Facundo Ardusso defies Peugeot pair to win Santa Fe night race
Equipo Fiat Petronas driver Facundo Ardusso won the Santa Fe night race round of the 2015 Argentinian Super TC 2000 Championship, depriving Agustín Canapino of the victory after an error on lap 19, while third for Néstor Girolami moves the reigning champion to half a point of championship leader Facundo Chapur.
Canapino started from pole position and led comfortably ahead of team-mate Girolami during the opening stages, though the Peugeot pair were unable to break away from the Fiat driver Ardusso, who was able to keep with them on the heavy-braking circuit.
As the two Peugeot drivers battled, an error on lap 19 at the chicane for Canapino caused confusion behind, with Girolami losing the spot to Ardusso, who now emerged as the race leader, with Canapino rejoining in second with Girolami third.
“The win came at the right time,” said Ardusso. “I had an awful first part of the championship and hopefully this is the start of a change in fortunes. We are far behind, but we won’t give up hope. It was a very exciting race. I was studying, watching where I approached them and where they went, trying to see alternatives that would allow me to make a pass. I waited for the right time and luckily I was able to overtake the two, after that I knew I would win.”
This is a credit to the entire team, it is a psychological bonus for us. This is my third race win in the Super TC 2000. I wanted to win in Santa Fe as this is my province, under the street and before a crowd.”
A second race takes place at 12:35 ART on Sunday.
