by a flurry of pit stops as teams sought any possible advantage. The difficulty of overtaking in the spray and reduced visibility made track position paramount. Several teams, including SGA Racing with R. Bernardas Jelinskas and E. Wheater, opted for a two-stop strategy.
Farag, however, remained unfazed by the chaos, expertly managing his tires and extending his lead. A. Ferreira de Almeida of Renttu Racing secured a solid second place, while E. Bora, also of Minardi, claimed the final spot on the podium. A. Keith of Renttu Racing finished fourth, followed by L. Lum of Firespeed. F. Mosetti (RSA Racing), E. Nava Castillo (Firespeed) and E. Wheater followed. R. Bernardas Jelinskas and E. Torrillas rounded out the top 10.
While the race itself was a thrilling affair, the substantial gaps between the leading teams, particularly Minardi and Renttu Racing, and the rest of the field, raise concerns about the competitive balance of the season. Although it's still early and the wet conditions undoubtedly played a role, the performance differential is significant. This could potentially lead to a less exciting season if other teams are unable to close the gap.
A word from a disappointed team manager
Philip E., Team Owner, on the Race Weekend:
"Honestly? That was just a shitshow from start to finish. We knew after qualifying we were in trouble, but we were hoping for a bit of fight in the race. Instead, what we got was spins, bad tire management, and a complete lack of consistency.
Karol? Five spins. I mean, come on! You can’t drive like that and expect points. One or two? Fine, mistakes happen. But five? That’s not racing, that’s auditioning for a drifting championship. And the pace? Dropped off like a rock after lap 6. I don’t know what the hell happened, but we need to sort that out.
Bode was at least keeping it clean, made some good overtakes, and didn’t spin like a top. But even he fell off a cliff at the end. The last ten laps were just painful to watch. Tire management? Nowhere. Strategy? Didn’t matter, because the pace just disappeared.
So, yeah, this was bad. If we keep driving like this, we might as well pack up and go home. We need to get our act together, because right now, we look like clowns out there. And I’m not here to run a damn circus."
The next stop on the calendar brings us to the Armakov circuit in Russia next week—a 5.43km beast with a reputation for chewing up cars and spitting them out. High-speed straights feed directly into brutal braking zones, leading to tight, unforgiving corners that will test both man and machine. Any weakness—whether mechanical or mental—will be ruthlessly exposed.
For teams still playing catch-up, Armakov is more than just another race; it’s an opportunity to prove they belong in the fight. Was Denmark’s rain-soaked chaos an equalizer, or did it merely disguise the real performance gaps? Russia will start to reveal the truth.
February 16, 2025 08:54 pm
New Season to Start: Division 1 Teams Ready to Roar!
**New Season to Start: Division 1 Teams Ready to Roar!**
By Hans Prümmel
The long-awaited Division 1 season is nearly here, and while the headlines might be full of talk about lap times, tire choices, and championship glory, let’s take a moment to focus on what really matters—the quirky, the downright odd, and the often overlooked rituals that make this sport so uniquely human. Behind the wheel of these finely tuned machines are drivers who believe in all sorts of strange things—things that go far beyond the grip of their tires or the power of their engines. So, let’s dive into the stories of each team, where racing legends and peculiar superstitions collide.
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**Mexico Minardi Racing – The Champions’ Quirks**
After dominating Season 40 with 8 wins and a championship, Minardi is clearly the team to watch. But beneath the technical mastery of their AB engine and the sharp focus of Enver Bora, there lies a quirky secret. Bora, the reigning champion, insists on tapping the rear wing of his car three times before climbing in. "It's not superstition," he claims with a grin. Meanwhile, Rajab Farag, whose lucky socks have seen better days (or perhaps not), refuses to race without them. The team’s technical prowess is unquestionable, but their “Z-Force Diff” could be the make-or-break factor on those tight corners. With their combination of grit and superstition, Minardi is the team everyone wants to beat.
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**Finland Renttu Racing – The Ice-Cold Gamblers**
A team with a history of success, Renttu Racing’s lineup is led by Alvaro J. Ferreira de Almeida and Allan Spencer Keith, both of whom have already proven their worth as teammates in the previous season. Their new challenge? To push their combined experience and technical expertise into a championship-contending position. Alvaro still follows his quirky ritual of eating exactly one blueberry before each race—blue, no exceptions. Allan, meanwhile, insists on carrying his trusty rubber duck for good luck. The UltraTec engine remains a reliable force, but their Halftrack tires will be the wildcard to watch. Will they hold up when the weather turns, or will Renttu find themselves sliding into a metaphorical ice rink?
