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Up and down in France!
Magny Cours, situated in the middle of France, is one of the most difficult
race tracks in Europe. Formula 1 was here the week before and we could easily
see all the rubber on the track. In addition to that the weather forecast said
it would be windy, cold and rainy. Not racing weather at all. But mid Friday,
with the exception of some strong winds, the weather lightened up.
The first problem hit us during the second training session on Friday. Marc
was following Steve at about 240 KM/h when a strong wind ripped Steve's entire
fairing off. Steve had a lot of work to do in order to get the broken pieces
mounted (somehow) back on the Ducati. It was worth the work.
On Saturday the second problem of the weekend arrived – Dietrich leaves the
hairpin turn with full throttle and just at this moment his MV started making
noise. Diagnosis from our friends at the GL Service: The clutch basket was
broken. The pieces from the clutch basked decided to take a trip through the
engine. That's it! #42 left the track without any points, but with mash in the
engine. A little earlier than expected.
The third problem also arrived on Saturday. The canister attached to Marc's
rear shock broke and we were unable to adjust his suspension. Unfortunately, it
left the rear suspension very loose, making it very difficult for Marc to
throttle hard out of the corners without the rear end trying to slide out from
underneath him. This forced him to slow down his pace a bit. Fortunately he was
still able to race, but had to be very careful coming out of the corners.
Sunday... Race Day....
The race was a dream. Steve was 3rd in the V2
start grid, Marc 5th. Both had a very good start and within the first round
Steve was leading the pack. A few corners later, Marc took it to 3rd place.
Steve did a few 1:55:xx times, no mistakes and finished the race 10 seconds
ahead of the pack. Marc was able to hold his position and saw the checkered flag
finishing third. Andy ran off the track during the second lap but was able to
stay seated. He drove a lonesome race until the end.
Magny Cours – Magnifique !!!
Steve's first time on Top, and a third place
finish for Marc.
The first dual podium finish for the RoPa Racing Team.
Applause !!
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