North American racing drivers arrived in fine style for the opening rounds of the Ferrari Velas Esports Series.
A new adventure, uncharted terrotory, a brand-new era - call it what you will, the opening North American races in the Ferrari Velas Esports Series most certainly produced a very worthy addition to the championship, and some real stars in the making out on the track.
In case you missed it, check out the video on demand below:
Race 1 - Nürburgring
The opening round of the North American arm of the Ferrari Velas Esports Series would see a light to flag victory from Christopher Severt at the Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit, the US driver showing the way to the North American field with a fine performance behind the wheel of the #4 488 Challenge Evo machine.Severt quickly laid claim to the form man of the race, opening up a healthy lead over the #12 of Eric de Bon just behind, whilst de Bon would have his hands full in the early running trying to keep a lively Ryan Woodrow at bay in the fight for second and third positions on the podium. That would be the key fight of the race as both drivers remained in touching distance of each other, however with a podium spot, qualification to the next stage of the competition is guaranteed.
Race 2 - Laguna Seca
Home soil would be next up for the North American drivers, as this first broadcast of the season moves over to the famed Laguna Seca Circuit in California, for what was again set to be a severe test of driver skill and stamina in an action packed 30 minute race at this beautiful venue.The opening corners would provide a spectacular show of race craft and fair sportsmanship from the top two drivers of Woodward and Yurevitch, both drivers giving their absolute all to come out on top, with Brian Woodward eventually taking the initiative and an early race lead - one that he would keep a firm grip on for the remainder of the race.
Further back, Gianluca D'orsi squared up the final qualification position in third, despite the best efforts of first Cody Lawler and then Don Fox heading the chasing pack.
Race 3 - Zandvoort
Zandvoort is a favourite of the drivers, but often proves to be one of the most difficult circuits on which to pass under normal circumstances, and again this proved to be the case in the third round of the night, as once again Pole Position was converted into a fairly comfortable race victory, with Canadian driver Merick Leveque taking home the winners trophy with a fine performance at the front of the field.Behind Leveque, Jeff Cone on paper had a simple task to finish in second overall, however the Canadian driver had plenty of work to do following an aggressive bit of driving (and passing) from Max Baughman early in the race. That said, perseverance would pay off for Cone later on, as the #8 eventually retook that runners-up spot, a position he would hold through to the flag.
Race 4 - Monza
The final event of the evening would see the North American field take to the hallowed tarmac of Monza, and a 30-minute blast in the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 in Assetto Corsa Competizione.A hesitant start from standing for a lot of drivers would set up a spicy encounter right from the off, with early mover Aaron Sze making a great getaway from the line as carnage ensued behind. Contact before the drivers even got to turn one would signal an early end for some runners
Plenty of lock-ups, run wides and otherwise close racing would follow over the next 30 minutes, as eventual winner Sebastian Duran took the chequered flag a healthy 44 seconds to the good from Ernesto Garcia Iechuga - the biggest winning margin in Ferrari Velas Esports history!
Following the conclusion of the activity for this opening event, drivers will be busy working their way through the process of qualification ahead of the second set of qualifier races, with the next European broadcast set to take place on the Ferrari Esports Twitch channel this coming September 6th - make sure you don't miss out!