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**United Kingdom SGA Racing – The Tea-Drinking Tinkerers**
SGA Racing, with their innovative “Floor Is Lava” chassis, is always on the cutting edge. But it’s the driver quirks that are the real story. Ewan Wheater must sip exactly two mouthfuls of tea before every race. Not one, not three—two. Rolandas B. Jelinskas is a bit more practical, adjusting his seatbelt exactly seven times before giving the thumbs-up. Could their focus on tea and seatbelts deliver the aerodynamic breakthrough they need? It’s all about balance—and maybe just a dash of good fortune.
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**Italy Paolonio Racing – The Pasta Perfectionists**
Paolonio Racing had a forgettable Season 40, but they’re gearing up to make a comeback. The team is known for its peculiar pre-race routines. Aurélien Sandras swears by eating a single strand of spaghetti before each race. “For luck,” he says, though it's unclear if al dente is a requirement. Meanwhile, Alex Banwell insists on wearing his helmet backward during practice. “It’s a mental thing,” he states, as if this somehow alters the laws of physics. With their Facami engine and wildcard Low Rider suspension, Paolonio could either rise to glory or remain stuck in the mid-pack.
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**Portugal Firespeed – The Zen Masters**
In a world of speed, Firespeed aims to maintain inner peace. Lei Lum, known for his pre-race meditation, hums softly in the garage, his calm demeanor almost palpable. Sergio Esteva Escoda, the firebrand of the duo, takes a different approach: he writes down his goals on a piece of paper, only to burn it before every race. “It’s symbolic,” he says, though the symbolism seems lost on his mechanic. With their solid UltraTec-Halftrack combo, Firespeed might just surprise a few teams, but don’t be surprised if they race with the kind of tranquility that masks a steely resolve.
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**UK Zeroforce F1 – The Mysterious Mavericks**
Zeroforce F1 is one of the most enigmatic teams on the grid. Their driver quirks match their unpredictable performance. Ilias Parabolos enters the car left foot first, claiming it’s for balance—though one wonders if it affects the balance of his car. Gilberto Alkon Gruspan is less concerned with his race strategy than with his facial hair. “It’s my lucky beard,” he says, despite its patchy nature. Zeroforce’s UltraTec engine is dependable, but their Round tires have raised some eyebrows. Will they deliver consistency or leave the team spinning?
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**Italy Handbrake RD – The Pink Sock Pioneers**
Handbrake RD might have had a rough Season 40, but with their new focus on aerodynamics and a unique approach to racing, don’t count them out. Stefan Tate has been known to wear pink socks—inside out. “It’s for aerodynamics,” he jokes. Ross Walrond takes a more sentimental route, giving his car a quiet pep talk before each race. As for the technical side, Handbrake’s UltraTec engine is solid, but their E-Tronic electrical system could either lead to triumph or failure. It’s all in the details—and maybe a little luck with those socks.
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**Austria Fenninger Racing – The Alpine Adventurers**
Fenninger Racing has a storied history, but will their UltraTec engine and unpredictable Aero Push Rod suspension be enough to get them back into the hunt? Nazzareno Capogrossi insists on adjusting his rearview mirror exactly 45 degrees before each race. Juan P. Vanegas Jiménez carries a figurine of a mountain goat in his pocket, “For climbing the ranks,” he says. These superstitions might seem quaint, but with their resilience, Fenninger could be poised for a season full of surprises.
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**South Africa RSA Racing – The Underdog Dreamers**
RSA Racing enters the season with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Eusebio Torrillas, their lead driver, has a peculiar habit of drawing a small star on his steering wheel before each race. “It’s my guiding light,” he says with a wink. Their AB engine is a powerhouse, but the team’s MobileWing front wing design remains untested. Will RSA Racing rise from the shadows, or will they remain the underdogs?
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**Belgium JVRacing – The Quiet Contenders**
JVRacing may not have the flashiest stats, but they’ve got heart—and a few odd traditions. Kraft Neser, their German driver, always wears a pair of gloves given to him by his grandmother. Evelien Pouillie, on the other hand, insists on listening to the same Belgian folk song before every race. With their Facami engine and HyperFlow sidepods, JVRacing could quietly climb the ranks this season.
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**Japan Pika Evo Race – The Rising Stars**
Pika Evo Race is a team on the rise, and their drivers are as unique as their name. Bode Artis, the British driver, has a ritual of spinning his steering wheel three times before strapping in. Karol Blaszka, his Polish teammate, carries a small wooden figurine of a pikachu in his pocket. With their UltraTec engine and Supergrip tires, Pika Evo Race could be the dark horse of the season.
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**UK MPM Motorsport – The Wildcards**
MPM Motorsport is a team that thrives on unpredictability. CJ Kruger, their South African driver, has a habit of writing his race strategy on his forearm in permanent marker. Con Mahon, the Irishman, insists on wearing a pair of mismatched socks. With their AB engine and Round tires, MPM Motorsport could either surprise everyone or leave them scratching their heads.
