Eighth win for Benavides (Motopark), now very close to the title

28.09.2024

Brad Benavides is getting closer and closer to the 2024 Euroformula Open title, that he could mathematically secure tomorrow. The American of Motopark won in style Race 1 at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya today, his eight success this year.

Benavides took no prisoners since the morning, when he signed his third pole in seven rounds. Summing up his day, he commented: “It was a nice day, started with the pole, in what I consider my European home race, given that I live in Spain during the racing season and I have part of my roots and family here. The qualifying session was tough but the race went very smoothly and I can now focus on finishing the championship on a high and prepare the next steps in my career.”

The race offered some thrilling moments at the start, as Jose Garfias, also sitting in first row, tried fiercely to take the lead in the first corner. He almost succeeded but Benavides kept the lead. The Mexican put out a nice performance, trying not to lose contact and taking his first podium finish in the EFO.

Edward Pearson was a solid third throughout the race beating Francesco Simonazzi, who finished fourth after passing Vladislav Ryabov, who had an excellent start. The Russian-born, though, paid not having raced much lately, finishing sixth behind Fernando Barrichello and ahead of EFO-rookie Ricardo Escotto.