A daring display and plenty of panache from the boisterous THP Spider Cup pack through the streets of Pau.
Mike Parisy’s assertive run during Saturday’s race looked certain to see him take the spoils but the Pau-based driver crashed off while waving to spectators three laps from home. That left the path clear for pole-winner Julien Briche who went on to pick up a handsome win ahead of Gregory Guilvert and Simon Moulton. The second race was greatly influenced by tyre choices.
The track was drying when the start was given but heavy rain began to fall after a few laps and the Safety Car was sent out. Driving a Spider in such atrocious conditions can be very difficult, but not for everyone. Mike Parisy, who was running on slicks, saw his early lead whittled away and he was ultimately passed in quick succession by Gregory Guilvert and Julien Beltoise (following the crash involving Julien Briché at La Gare). Gregory Guilvert went on to see his mature run rewarded with victory ahead of Julien Beltoise and the surprising Marcel Sciabbarrasi. Julien Beltoise tops the championship standings after the second meeting in Pau. Peugeot Sport’s celebrity guest for the Grand Prix de Pau was France’s 1998 soccer World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez who celebrated his debut with the Spider with a perfectly honourable performance. His never-say-die attitude saw him finish 12th overall after the weekend’s two races.
Julien Beltoise: "The second race was very difficult and the weather put a whole new complexion on the situation, so finishing second on slicks wasn’t bad. This weekend’s results have taken me to the top of the championship."
Gregory Guilvert: "I started the second race from fifth on the grid, so I didn’t think I had much chance, but then the track began to dry out shortly before the start. I decided to start on slicks and I really had to focus during the early laps, but I stayed behind Simon. Despite the pouring rain, I felt comfortable. I learnt about racing in conditions like today’s from my karting days. I pushed my rivals into making mistakes and I am delighted to have won today."
Marcel Sciabbarrasi: "I wasn’t happy with my tyre choice when the second race started. Unlike the top two, I started on rain tyres and it really wasn’t easy, although I managed to make up ground when it started to rain again. A big bravo to Gregory and Julien for putting in such a strong performance on slicks. I am very pleased to have finished on the podium."
THP Spider Cup results Race 1: 1, J. Briche, 21 laps in 30m 3.675s (average: 115.79kph). 2, G. Guilvert, +4.961s. 3, S. Moulton, +13.746s. 4, J. Beltoise, +1m 17.157s. 5, A. Rambure, +1m 19.111s. 6, B. Lison, +1m 19.973s. 7, J-C. Lompech, +1m 20.317s. 8, T. Fillatre, +1m 25.601s. 9, M. Sciabbarrasi, +1m 29.078s. 10, M. Broggi, +1 lap. Etc. Fastest race lap: M. Parisy (1m 23.765s). Pole position: J. Briche (1m 23.718s). Race 2: 1, G. Guilvert, 18 laps in 31m 8.549s (average: 95.82kph). 2, J. Beltoise, +1.147s. 3, M. Sciabbarrasi, +8.568s. 4, M. Parisy, +1m 5.299s. 5, S. Moulton, +1m 21.375s. 6, A.Albouy, +1m 22.439s. 7, A. Rambure, +1m 26.743s. 8, O. Freymuth, +1 lap. 9, G. Castelli, +1 lap. 10, J.Miginiac, +1 lap. Etc. Fastest race lap: M. Parisy (1m 25.326s). Pole Position: M. Parisy (1m 23.590s). Championship standings: 1, J. Beltoise (69 pts). 2, S. Moulton (65). 3, G. Guilvert (56). 4, M. Sciabbarrasi (44). 5, G. Castelli (28). Etc.
Next meeting: Val de Vienne (June 28-29)