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As the season kicks off, the quirks, superstitions, and technical gambles will add an extra layer of excitement. While the big names may dominate the headlines, the smaller, more personal stories—the oddities that each team brings to the track—are what truly make this sport fascinating. Will the best drivers rise to the top, or will a few strange habits shake things up? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for certain: Hans Prümmel will be there to call it all, with a smile and a wry wink. Let the games begin!
February 9, 2025 10:00 pm
Interview with Philip E. – Pika Evo: Igniting a New Era in Division 1
Murray Ledger, Pitwall Times, Vienna, 02.02.25
As his team steps into Division 1 after a standout season in Division 2.3, Philip E. opens up about the exciting challenges ahead. With new suppliers, a competitive field, and key decisions still to be made, it’s shaping up to be an unpredictable season. For all the details on what’s to come, read the full interview.
Murray: Your team was promoted to Division 1 this season after a marvelous season in Division 2.3?
Philip E.: That was an awesome season! Now we are in the big league, racing against the current champion Minardi, the record-winning team Renttu Racing, Fenninger, Handbrake RD, JVRacing, Firespeed, Paolonia Racing - and we will meet Shauns! Very exciting! Last season, Lenovo Gina GP was the main competitor, now there are many. (laughs)
Murray: The first tests of the season are done, and your team is in the top three. Only Renttu and Minardi are faster than your team, while Pika Evo is right behind. A good start in the new challenge?
Philip E.: (Laughs) That’s something we’d wish for, obviously, but that does not reflect reality. Test sessions are for testing, not particularly for fast laps. Right now, it’s about getting knowledge of the car on track, giving the drivers track time, finding setups, and improving—a lot. We know our test program, but Minardi? Renttu? Also, all other teams? The times in training don’t give much indication.
Murray: What did you learn about the new season so far?
Philip E.: Stuff our competitors would love to read in your paper. (laughs) There are some hiccups, but nothing to worry about. The reliability is okay. Unlike other teams, we spread our workload among all drivers to keep them fresh for the season. The pace is there, the tires work, and we’re happy to be with Supergrip now.
Murray: Right, there are new suppliers this season—new engines with Facami back, AB, Ultratec, and others not represented in Div 1. Also, Supergrip on the tires, new brakes with BT Tech, Opurray. How intense is the impact of the suppliers on the car?
Philip E.: The biggest impact is the tires, in my point of view. Supergrip did a fantastic job and brought us tires that look like they can perform anywhere, while Halftrack is where they left off last season. Last season, it was annoying to do extra stops, but since all teams had the same option, it was kind of equal. Now, I guess we’d be lost with those tires—but with an outstanding strategy, maybe… well, that’s speculation. Supergrip will make the difference.
Also, on the engines, we were flirting with Facami, who had been active some seasons ago. We know they can deliver engines to win championships. But they have two big issues: one, they are a bit heavier, making it harder to balance the car, and two, they are insane when it comes to money. Sure, the engine is worth it, but if I lose half my budget to the engine, I have no space for improvement. Since we have a partnership with Ultratec, we are good. They lack a bit in acceleration and top speed but have great drivability, according to my drivers. And they are expensive—but not muy loco…
Brakes? Well, another good deal, I hope. BT is performing well so far.
Murray: Sounds like a lot to follow this season. What about the drivers? Who do you think can take the crown? And who will drive for your team this season? You didn’t fill the application yet, did you?
Philip E.: My crystal ball is a bit dusty, but I’d say a Renttu driver, maybe a Minardi driver. Well, I’d bet a euro on Minardi because of their advantage on the brakes. I guess Fenninger is the most prominent victim of Halftrack’s performance—maybe like Ferrari 2005 when Bridgestone messed up. Too hard to tell—ask me after the first race again.
About my drivers—don’t overinterpret the test times. They had different programs. Sure, it’s great that Hallikäär showed pace, odd that Blaszka lacked it—but too early to tell, and no need to do so yet. We will have to look at the team first and are in a position to choose between four highly skilled drivers. We will get there and decide who will represent the team in Baend.
Murray: That’s quite uncommon—not having the drivers set so late in the season, isn’t it?
Philip E.: Sure, but we are not a common team, are we? We look for the perfect performance, and the driver is part of that. We are in a position where we need to stretch possibilities to reach our goal for the season.
Murray: Which is…?
Philip E.: The basic goal is to stay in the top 8 and have good races. Top 4 could be possible when we perform at peak in every single session.
Murray: That sounds very optimistic after the recent disappointment three seasons ago…
Philip E.: (Laughs) That was a good season! 18 points in this division at the end of the season—that was better than we expected. Back then, AB was the engine to beat, and our team was three seasons younger, far away from where we are now. So, I wasn’t disappointed back then, and I am optimistic that we will do much better now. And yes, we learned our lesson from back then. We had a bit of a situation with the drivers—but that’s snow of yesterday. Now is now, and we will do better.
