Giovanardi celebrating his second BTCC Title
Fabrizio Giovanardi says he experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotion today as he became HiQ MSA British Touring Car Champion for the second year running – despite suffering his worst set of results all season.
Vauxhall driver Giovanardi finished outside of the points in race one after damaging his car, failed to start race two when his engine refused to start and only scored a point in race three because he set the race’s fastest lap.
It could have all played into the hands of last remaining title rival, SEAT’s Jason Plato, but he also endured a rotten day and, in the end, rising star Mat Jackson sneaked past him for second in the final points standings.
“I never had such a bad day on the track but still came out feeling so delighted,” Giovanardi told BTCC.net. “I can see the funny side now but can you imagine the situation if Jason had won race one and maybe race two. To find myself with him at the back of the grid for race three. I just thought ‘Oh my God – this sums up both our days’!
“But a second BTCC title is very special, for everyone in the Vauxhall team and we won also the Manufacturers’ and Teams’ championships.
“The BTCC remains one of the most prestigious championships to win in motor sport. I am really aware of its history – this has been the championship’s 50th year – and of some of the great names on the Champion’s trophy. It makes me very proud to be among them.”
Giovanardi becomes the 13th different driver to win the BTCC crown more than once and the ninth to achieve his titles back-to-back. He is also the first Vauxhall driver to win the championship two years in a row.
However, it is Plato who has ended the season ahead in the race victory stakes with eight wins to five apiece for both Giovanardi and Jackson.