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Late in catching up with the duo of races from Spa-Francorchamps as it is one of my favourite circuits on the planet. Pellinen blasted past Borkovic and Pepe Oriola to lead at the start of the first race, while both Sebastien Loeb Peugeots (Clairet and Guilvert) ran wide at Les Combes. Great battle further back for 11th between Afanasyev, Buri, Guilvert and Hezemans early on. Nash was then turfed out of 4th by Vernay on lap 7 for which the Frenchman was handed a 30-second penalty post-race, dropping him from 4th back to 14th. At Pouhon on the last lap Tassi had a huge crash with his Seat resting atop the barriers, Thankfully the Hungarian walked away. Pellinen won with Pepe Oriola and Borkovic completing the podium.
TCR Germany regular Buri began on pole in the second race but was shoved by both Leopard Volkswagens and fell behind Vernay at the start. Borkovic and Morbidelli clashed, leaving the Italian's Honda with 3 wheels on its wagon. Tassi nearly doubled his crash tally for the weekend, firstly sliding off on the exit of Les Combes and then being bumped by Kajaia at Blanchimont. Homola passed Buri for 3rd at Les Combes but very nearly slid into the barriers later and lost the place. Comini vaulted Vernay for the lead on lap 4, but Vernay reversed that with a copycat move a lap later. Vernay held the lead until the flag with team-mate Comini 2nd and guest team-mate Buri rounding out the top 3.
On the whole the racing at Spa didn't live up to my expectations. There were a few incidents but overtaking on the whole wasn't as common as I thought it may have been. Pepe Oriola is back at the head of the championship on 84 points, Nash 2nd on 82, Morbidelli 3rd on 80. Imola should be a worthy replacement for Monza next time out.
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