Murray: Who do you see in the relegation zone at the moment?
Philip E.: No idea. The season is young, and of course, I wouldn’t see us there. But also others? Nah, not my question—it does not make my team faster.
Murray: Do you think a victory is within reach?
Philip E.: With wishful thinking, perfect alignment of the stars, luck with safety cars, and… and so on—no, I don’t think so. Maybe a podium—with all those preconditions. (laughs)
Murray: Thank you, Philip, and have a good season.
Philip E.: See you in Baend.
Interview Summary:
Philip E. remains cautious yet optimistic as his team enters Division 1 after a strong season. While test results look promising, he downplays them, focusing instead on development and strategy. New suppliers, particularly Supergrip tires, could shake up the grid. Driver selection is still open, reflecting the team's commitment to performance. The goal is a top-8 finish, with top-4 possible under peak conditions. Despite past setbacks, Philip is confident in the team's progress. A race win seems unlikely, but podiums could be within reach under the right circumstances.
February 2, 2025 09:03 pm
Final Curtain at Cheminiere: A Race for Pride and Promises
The grand finale of Division 2.3 unfolded on the picturesque yet deceptively punishing track of France's Cheminiere, a circuit known for chewing through tires as if they were yesterday's baguettes. With both the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships already decided, the pressure was off for Pika Evo Race—champions Karol Blaszka and Bode Artis graciously handed over their seats to juniors R. Neumann and B. Hallikäär, a bold move that showcased the team’s focus on the future.
A Junior Showcase Under the French Sun
At the start, Austria's R. Neumann displayed the composure of a veteran, snatching the lead from Taiwan’s R. Lai before they even exited the second corner. Neumann’s confidence seemed rooted not only in his talent but in an emotional pep talk from his grandmother the evening before. “She told me, ‘Drive like you did in the pedal car race when you were six,’” Neumann shared, grinning. It seems grandmotherly wisdom translates well to motorsport.
Meanwhile, Hallikäär’s debut was less inspired. Starting in fifth, his lap times betrayed a driver struggling to shake the weight of expectation. Perhaps he was haunted by the tales of his great-uncle, a famed fishing trawler captain who once lost a net full of prized tuna in a storm—a story the young driver recounted with a nervous laugh before the race.
A Chaotic First Half
Cheminiere’s brutal reputation as a tire destroyer played into the drama early. The majority of the grid started on soft compounds, knowing they’d barely last beyond lap 10. True to form, Hallikäär was the first to pit on lap 8, hoping for an undercut but emerging back on track still in fifth. Neumann, in contrast, looked serene, his laps almost metronomic as he extended his lead.
The turning point came on lap 12 when Damiano Chiantia’s crash brought out the safety car. The Italian rookie, known as "The Roman Rocket," left the track with such force that marshals and medical teams scrambled, halting the race entirely. Thankfully, Chiantia was unharmed, but the interruption shattered strategies. Greece’s F. Doxiadis, staying out longer than most, was caught out disastrously, rejoining after his pit stop with a penalty-sized gap to make up.
As the race resumed, the front trio of Neumann, Lai, and Hallikäär pulled away, leaving the rest of the pack in their wake. But fortune, as ever, had its own ideas.
The Final Twist
Drama struck on lap 43. Lai, running second and driving with remarkable pace, was suddenly forced to retire when his car lost all electrical power. Spectators watched in shock as the Taiwanese driver coasted to a halt, his dream of a final flourish shattered. Hallikäär, meanwhile, spun off track in Sector 2 moments later, losing three precious seconds to his rivals.
This opened the door for the Netherlands’ S. Lucassen, who had been quietly biding his time in fourth. Lucassen, whose father once starred in Dutch karting before trading his helmet for an accounting career, surged forward and claimed second place. "He told me, 'Son, just balance the books on track like I do in life,' and I guess it worked," Lucassen joked afterward.
Neumann’s Glory and Hallikäär’s Redemption
Neumann crossed the line with a commanding lead, taking his maiden victory in what was undoubtedly a career-defining performance. Lucassen finished second, his podium a clear message to the professional teams eyeing him for next season. Hallikäär managed to hold on for third, a bittersweet ending but one that showed flashes of his potential.
Further down the order, F. Doxiadis salvaged fourth after his earlier misfortune, while the B/W Nordpanda duo of L. Rydmark and J. Fee took fifth and sixth, respectively, demonstrating steady teamwork.
A Race for the Books
The sun set on Cheminiere as the paddock buzzed with chatter of what’s to come. Neumann’s victory, Lucassen’s grit, and Hallikäär’s learning curve painted a vivid picture of the future of Division 2.3. Even as Pika Evo Race celebrated their championship dominance, the spotlight shone brightest on the newcomers who dared to dream.
