Photo: STC 2000

Matías Rossi delivers first victory with new Toyota Corolla

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Matías Rossi claimed the first victory of the new Toyota Corolla in the STC 2000 race at Oberá. The Toyota Team Argentina driver won the race close to five seconds ahead of Fiat driver Facundo Chapur who claimed the championship lead thanks to second place.

Despite a number of safety car sessions, Rossi held the lead from lights to flag, starting from pole position, to take his first victory since 2013.

”It has taken a long time for me to get a win again. We suffered a lot last year and we lost ground on our rivals, but the new Corolla is working really well. Charpur pressured me more than I expected, but I was in control. I really enjoyed the win,” said Rossi.

Franco Vivian claimed the final podium position in third for Chevrolet, with Peugeot driver Nestor Girolami in fourth. Girolami was involved in a spectacular fight for fourth earlier in the race with Team Peugeot Total Argentina driver Agustin Canapino. But the fight ended four laps from the end as Canapino had to retire due to engine issues.

Lucas Colombo Russell finished fifth, with Facundo Ardusso in sixth and Leonel Pernia in seventh.

Chapur heads the championship on 55 points after the race weekend in Oberá, with Rossi just one point behind on 54 and Girolami in third place on 49 points.

STC 2000 continues at Termas de Rio Hondo on June 7th.