León (Motopark) takes second, closely-fought win in Austria

10.09.2023

Noel León took his second win of the weekend at the Red Bull Ring in a very lively Race 2 this morning. The Mexican of Motopark had to fight to pass Francesco Simonazzi (BVM Racing) in the last lap. The Italian had taken the lead after a close fight with Bryce Aron (Motopark) which ended with the American spinning and conceding more points to León. In front of his home fans, Charlie Wurz finished third, conquering his first EFO podium.

The reversed grid for Race 2 sees Bryce Aron in pole ahead of Wurz, Simonazzi, Dufek, Shields and León. The American keeps the advantage at the start ahead of Wurz and Simonazzi in close duel, while Dufek, León and Shields fight fiercely for fourth, but opening the gap with respect to the leading trio.

In lap 7, while Brajnik spins, León achieves a great move on Dufek on the outside of turn 7, and so does Simonazzi on Wurz two laps later in turn 3. After 10 laps, Aron has a short lead (1.6 seconds) on Simonazzi, and 2.4 on Wurz, with León fourth ahead of Dufek, Shields, Bergmeister and Netusil, while Brajnik is in the pits.

The second part of the race gets promising as Simonazzi closes on Aron and León on Wurz for third.  The Mexican and the Austrian fight for a while, but in lap 16 León passes.  The anticipated duel between Aron and Simonazzi will have a different outcome as, in lap 18, the two cross their lines in turn 3 and make contact, with the American spinning.

Simonazzi takes the lead but he will not be able to resist to the charge of León who passes him in the final lap to take his second win of the weekend, with Wurz securing his maiden EF podium.