And so, as the champagne flowed and mechanics packed up for the final time this season, the paddock left Cheminiere not just with stories of the race but of the human drama that fuels this sport.
A few words of Philip E.
"Right, so let’s get straight to it—what a bloody rollercoaster of a race that was! Cheminiere, this beautiful tyre-eating monster of a track, did exactly what we knew it would do—absolutely chew through rubber like a starving goat. Seriously, I’ve seen tyres hold up better on sandpaper! Halftrack needs to sort their sh*t out; we can’t have our strategy revolve around surviving on scraps of rubber every eight laps.
But, hey, let’s talk about the good stuff. Our two juniors—R. Neumann and B. Hallikäär—what an effort! Neumann, man, the kid was on fire. First race in the big leagues, and he delivers a win like he’s been doing it for years. That’s the kind of talent you just can’t coach. Calm, consistent, and fast—what more can you ask for? And Hallikäär, yeah, he had a tough time out there, but third place is nothing to sneeze at, especially after a spin. He’s learning, and trust me, he’ll be back stronger. These guys are the future, no question about it.
Now, let’s not ignore the madness out there. Damiano Chiantia’s crash? Scary moment. Glad he’s okay, but that threw half the grid’s strategies straight in the bin. And poor Rong Hwa Lai—he was cruising, and then his car just decides, ‘Nah, I’m done.’ Completely shuts off. It’s heartbreaking because he deserved a lot more today.
But, look, at the end of the day, we put on a show. The team did what we could with what we had, and Neumann bloody nailed it. Hallikäär’s spin was unfortunate, but that’s racing, right? You fall down, you get back up.
To the fans, to the teams, and to all our drivers—thank you for an incredible season. To the young guns—Neumann, Hallikäär, Lucassen—keep pushing. You’re the next generation, and you’re bloody good at what you do. And to the rest of us? Let’s work on getting some proper tyres next season, yeah? Wishing you all the best luck—because we’ll need it if these tyres don’t improve!"
We’re Going to Division 1, Baby!"
“Well, here we are—champions of Division 2.3, and bloody hell, we’ve done it in style, haven’t we? Pika Evo Race has proven once again that when we say we’re going to dominate, we mean it. Seven wins, fifteen podiums, and not a single race outside the points—what more do you want? The team worked like maniacs this year, and it paid off big time. But, let’s be real, this season wasn’t all smooth sailing.
There were moments where we felt the pressure, especially with the tyres falling apart like cheap furniture and the competition turning up the heat. But those are just temporary weaknesses, mate. When you’ve got drivers like Karol Blaszka and Bode Artis leading the charge, and youngsters like Neumann and Hallikäär stepping up, you find a way to push through. We had the car, the strategy, and the guts to fight every damn race.
And now? Now we’re going to Division 1. The big leagues. The show where legends are made—or crushed. Minardi Racing just bagged the championship, and Renttu Racing’s sitting there as the all-time greats. Fenninger Racing? They had a sh*t year, but don’t count them out—they’re like a wounded lion, and you know they’re going to come back with a vengeance.
It’s going to be insane up there. New suppliers, new engines, new rules—it’s a bloody circus! Will we thrive? Will we wreck? Who the hell knows? But I’ll tell you this: we didn’t come this far to roll over and play nice. Pika Evo Race is here to shake things up.
I’ve got a message for Division 1: don’t underestimate us. We’ve got the team, the talent, and the drive to compete with the best. To Minardi, Renttu, Fenninger, and everyone else—watch your mirrors. Pika Evo Race isn’t just here to make up the numbers. We’re here to race, we’re here to fight, and if we can, we’re here to win.
So let’s see what Division 1’s got. Bring it on—we’re ready for the madness!”
January 26, 2025 07:38 pm
Blaszka Clinches Driver’s Championship in Thrilling Spanish Showdown
What a sensational race we’ve just witnessed at Spain’s Los Vuturs Circuit! With 56 laps of high-speed drama, tire explosions, and unforgettable moments, it was a day that’ll be etched into the memories of fans for years to come.
The track, measuring a length of 5.495 kilometers, is a true test for both drivers and engineers. With its blend of important high-speed corners and unforgiving handling sections, it demands perfection—and for the Pika Evo Racing team, it was a day to remember. The team, already securing the Constructors’ Championship, had both of their star drivers in contention for the Drivers' Championship as well. And in the end, it was the ever-steady K. Blaszka who walked away with the crown.
Early Action and Tire Trouble
The race kicked off with a spectacular display of overtaking and strategic tire choices. Aidan Baggott, starting on medium tires, was caught off guard as the soft-tired Artis, Blaszka, Lucassen, and Lai shot past him. But Baggott, who had been in fine form lately, couldn’t keep pace and rapidly began to lose positions. Artis, keeping his composure, seemed to be in for a battle but made an uncharacteristic mistake on lap 4, going off-track into the grass. Lucassen, ever the opportunist, seized the moment and vaulted into second place.
