Mondini cruises to finishing line

The final race of the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup championship promised to be a nail-biting affair but fans were treated to an anti-climax as championship hopeful Briton Ryan Sharp was punted off by an ill-judged move by Swiss driver Neel Jani on the first lap.

This paved the way for Italy's Giorgio Mondini to cruise his way to the title despite only finishing fourth overall in the second heat at the Dubai Autodrome.

Mondini was swamped by his EuroInternational crew, who hoisted him in the air several times in celebration of his achievement and a visible release of tension of a hard-fought season.

The incident-packed race led to a couple of laps behind the safety car which kept the field close throughout and in the end it was victory for the Dutchman Jaap van Lagen, who was followed home by Interwetten.com teammate Sven Barth.

Van Lagen said, "This has been a great day for me racing on a great circuit, scoring this win and my teammate finishing second. It couldn't be any better."

Biggest loser on the day was Sharp, who kept Mondini honest throughout the season and was determined to make the Italian work hard for his title.

Through no fault of his own he saw his chances evaporate in the sizzling heat as he needed to finish ahead of Mondini to be in with a chance.

Results

1. Jaap van Lagen (NED) 31:22.840
2. Sven Barth (GER) 31:25.838
3. Andrea Belicchi (ITA) 31:30.751
4. Giorgio Mondini (ITA) 31:31.095
5. Hayanari Shimoda (JPN) 31:34.906