Mixed views on double-feature race format at Rosario

This weekend there’s a pair of feature races for the Super TC 2000 Championship at Rosario in a rare departure to the usual format, which has divided opinion amongst the drivers.

Rosario is the first of the season’s four “Grand Slam” events, with this race featuring the two-race format. The remaining Grand Slam races are the Santa Fe street race, the Buenos Aires 200km and the season finale.

“It’s a benefit to me to keep on learning and improving, and also there are more points awarded,” said RAM Racing’s Juan-Ángel Rosso to TouringCarTimes.

“Despite that, I’d keep a traditional one feature race format for the season, and leave this kind of event to just a couple of times a year.”

Peugeot’s Facundo Chapur was indifferent to the concept, saying: “We always head into the weekend the same way, aiming for points and good pace. You must adapt yourself, no matter how many times you must qualify during the weekend.

“I think logically we should on run one feature race in the weekend, but if the spectators like this, it’s fine.”

Renault’s Emiliano Spataro is flat-out against the format.

“I simply don’t like it; it’s a tougher job for the drivers, the mechanics, the engineers and all the team. I also feel it goes against the prestige of the race winner, which should be just one. I understand it may be boring for the fans to watch only practice and qualifying sessions, but I’d completely discard this kind of weekend.”

Reigning champion Agustín Canapino, of Chevrolet YPF added: “I’m really a purist, something more classic. We are used to a single feature race. It’s fine if the series want to try out different ways of satisfying the crowd. Anyway, the work is tremendously hectic throughout all the weekend for all the teams”.

Citroen Total Racing’s José-Manuel Urcera is fan of the approach: “It’s nice, I like the idea, I want to drive the car as much as I can, as long as they have no issues. Also, it’s really positive to give the spectators more on-track content for them to enjoy”.