However, disaster struck on lap 12 when Flavian Doxiadis suffered a catastrophic tire explosion. The Greek driver was lucky to walk away, but his race was over in an instant. It’s a reminder of just how fragile a Formula race can be.
Pit Stops and Strategy Play
By lap 8, the pit stop drama began. Artis, trying to claw back time, lost valuable seconds during his stop, taking 5.9 seconds to change to medium tires. Blaszka, who had built a solid lead, pitted soon after, but crucially, managed to hold onto his position—14 seconds ahead of Rydmark, who had elected to stay out on the medium tires.
As the laps wore on, Blaszka’s consistent pace was unmatched. At lap 15, his Pika Evo machine was an absolute rocket, 1.5 seconds per lap quicker than Lucassen’s Lenovo Gina. Meanwhile, Artis, unable to match his teammate’s pace, was slowly losing ground, with Scuderia Tiffosi hoping to make up some time with an alternative strategy. But it was clear; today was not Artis’s day.
More Carnage and Safety Car Chaos
The real chaos came in lap 34, when Aidan Baggott, already struggling with his tires, saw one explode and ended his race in a cloud of dust. Scuderia Tiffosi, now down to just one car, was left to lick its wounds as both of their drivers were out of the race.
Then, lap 35 hit us with a jaw-dropping moment: Damiano Chiantia, pushing too hard, went off track and slammed into the barriers with a massive impact. Miraculously, he was unscathed—a truly fortunate escape for the Italian. The safety car was deployed immediately, and for a while, the field was forced to slow as Chiantia’s car was moved to safety.
This was bad news for Blaszka, who was 52 seconds ahead of Artis, but his teammate was only 9 seconds ahead of Lucassen in third. With the safety car in, it would all come down to how the race restarted.
The Final Lap and the Crowning Moment
Lap 41 saw the safety car peel back into the pits, and with only a handful of laps to go, the racing action was about to reach its peak. Both Pika Evo drivers held their positions, with Lucassen in third and Rydmark, who had not pitted, still in the mix in fourth. Was Rydmark hoping for a miracle with a 3-stop strategy?
But it was Guntram Viktor’s misfortune in lap 48 that kept the drama alive. The Austrian’s rear wing broke off and sent him into the barriers, another safety car called—just 8 laps to go.
The restart, in lap 52, was as dramatic as we’ve come to expect from this season’s finale. Both Pika Evo drivers held their positions, with Blaszka showing the class that’s won him the crown. Artis, despite his best efforts, just didn’t have the pace to challenge his teammate.
Blaszka Takes the Title!
And there you have it, folks—K. Blaszka is your 2025 Formula World Champion! After a thrilling final few laps, Blaszka crossed the line to clinch the title with Artis finishing in second place. It’s been a remarkable season for both drivers, but today, Blaszka’s dominance on track was undeniable.
Congratulations to Pika Evo Racing, a team that’s simply been in a class of its own, as they now turn their attention to the final race with a new generation of drivers waiting in the wings. For Artis, disappointment—but there’s always next year. For Blaszka, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
What a season, what a race, and what a champion!
Press Statement by Pika Evo Team Manager Philip E.
"Alright, listen, it’s been a crazy season—ups and downs, twists and turns, but today, we’ve got to take a moment to just appreciate what our drivers have done. Both Blaszka and Artis, they’ve been fantastic all year. Blaszka, he’s been on fire. Consistent, focused, just getting the job done. And Artis? Let me tell you, he’s a fighter. He’s pushed Blaszka all the way, and even though today didn’t go his way, he’s been outstanding. I mean, three wins each—what more can you ask for? These guys are top-tier.
So, we’ve got the Constructors’ title, we’ve got the Drivers’ Championship in the bag now with Blaszka. But, here’s the thing, we don’t stop. We move forward. The next race is not the end; it’s another opportunity. For the final race of the season, we’ll give the future a chance to shine. I’m pleased to announce that for the last race, we will have two new faces in the car—Rupert Neumann from Austria, and Bilal Hallikäär from the Federated States of Micronesia. These guys are the future of this team, and we want to see what they can do. They’ve been part of our development program, and now it’s their time to show their potential.
We’re still focused on winning, we’re still focused on delivering, but today, I want to thank Blaszka and Artis. They’ve been incredible. We couldn’t have done it without them. And let me be clear—next season, we’ll keep pushing. Pika Evo is not stopping. We’ve set the bar, and we’re going even higher. But for now, enjoy the victory, because this is well-earned!"
January 19, 2025 08:37 pm
"Pika Evo Secures Division 2.3 Title in Thrilling Fashion: Dominance Confirmed, Future Shaped!"
Through an error, the first print did not show the entire article. Our apologies for the oversight!
