Balestri crashes out of final qualifier but still Top Qualifier in Singapore
Infinity’s Dario Balestri is the Top Qualifier at the Singapore International Nitro Grand Prix despite crashing out of the final qualifier at the RCMC Marine Parade track with Naoto Matsukura going on to set the fastest time in Q4. After a dominant start to the event that saw last year’s race winner take the opening two qualifiers, an issue for the Italian in Q3 yesterday saw Jesse Davis post the TQ run to put the Australian in with a chance of the overall TQ this morning. Unfortunately for Davis, who ran out of fuel in the opening 2 qualifiers, engine issues in the final qualifier put an end to his challenge as well as any chance of being a Top 4 direct qualifier into the main. The nature of the track and high temperatures mean the Semi Finals are an extra high risk as was highlighted in Q4 as many drivers had engines issues or made mistakes. With Balestri looking comfortable to officially lay claim to pole position with a third TQ, the Italian would make an uncharacteristic mistake hitting the pit lane and launching his car off the track and into retirement with broken suspension. This allowed Teemu Leino to set the pace but pushing hard to keep ahead of Matsukura he made a mistake handing the round to the Japanese driver who with a P2 from Q1 will start second on the grid. Getting a second for the round ahead of Leino, Carmine Riola will start 3rd on the grid with Leino locking in the last of the direct spots into this evening’s 45-minute Grand Prix Main.
