For the two Finns Ian Eric Wadén and Henri Tuomaala, the weekend in Franciacorta started quite well. In the first race of the Elite 1 Tuomaala won the Challenger-Trophy, whereas Wadén won the Legends-Trophy in the Elite 2.
In Valencia, Tuomaala was still struggling. He finished the first race on P19 and the second race on P17. “Valencia was difficult for me. I couldn’t find the right rhythm. It is a long track and it was the first race after a really long winter.” Nevertheless he had won the Challenger Trophy on saturday and was third on sunday.
The second raceweekend in Italy was much better for the 30-year old Finn. He startet from P19 in the first race of the Elite 1 and managed to finish the race on P12. That result meant another victory in the Challenger Trophy. “It was a good race, I finished 12th. We’ve been close to the Top 10, but honestly I have to say that there are a lot of good drivers. So I’m satisfied with the result. Little by little, we improve”, said Tuomaala in an interview with Nina from Threewide.
In the second race, he had bad luck and couldn’t finish the race. After the weekend in Franciacorta he is on P17 overall, in the Challenger Trophy he is leading right now.
Tuomaala’s colleague Ian Eric Wadén was struggling in Valencia as well. In the first race he finished 17th, in the second race he finished 15th. In the Legends Trophy that meant P6 and P4. “Valencia was completely different. It was extremely hot and therefore even more difficult for an old man. Here in Franciacorta the track is really demanding, though it is so short, and difficult to learn. You have a lot of possibilities here and you must stay alert.”
In the first race of the Elite 2 in Italy, Ian Eric Wadén finished on P11 and won the Legends Trophy. On Sunday he only finished on P18, but that meant P2 in the Legends Trophy. Overall he is now on P13 in the Elite 2, in the Legends Trophy he is on P2. What he told us after the race on saturday: “It was the second raceweekend. We still have to learn a lot, but that is what the others need to do as well. As you can see, a lot is happening on track. I really like the Nascar Whelen Euro Series. I’m turning 54 soon, so I wouldn’t do anything that I don’t ike, but this is something I’ve always liked.”
