Victoria and record for Merli at the Vittorio Veneto – Cansiglio

Christian Merli dominated the 41st edition of the Vittorio Veneto – Cansiglio hill climb in Fregona near Treviso in northern Italy, the 13th round of the Italian hill climb trophy. He also established a new track record in 2’41”96. There were two race heats on the 5.930 km track, one of the most beautiful Italian hill climbs, which returned after an 11-year hiatus.

Christian, your first victory was here in 1993
“When I saw the eight by five metre poster of me and my car displayed at the start, I briefly went through 30 years of my career in my head. It’s here where I won for the first time, in what was my fourth race overall, taking first place in class N 1600 with my Peugeot 205. In the most recent edition in 2012 I took overall victory in the Radical. I can say that my career began here. Wonderful. Many things have changed. My fans and friends showed me so much affection. I dedicate this win to my parents, who surprised me at the finish of this race in 1993. Today was an important test in preparing for the penultimate round of the European championship in Slovenia next Sunday. Everything went well in the race and we were below the old track record in both runs.”

Practice
The first practice run of this event after an 11-year hiatus takes place on a humid, sunny Saturday. Christian Merli, driver of the Scuderia Vimotorsport, tops the timesheet. In the second practice run in the afternoon he is again first in 2'45”94.

Race
In the first race heat Merli dominates and establishes the new track record of 2’41”96. In the second race heat the ranking remains the same with Christian again finishing first.

The podium on accumulated times
1st Merli (Osella FA 30 Judd LRM), 2nd Degasperi (Osella FA 30 GEA) 7”26 behind, 3rd Liber (Wolf Gb08) 20”95 behind.

Translation by Ruth Scheithauer