published: 2010-07-11 11:32:39 (57719) Author: matm |
Well, that was the 2010 IC Buggy Euros! |
| A look at this years fantastic event |
 The noise from the crowd almost drowned out the engines of the buggies in a historic climax that suitably befits this, the 30th year of IC Buggy Euros. The only thing sweeter for the home crowd would have been if Miguel Mathias could have clinched the win for Portugal, but alas for this event he has been in the habit of coming third. Still, the French turned out in big numbers and noise in the spectators area with flags and banners and will take home with them a well deserved EC trophy. ... Actually the trophy will be going back to Australia with it's winner Renaud Savoya (he lives over there but he is French!) ...Back to the crowd, who by the time the race started had filled not only the spectators area but also dozens had climbed onto it's roof to get a better view! |
 Now many would say the Aigoin brothers, (also Frenchmen) and in particular TQ man Yannick were the runaway favorites at this event, but after a week ahead of the pack neither had the final they expected.
Crucially Yannick's buggy flamed out at around 19 minutes when he was already struggling to keep pace, and speaking afterwards he told us he just couldn't get his machine right for much of the race. Many drivers would be happy with a 7th place finish in the final of a European Championship, but after the great form Yannick has shown, as well as the skill and maturity, we feel his pain. It wasn't to be Jerome Aigion's day either as two thirds into the final his buggy was being rushed back to the pits by martials and he was not to get out of the back of the field again. |
 At the business end of the field Batlle driving an Associated buggy on Proline tyres and Savoya, RB powered, also on Proline, traded the lead during the first half of the race and continued to battle throughout - both finishing on 65 laps but with Savoya a good 17 seconds ahead. Speaking after the race, a tired looking Batlle said, 'we had a lot of problems this week, with the car and lack of traction, it was really hard to compete with Renaud and the others...' Meanwhile, local hero and former European Champion RB engine powered, Miguel Mathias has now finished in all three podium spots, he said his car, tyres and engine were good, he was able to run for 9 minutes between fuel stops, but he admitted, 'the other guys were just faster, I will have to work harder.' |
 A special mention should go to the young blood in 1/8th Buggy, section chairman, Carlos Gomez spoke of the importance of new racers entering the sport and it's plain to see this coming to fruition with 14 year old Swede, David Ronnefalk, running an Orion engine taking 6th place in the A main and 1st place in the Junior championship from outgoing Elliott Boots, with the RB engine, now aged 17 and having a great transition, as he says, 'racing with the old boys!' |
 And finally Renaud 'the shark' Savoya, clearly thrilled with his result, speaking of his third successive win said, 'it's the first time in history so this is really special!' He and his team now look forward to the IFMAR 1/8th worlds in Thailand, 'We had two objectives this year' he says, 'the Euros and now the Worlds.' |
 Stay tuned to find out how Renaud and the rest of the teams get on in November as the RC Racing team will be in Pattaya, Thailand bringing you news and highlights on www.efra.ws!
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