Electrics problem forces Christian Merli to withdraw at Luzzi

The engine of his Osella FA 30 Zytek LRM suddenly switched itself off in Race 1, forcing Christian Merli to withdraw. At the first split he had been in the lead, 0”32 ahead of Faggioli. Thus ended Merli’s long trip to Calabria to compete in the 9th round of the Italian hill climb championship CIVM, the 25th edition of the Luzzi – Sambucina.

Christian’s comments
“It’s such a shame. I’m assuming it’s an electrics problem, because the engine switches into protection mode and goes out. We’d already had some issues in practice, but things got off to a good start in the race. At the first split we were ahead, but then I was coasting and stopped. Now we’re going home to fix everything.”

The race
Two race heats on the twisty 6.150 km track. All goes well in practice, with the champion from Trentino topping the timesheet in both sessions. However, the problem in Race 1 puts an abrupt stop to his efforts and forces him to withdraw.

Practice
It is sunny and hot at the first official practice session on Saturday, and Merli clocks the fastest time in 3’18”76, with Faggioli (Norma M20 FC) 0”43 behind and Cubeda (Osella FA 30) 1”37 behind. In the second practice run Merli is again first, 3”69 ahead of Cubeda and 4”60 ahead of Simone Faggioli, who goes on to win Race 1.

The remaining rounds of the Italian hill climb championship CIVM
5 September: Pedavena – Croce d’Aune (Veneto), 19 September: Monte Erice (Sicily), 26 September: Coppa Nissena, Caltanissetta (Sicily).

Ruth Scheithauer