Kamyab wins IAME Winter Cup in rainy Spain
Roman Kamyab announced his arrival to the top of the European stage by taking victory in the IAME Winter Cup in the Mini class, heading home a dominant 1-2-3-4 for the team in torrential conditions at the Kartdromo Valencia, Spain.
Roman had been at the sharp end throughout the event, finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in his heats, with team mates Sacha Van t'Pad Bosch (NL), Luuk Taal (NL), Ben Smith (GB) and Jenson Graham (GB) all having strong performances.
In the Pre Final, held on a drying track, Sacha and Roman pulled clear of the field and crossed the line just 0.07 seconds apart, with Sacha taking the win. Luuk, in his first race with the team finished a superb 3rd, whilst Ben was running in the top 10 before an incident dropped him down the order.
In the Grand Final, Roman seized the lead on the exit of turn 1 with a bold move around the outside that would decide the race, as he then led every one of the 15 laps with a dominant display from the youngster, taking his first major victory. Sacha kept him in check all the way and set fastest lap but every time he got close the poor visibility stopped him from making a challenge. The pair were in a class of their own, finishing 15 seconds clear of the field, which was headed by young Luuk who took a sensational podium finish, battling hard throughout.
Ben provided the icing on the cake for the team and arguably the drive of the final coming from 17th on the grid to an incredible 4th, completing a Fusion 1-2-3-4, something never achieved by any team at the event.
In Juniors the team were also at the sharp end. Kanato Le (JPN), Fionn McLaughlin (GBR), Leo Robinson (GBR) and Vinnie Phillips (GBR) all showed impressive speed throughout the heats. Although Fionn won the first heat on track, scoring the first victory for the debut of the new Synergy Rebel chassis, he later received a penalty. Kanato and Leo produced the most consistent heat results with Kanato's series of 2nd places putting him on grid 3 for the Pre Final.
In the Pre Final, which ended up with light rain falling producing slippery conditions, Kanato drove superbly to take the lead and head the field home for his first race victory and pole position for the Final. Leo also produced a fantastic drive to come home P2 aboard his Synergy chassis in his first Junior event. Fionn and Vinnie had action packed races but showed excellent pace ahead of the Final.
With an all Fusion front row, a second title was on the cards and in the torrential conditions, Kanato made a solid getaway, leading for half the race ahead of Leo. Fionn was run off the track early on and dropped out the top 10 whilst Vinnie also had a few moments but battled back hard.
Meanwhile at the front Kanato and `Leo were caught by Bart Harrison (GBR/MBR) who would go on to take the win leaving Kanato to cross the line 3rd, Leo 5th and Fionn 6th. With a penally for the second place finisher Luzioand also for the unfortunate Leo, Kanato claimed 2nd and his first podium with Fionn 4th in his first Junior race.
Seniors was a rollercoaster for the team. Lewis Mackie (GBR) showed impressive pace on his Synergy Rebel with Max Mayer (ESP) also showing well as his 'home' race. But the pair had plenty of incidents in the heats which led to them both being in the last chance heat. A last minute call from the team saw them switch to slick tyres on the drying track. It was an inspired choice and gave Max the opportunity to show his class and experience despite his age, winning by 17 seconds. Lewis had a few incidents along the way but eventually came home in P2.
In the Pre Final and Final the pair moved up the order, but a top 10 result eluded them despite some impressive overtaking and pace giving encouragement for Round 1 of the IAME Euro Series at Mariembourg (BEL) at the end of March.
Photos by Fotocar13
Highlights of the event: https://youtu.be/oFq2vp0WoTs
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