As usual in the Iberian Supercars and Supercars Jarama RACE events, the round at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia produced some interesting behind-the-scenes stories.
Vibrant Crowd
Throughout this season there has been a noticeable increase in fan attendance, with crowds flocking to the circuits hosting the Iberian series.
After the packed stands at Jarama and Estoril, Valencia also saw an excellent turnout, with spectators filling the grandstands adjacent to the pits and the paddock, bringing colour and energy to Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Most of the fans were clearly there to support local drivers Nerea Martí and Manuel Bertolín, and their excitement was palpable with every overtaking move from the duo, particularly from the BMW España Motorsport recruit. Martí made a stunning recovery stint in the first race, climbing to second place, much to the delight of the crowd.
Football Visits the Paddock
In addition to the many motorsport fans who made their way to the Valencia circuit, some local football stars were also present.
Several players from Valencia CF visited the BMW España Motorsport garage to support local driver Nerea Martí, who is teamed with José de los Milagros. The players joined the team in celebrating the two podium finishes the Spanish duo secured over the weekend.
Spanish team Chefo Sport arrived in Valencia with two new driver pairings at the wheel of their Ligier JS2Rs.
In one of the French built cars were Pere Marques and Mikkel Kristensen, while José Antonio Gómez and Manuel Cañizares drove the other. Marques and Kristensen won both races in the GTX division, while the other pairing secured a second-place finish in the first race of the weekend.
All four drivers enjoyed their debut in the series, with Pere Marques and Mikkel Kristensen expected to continue in the competition. According to Marques, “It’s a very attractive championship, where you learn a lot, with plenty of battles on track.”
Batina Racing Pleased with the Supra
Batina Racing debuted their brand-new Toyota GR Supra GT4 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, with Orlando Batina the sole driver, as Sérgio Azevedo was unable to attend due to professional commitments.
The young driver from Aveiro, competing as an "Invitational" entry, didn’t score any points, but the main focus was for the team and driver to begin adapting to the new machine as early as possible. Despite some teething issues with the car, Batina Racing was satisfied with this first outing.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese team still has their BMW M4 GT4 (F82) up for sale, and it could potentially be entered next year in the GTX division, which is dedicated to older GT4 car models.
Tockwith’s Record Time
Unpredictable events are part and parcel of motorsport, and how teams overcome them often measures their success.
In Valencia, Steve Kirton and Jonathan Elsworth’s Ginetta G50 suffered technical issues during free practice, putting the British duo's participation in qualifying at risk due to the need for an extensive repair.
However, for Tockwith Motorsports, challenges are just extra motivation. Taking advantage of the team’s G55, which wasn’t competing in Valencia, the British mechanics removed its gearbox and engine and fitted them to Kirton and Elsworth’s car in less than three hours. This allowed the British pair to compete in qualifying and the rest of the event. Jonathan Elsworth went on to set the second-fastest time in the GTX division.
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