A tough race in Argentina after an intense battle for the podium

Friday, March 14th

Free Practice 1 kicks off on a circuit with mixed conditions, featuring damp sections that gradually began to dry throughout the session.
This tricky scenario made it harder to immediately gain confidence with the track and surface. Despite the challenge, Nicola Carraro got off to a strong start, wrapping up the session just outside the top 10 with consistent progress lap after lap.
Riccardo Rossi, on the other hand, opted to avoid unnecessary risks during FP1, completing only a few laps to gather valuable data for the pre-qualifying session later in the day and for the rest of the weekend.

The pre-qualifying session proved pivotal for securing direct access to Q2.
Both riders used the initial laps to fine-tune their setups before focusing on a time attack in the closing minutes. Riccardo Rossi showcased solid pace, both solo and in a group, finishing 13th and booking his spot in Q2. Nicola Carraro followed suit, finishing 14th and also clinching direct access to Saturday’s Q2 session.

Saturday, March 15th

Saturday morning kicked off with FP2, where the riders focused on analyzing track conditions to prepare for qualifying, avoiding any time attack runs. Despite this strategic approach, Riccardo Rossi secured an encouraging 5th place, boosting his confidence ahead of qualifying.
Nicola Carraro adopted a more cautious approach, using the session to gather valuable data for fine-tuning the bike's setup.

Following Q1, it was time for the Team Snipers riders to take to the track for Q2 and lock in their positions on the starting grid. Despite unstable weather and looming rain that never materialized, the track conditions allowed riders to continue improving their lap times.
Nicola Carraro finished in 17th place, hindered during his final two laps—first by a yellow flag and then by a slower rider, which disrupted his last sectors.
Riccardo Rossi, on the other hand, was on track for a potential top-3 finish but was forced to close his line by another rider, resulting in a mistake and a slide. Luckily, the crash had no physical consequences, but it left Rossi settling for a 7th-place start on the grid.

Sunday, March 16th

The race promised to be intense and fiercely contested, with Riccardo Rossi determined to stay in the leading positions in the early stages despite the lingering leg pain that could impact his performance in the closing laps. Nicola Carraro made a quick recovery at the start, gaining a position on the first lap and working his way up from the back of the pack.

The battle for the podium heated up in the middle stages, with Rossi delivering spectacular overtakes and showcasing a well-balanced bike that allowed him to remain consistently in the lead group. Meanwhile, Carraro cleverly capitalized on his rivals’ mistakes to maintain his position, though slightly further back.
In the final laps, Rossi faced tire degradation and increasing pain but managed to hold onto the lead group for two more laps. However, a contact forced him off in a corner, causing him to lose the group and drop to the edges of the points zone.
Despite the exhaustion, