Gono, Smith win rain-shortened Formula V1 second round
The young racers of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge shared the laurels in the rain-shortened second round of the series held at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, recently. Toyota Vios Cup and drifting champion Luis Gono and Parts Pro Karting’s Sean Smith won the Pro and Amateur Classes, respectively, in races where the yellow flag was raised repeatedly.
In the Pro class, Gono took his superb first place qualifying the day before to good use and led the field into the first turn. He was followed by Tyson Sy and Daniel Miranda but the rains suddenly poured to shorten the race. After six laps, the race officials brought out the safety car to end the race.
“I never expected this win as the last time I held pole was when I raced in the Toyota Vios Cup, “ said Gono during the press briefing after the race. “I am so happy that I held on to first till the safety car came out as it was really bad out there.”
Carlos Gono leads the rainsoaked race of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge second round held recently at the Clark International Speedway. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Second placer Sy of Parts Pro complained of a poor car set up and didn’t expect the rains, which led to a lot of cars aquaplaning on the main straight. Miranda ended in third place.
In Amateur class, Smith overcame a horrific qualifying session that saw his engine overheat the day before the race. His mechanics had to do an all-nighter just to get his FV1 car to the grid in last place. His climb to first place and overtaking 10 cars in the first lap was the drive of the day and he was in fourth place overall before the safety car came in. Jussi Hoikka of Thule Racing and Shane Henderson took second and third places, respectively.
The final round of the FV1 will be on October 27 and will have three races to make up for the second race cancelled from the rains. The FV1 series is supported by Giti Tires Philippines, Clean Fuel, Motul, Rota, OMP, AEG Powertools, Tuason Racing School, and West Racing Cars Japan.
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