Anderstorp 2: Larini bounces back
Nicola Larini went some way to restoring his popularity in the Alfa Romeo team by taking a fighting victory in the second ETCC race at Anderstorp today (Sunday)
The result was a boost for the team as former championship leader Gabriele Tarquini was prevented failed to start the race due to damage on his car following his off in race one.
Larini made a great start to slot in behind pole-sitter Andy Priaulx, and he then proceeded to pressure the Briton relentlessly until finding a way past on lap eight. The Italian then cruised to his first win of the year.
Priaulx did his own title hopes no harm with a strong second, ahead of local favourite Rickard Rydell, who clung on to the leaders in his Volvo S60 despite early pressure from Jorg Muller.
Fourth place further boosted BMW star Muller's new championship lead, especially with Dirk Muller failing to finish after damaging his bodywork in an off-track moment. Antonio Garcia finished fifth, with Fabrizio Giovanardi sixth.
It all went wrong for race one winner Roberto Colciago. The Italian was minding his own business when Giovanardi and Patrick Huisman got into a shoving match behind him. The Italian pushed his Dutch BMW team-mate wide, who responded by slamming into the back of Giovanardi. This then propelled him onwards into the rear of Colciago, who was shoved into a gravel trap and out of the race.
Nicola Larini (Alfa Romeo 156) 21m52.580s
Andy Priaulx (BMW 320i) +1.109s
Rickard Rydell (Volvo S60) +1.817s
Jorg Muller (BMW 320i) +4.838s
Antonio Garcia (BMW 320i) +7.531s
Fabrizio Giovanardi (BMW 320i) +10.413s
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