In this morning’s 25-minute qualifying session overall point leader Alexander Rossi (Eurointernational), of Nevada City, California, scored the pole position for both Rounds 13 and 14 of the 2008 Formula BMW Americas Championship. He backed up his fastest lap of 1:18.427 minutes around the 2.17-mile, 10-turn Thunderbolt Raceway with a second quick time of 1:18.456 to record his seventh and eighth poles of the season. Rossi’s double-pole adds two more points to his lead, meaning the 17-year old needs to net only nine more points than Ricardo Favoretto (Autotecnica) in this weekend’s races to clinch the Championship.

 

Eurointernational teammates Giancarlo Vilarinho, of Brazil, and David Ostella, of Canada, qualified second and third for both Rounds to lead the Rookie qualifiers. Ostella, who has struggled in qualifying recently, recorded a seasons-best qualifying effort.

 

The chase for the Rookie title is currently a three-way battle between Gianmarco Raimondo (Autoecnica) and Apex-HBR Racing teammates Mikael Grenier and Alexandre Ruiz. Grenier, who missed the Sept. 2 – 3 test here, qualified fourth for both Rounds. Raimondo will start sixth in Round 13 and fifth in Round 14. Ruiz will start eight in both races.

 

Favoretto, 32 points in arrears of Rossi in overall point standings, qualified fifth for Round 13 and sixth for Round 14.

 

Rossi said, “This morning‘s practice was held in really wet conditions. For qualifying the track was dry so my reference points were off. I am really happy to be on the pole for the next two rounds and equally happy that my teammates are second and third. Eurointernational is one, two, and three - nice!”

 

Vilarinho said, “I am pleased to start second in both races. I’m very happy with my performance and look forward to gaining more experience.”

 

Ostella said, “I’m kind of surprised to start third in both races. In the test a few weeks ago I went off the track a few times so I am happy to have done so well today.”

 

The Round 13 race is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. On Sunday, Round 14 is scheduled to start at 9:15 a.m.

Qualifying – Round 13

 

1. Alexander Rossi, Eurointernational, 2:18.427
2. Giancarlo Vilarinho (R), Eurointernational, 2:18.552
3. David Ostella (R), Eurointernational, 2:19.211
4. Mikael Grenier (J, R), Apex-HBR Racing Team, 2:19.639
5. Ricardo Favoretto, Autotecnica, 2:19.713
6. Gianmarco Raimondo (J, R), Autotecnica, 2:19.779
7. Jorge Goncalvez, Apex-HBR Racing Team, 2:20.170
8. Alexandre Ruiz (J, R), Apex-HBR Racing Team, 2:20.313
9. Alfonso Toledano, Eurointernational, 2:22.595

 

Qualifying – Round 14

 

1. Alexander Rossi, Eurointernational, 2:18.456
2. Giancarlo Vilarinho (R), Eurointernational, 2:18.715
3. David Ostella (R), Eurointernational, 2:19.333
4. Mikael Grenier (J, R), Apex-HBR Racing Team, 2:19.775
5. Gianmarco Raimondo (J, R), Autotecnica, 2:19.853
6. Ricardo Favoretto, Autotecnica, 2:19.939
7. Jorge Goncalvez, Apex-HBR Racing Team, 2:20.345
8. Alexandre Ruiz (J, R), Apex-HBR Racing Team, 2:20.381
9. Alfonso Toledano, Eurointernational, 2:22.774

 

J = Formula BMW Junior
R = Rookie

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