Ladies and gentlemen, motorsport enthusiasts, and fans across the globe, what a race we’ve witnessed here at Upperwirth! A strategic masterclass from the Pika Evo Race team saw Bode Artis claim victory in commanding fashion, with teammate Karol Blaszka settling for second. The duo solidified their team’s dominance in Division 2.3 and brought them tantalizingly close to the constructors' crown with just two races to go.
A Flying Start, But Doxiadis Hits Trouble
The race began with an electrifying jolt, as Flavian Doxiadis—starting from an impressive P2—ran wide into the gravel on Lap 1. Losing time and potentially damaging his tyres, he dropped to seventh, leaving fans wondering whether his strong qualifying effort had gone to waste.
Meanwhile, Pika Evo’s dynamic duo surged ahead on their soft tyres, executing a blistering start that highlighted why they’ve been untouchable this season. The mid-pack saw chaos early, with Scuderia Tiffosi showing promise, only for cracks to appear just a few laps later.
Lucassen’s Brief Moment of Glory
Sem Lucassen led the race briefly as the Pika Evo drivers pitted early on Lap 10. For a fleeting moment, it seemed Lenovo Gina Unlimited might challenge the Pika juggernaut. However, Artis was relentless, devouring the gap and reclaiming the lead by Lap 15. By then, Lucassen’s pit stop woes and slower pace left him 22 seconds adrift—a mountain too steep to climb.
Mid-Race Madness and Speculation
Lap 26 saw a string of drama: Jody Fee spun into the gravel, struggling to restart his car, while Doxiadis made another costly error, losing six seconds. Rumors buzzed through the paddock about oil on the track, potentially from a struggling backmarker. Whatever the cause, it added spice to an already unpredictable race.
Scuderia Tiffosi’s strategy to run hard tyres for both drivers seemed bold, if not desperate. Was this a gamble born of necessity, or a stroke of genius to counter Pika Evo’s four-stop blitz? Time would tell, but mid-race results suggested the hard tyres weren’t the golden ticket they’d hoped for.
Rumors of Pika’s Future
Paddock speculation is rife about Pika Evo’s plans for the remaining races. Whispers from the drivers' lounge suggest the team might field their academy driver in the final race of the season to gain experience for next year. Manager Philip E. refused to confirm or deny these rumors, stating only that “we’re focused on securing the championship first.”
With promotion to Division 1 on the horizon, the Pika Evo team faces immense pressure to deliver in the big leagues. Their dominance this season has been extraordinary, but with new engine suppliers entering the fray next year, the playing field could be leveled dramatically.
Final Stages and Victory
By Lap 41, it was clear: Bode Artis was in a league of his own. Lapping consistently in the low 1:20s, he pulled away from teammate Blaszka, who struggled to match the pace. Lars Bredo Rydmark of B/W Nordpanda drove a composed race to take third, while Rong Hwa Lai held on for fourth, fending off an inspired Aidan Baggott in fifth.
Flavian Doxiadis, despite a tumultuous race, demonstrated phenomenal pace in the closing stages, clocking times faster than Blaszka. However, being a lap down left him with little to show for his efforts, finishing seventh.
Scuderia Tiffosi’s late-race charge raised eyebrows, as both drivers suddenly found competitive pace on fresh tyres. Fans are left wondering: was this a glimmer of hope for next season, or just a case of too little, too late?
Final Standings After Upperwirth
Drivers' Championship Standings
Position Driver Points Status
1 Bode Artis 166 Potential Champion
2 Karol Blaszka 157 Contender
3 Sem Lucassen 123 Contender
4 Lars Bredo Rydmark 107
5 Rong Hwa Lai 85
6 Jody Fee 52
7 Flavian Doxiadis 46
8 Aidan Baggott 38
Constructors' Championship Standings
Position Team Points Status
1 Pika Evo Race 308 Champions
2 Lenovo Gina Unlimited 206
3 B/W Nordpanda 170
4 Scuderia Tiffosi 77
5 Corvid Racing 23
6 R3 Team 17
7 Serbian Engineering 8
a word by Philip E. team manager of Pka Evo Race:
"Well, what can I say? That was another bloody brilliant performance from the whole team today. Bode [Artis] was in a league of his own out there, just absolutely crushing it. Karol [Blaszka] did what he needed to do as well—he's consistent, he’s fast, and he’s right up there in the fight for the drivers’ championship.
To come to Upperwirth and leave with another one-two finish and the Constructors’ Championship in the bag—it’s bloody amazing, right? Everyone back at the factory deserves a big hand for this one. It’s been a hell of a season, and now it’s time to celebrate a little. Not too much, though—there’s still work to do!
For the drivers' title, we’ve got two more races, and it’s all up to Bode and Karol now. One of them will bring that trophy home for the team—no team orders here. May the best driver win.
