Sports Gazette

An engine problem has prevented Flamengo's car, driven by Brazilian driver Enrique Bernoldi, from competing for the top positions in the Formula Superliga. The fourth doubleheader of the competition takes place this weekend, and the Rio de Janeiro team will start in 17th and second-to-last position.

"The car wasn't moving on the straights; the speed was clearly lower. Performance was up to 12 km/h slower than my teammates on the long straights and 6 km/h slower on the short straights, which is a huge disadvantage. This, at the end of the lap, results in a huge loss of time in terms of the fight for the best laps," complained Bernoldi.

"With this engine problem, it was impossible to think of anything remotely competitive. It was a day to forget," lamented the driver. The car, which has a 12-horsepower Ménard V750 engine installed in a chassis manufactured by Élan, is already being overhauled for the weekend's two races.

According to the driver, to gain positions in the category's competitive grid, his strategy will be to have a flawless race and try to gain time in the pit stops. The first race will start at 7 a.m. (Brasília time) this Sunday.

At 10:15 a.m., with the starting grid reversed and based on the finish positions from the previous race, the drivers return to the track for another race. Rounding out the Formula Superleague schedule at Donington Park, the top three drivers from each duel compete in the super final, which lasts just 11 minutes, at XNUMX:XNUMX a.m.

Besides Flamengo, Corinthians is the other Brazilian club competing in the current season. Antonio Pizzonia is the team's driver. The Corinthians player took pole position.