Matějovský was the fastest in the Octavia Cup races, Hájek had an accident |
- 12. 8. 2007, Most -Last weekend, the drivers of the O2 Motorsport and CSMS teams took part in another round of the Česká pojišťovna - Škoda Octavia Cup series, which was held at the Autodrom Most Circuit within the '2007 Supersport Trophy' event. Michal Matějovský's objective was clear: he was ready to make every effort in order to gain the maximum possible number of points for the overall standings. And, he managed. Right at the beginning of the weekend racing event, in the Saturday qualifying session, he clocked a time of 1:55.013 to come second, behind Petr Fulín. After the set-up of his car was adjusted once more, Michal Matějovský won the afternoon Super Pole by clocking the time of 1:54.463, which is the fastest lap ever recorded in the category of Octavia Cup cars at the Autodrom Most Circuit, corresponding to the average speed of 132.693 km/hour! Naturally, this earned him pole position for the first Sunday race. In the race, Michal Matějovský was running first and, owing to his fine, smooth driving style, he managed to increase his lead steadily. But then, on lap 10, the severe crash involving Hájek and Kárný occurred. Ctirad Hájek, at the end of the home straight, did not manage to slow down adequately. As he was trying to avoid the collision, he swerved off the track, to the right. His car got through the grassed area, and, despite Hájek's efforts, hit the right side of Kárný's car. Due to this crash, which also affected the car of Radek Bareš, the race was interrupted, and Hájek and Kárný had to be taken to hospital. After medical examination, Hájek, three of his ribs broken, was released from hospital, while Kárný's medical examination was still in progress. When the wreckage of the three cars was removed and the track was cleaned, the race was started again. After covering the five laps outstanding, Michal Matějovský won the victory, while Erik Janiš and Jan Dostál came second and third respectively. In the second race, Matějovský started sixth on the grid. After briskly passing several drivers, he was soon contesting a top position. In the Careca Chicane, he eventually outbraked Václav Brejla and it seemed he was going to win the second race too, not disturbed by his rivals. However, during his last overtaking manoeuvre, Matějovský touched the other vehicle, and the optimum wheel alignment of his car was slightly disrupted. Moreover, the tyres of his car were worn after the swift drive, and started failing. So, Matějovský had to slow down gradually, and, after another collision, this time with Fulín, when the tyres of his car were completely worn out, he could not go on any more. This event was also contested by Laura Hájková, who made another of her first appearances in this type of contests. She was confident of her success and fared well. Right in the first race, she came seventeenth, six places ahead of another girl-driver, Michaela Pešková, who may be perceived as a rival of Laura Hájková. Unfortunately, Laura Hájková had to retire from the second of the two seventeen-lap races due to a breakdown, with just three laps to go. Marek Ďurovkin finished 20th in the first race, but had to retire from the second one. Fans of Octavia Cup races will have the opportunity to watch the next round of the series' exciting contests in two weeks' time, once again at the Most Circuit, within the 2007 Matador Czech Truck Prix. |
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