Nurburgring Eurocup Clio Podium For Morgan

Alex Morgan claimed his first Eurocup Clio podium this weekend at the Nurburgring after being snapped up by Italian championship-leading team Rangoni Corse in the second meeting of the 2014 series. It brings a connection to Alex’s roots as the Wales-born, Reading-based driver holds dual British and Italian nationality. Alex competed the first round of this year’s Eurocup Clio championship with SV Racing, but with the squad unable to support him at Nurburgring, he was able to seal a deal with Rangoni Corse to race in Germany. After flying in late on Thursday evening Alex wasted no time following a brief introduction to the team on Friday morning and immediately went fastest in practice 1 on old tyres, eventually finishing second to his 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup Championship adversary Josh Files who elected new rubber for the end of the session and faster than team-mate Oscar Nogues, the current championship leader. Alex went on to post third fastest time in free practice 2 and sensationally qualified on the front row of the grid alongside teammate Nogues for a Rangoni Corse front row lockout for race 1. Race 1 proved difficult after Alex was left with brand new wet tyres at full pressure on a drying track, but he was able to secure a points scoring position after his slick clad rivals disappeared down the road. Qualifying for race 2 on Sunday morning left Alex in P3 after being blocked on his flying lap, but he was very happy with the pace of the car. Alex’s determination off the line saw him get the better of pole man Files but a tussle gave Eric Tremoulet the lead, leaving Alex in P2 with Nogues in P3. After a tumultuous battle at the front involving a phenomenal overtaking move by Alex on Tremoulet around the outside of the chicane, and a spell under the safety car, Alex emerged P2 behind Nogues, giving Rangoni Corse a 1-2 finish. Alex Morgan:

I am grateful for Infinity Sports Management’s swift actions this week as this couldn’t have happened without them, and to be offer a Rangoni Corse drive in this prestigious championship is a dream come true. I immediately felt at home within the team as did my new team mates Oscar and Salvatore and I have to thank the whole team for that. The sheer pace and consistency of the car was a new experience for me in this latest generation Clio. We knew we had the pace in dry conditions, even though we missed out on scoring a lot of points on Saturday. On Sunday we made the right decisions and, event though I struggled a little after the safety car, I managed to finish second.

Michael Rangoni, Team Manager:

Alex has immediately proved himself to be a very fast, consistent racer and an excellent team member with a very professional approach to his racing and Rangoni Corse intends on securing his services for the rest of the championship. It was a memorable weekend for Rangoni Corse.