The Italian circuit, for the first time in its history, will host the SEAT Leon Eurocup for the fourth round of the seriesNiels Langeveld (Baporo Motorsport) heads the standings ahead of Stian Paulsen (Stian Paulsen Racing) and Mikel Azcona (PCR Sport)Frenchwoman Lucile Cypriano (JSB Competition) is fifth in the points but fronts the ‘Ladies Trophy’
For the very first time the Italian circuit of Mugello, situated in the heart of Tuscany, will host a round of the SEAT Leon Eurocup. After the first three meetings staged at mythical circuits like Estoril (Portugal), Silverstone (UK) and Paul Ricard (France), the single-make series heads onto Italian soil across the 15th, 16th and 17th of July when the engines of the Cup Racer will tackle the fast and flowing Mugello asphalt.
Opened in 1974, the 5.245km Italian layout features nine right turns and six to the left with a 1.1km principal straight. For the first time the SEAT Leon Eurocup participants will have to unlock the many ‘secrets’ of Mugello. The tricky trajectory involves many cambered corners, making it one of the most demanding on the calendar where set-up and rapid adaptation will be key factors for the drivers of the single-make competition.
Despite having lost control of the standings at the French fixture at Paul Ricard, Stian Paulsen (Stian Paulsen Racing), loyal to his principals, will arrive at the race keen to give his ‘all’ and leave no stone unturned in search of victory. His statistics include 4 podiums and 2 wins from the 6 outings run so far and he suffered a small setback at Paul Ricard when Baporo Motorsport driver Niels Langeveld took over the top spot in the SEAT Leon Eurocup. Langeveld has accumulated 3 triumphs, 2 Poles and 3 podiums and relegated his rival to second spot in the points table. Mikel Azcona (PCR Sport) is in third position and will not have an easy time at Mugello due to a ‘Drive Through’ penalty imposed by Race Direction at Paul Ricard and means that the Italian sprints will not be a straightforward prospect for the Spaniard. If anything the recent scenes of the SEAT Leon Eurocup at Paul Ricard – that served up some unforgettable action and spectacle – proves that any kind of comeback is possible.
Niels Langeveld (Baporo Motorsport) holds 108 points and is closely followed by Stian Paulsen (Stian Paulsen Racing) on 105 and Mikel Azcona (PCR Sport) with 92. Frenchwoman Lucile Cypriano (JSB Competition) is fifth in the standings with 61 points and is a clear leader in the ‘Ladies Trophy’.
Practice starts next Friday 15th July with two thirty-minute sessions followed by the Qualifying Practice. Saturday 16th July sees the first race (at 17.30) of the weekend. The second sprint happens on Sunday 17th at (13:00).
"We arrive at the halfway point of the SEAT Leon Eurocup with the same feeling of excitement and enthusiasm with which we started. The drivers have provided a multitude of intense action and a plethora of overtaking throughout the series so far. This weekend we drop into the renowned circuit of Mugello; that will welcome the SEAT Leon Eurocup for the very first time. It’s a track that isn’t easy at all and coupled with the fact that hardly any of the drivers know the layout means that it will be an interesting challenge for them and will bring some surprises for the fans. Action and emotion will be served!” commented Jaime Puig, Director of SEAT Sport.
2016 SEAT Leon Eurocup standings:
1. Niels Langeveld (#10), Baporo Motorsport; 108 points2. Stian Paulsen (#34), Stian Paulsen Racing; 105 points3. Mikel Azcona (#1), PCR Sport; 92 points4. Alex Morgan (#5), Wolf-Power Racing; 74 points5. Lucile Cypriano (#9), JSB Competition; 61 points6. Julien Briche (#3), JSB Competition; 59 points7. Lourenço Beirao Da Veiga (#20), PCR Sport; 50 points8. Facundo Della Motta (#44), Baporo Motorsport; 34 points9. Mauricio Hernandez (#17), PCR Sport; 17 points10. Maurits Sandberg (#99), Baporo Motorsport; 13 points11. Lucas Orrock (#4), Wolf-Power Racing; 12 points12. Nelson Lukes (#8), Kworx Racing; 9 points13. Pol Rosell (#13), Baporo Motorsport; 7 points14. Marie Baus-Coppens (#21), JSB Competition; 6 points15. Jimmy Antunes (#2), JSB Competition; 1 points15. Amalia Vinyes (#13), Baporo Motorsport; 1 points