Now, looking ahead to the last race, I can confirm we’ll be giving the youngsters their shot. Rupert Neumann and Bilal Hallikäär will get behind the wheel. They’ve been busting their backsides for us all season, and they deserve the opportunity to show what they can do on the big stage. This isn’t just about giving them track time—it’s about preparing for the future.
But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got one more race for Bode and Karol to duke it out. It’s going to be a proper scrap, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. For now, though, we’re going to enjoy this moment, because a Constructors’ Championship doesn’t come easy. This team deserves it."
Looking Ahead
The championship picture is becoming clearer, but it’s far from over. Artis and Blaszka are locked in a heated battle for the drivers’ title, while Pika Evo Race is on the brink of constructors’ glory. Can Lenovo Gina Unlimited or B/W Nordpanda spoil the party?
As we approach the final two races, all eyes will be on the Pika Evo camp. Will their dominance carry into Division 1, or will the incoming engine shakeup level the playing field? And for Scuderia Tiffosi, next season may present a golden opportunity—if they can seize it.
Motorsport, as ever, delivers drama, speculation, and above all, excitement. Buckle up, folks—the best may still be to come!
January 12, 2025 07:43 pm
"Pika Evo Secures Division 2.3 Title in Thrilling Fashion: Dominance Confirmed, Future Shaped!"
Ladies and gentlemen, motorsport enthusiasts, and fans across the globe, what a race we’ve witnessed here at Upperwirth! A strategic masterclass from the Pika Evo Race team saw Bode Artis claim victory in commanding fashion, with teammate Karol Blaszka settling for second. The duo solidified their team’s dominance in Division 2.3 and brought them tantalizingly close to the constructors' crown with just two races to go.
A Flying Start, But Doxiadis Hits Trouble
The race began with an electrifying jolt, as Flavian Doxiadis—starting from an impressive P2—ran wide into the gravel on Lap 1. Losing time and potentially damaging his tyres, he dropped to seventh, leaving fans wondering whether his strong qualifying effort had gone to waste.
Meanwhile, Pika Evo’s dynamic duo surged ahead on their soft tyres, executing a blistering start that highlighted why they’ve been untouchable this season. The mid-pack saw chaos early, with Scuderia Tiffosi showing promise, only for cracks to appear just a few laps later.
Lucassen’s Brief Moment of Glory
Sem Lucassen led the race briefly as the Pika Evo drivers pitted early on Lap 10. For a fleeting moment, it seemed Lenovo Gina Unlimited might challenge the Pika juggernaut. However, Artis was relentless, devouring the gap and reclaiming the lead by Lap 15. By then, Lucassen’s pit stop woes and slower pace left him 22 seconds adrift—a mountain too steep to climb.
Mid-Race Madness and Speculation
Lap 26 saw a string of drama: Jody Fee spun into the gravel, struggling to restart his car, while Doxiadis made another costly error, losing six seconds. Rumors buzzed through the paddock about oil on the track, potentially from a struggling backmarker. Whatever the cause, it added spice to an already unpredictable race.
Scuderia Tiffosi’s strategy to run hard tyres for both drivers seemed bold, if not desperate. Was this a gamble born of necessity, or a stroke of genius to counter Pika Evo’s four-stop blitz? Time would tell, but mid-race results suggested the hard tyres weren’t the golden ticket they’d hoped for.
Rumors of Pika’s Future
Paddock speculation is rife about Pika Evo’s plans for the remaining races. Whispers from the drivers' lounge suggest the team might field their academy driver in the final race of the season to gain experience for next year. Manager Philip E. refused to confirm or deny these rumors, stating only that “we’re focused on securing the championship first.”
With promotion to Division 1 on the horizon, the Pika Evo team faces immense pressure to deliver in the big leagues. Their dominance this season has been extraordinary, but with new engine suppliers entering the fray next year, the playing field could be leveled dramatically.
Final Stages and Victory
By Lap 41, it was clear: Bode Artis was in a league of his own. Lapping consistently in the low 1:20s, he pulled away from teammate Blaszka, who struggled to match the pace. Lars Bredo Rydmark of B/W Nordpanda drove a composed race to take third, while Rong Hwa Lai held on for fourth, fending off an inspired Aidan Baggott in fifth.
Flavian Doxiadis, despite a tumultuous race, demonstrated phenomenal pace in the closing stages, clocking times faster than Blaszka. However, being a lap down left him with little to show for his efforts, finishing seventh.
Scuderia Tiffosi’s late-race charge raised eyebrows, as both drivers suddenly found competitive pace on fresh tyres. Fans are left wondering: was this a glimmer of hope for next season, or just a case of too little, too late?
Final Standings After Upperwirth
Drivers' Championship Standings
Position Driver Points Status
1 Bode Artis 166 Potential Champion
January 12, 2025 07:39 pm
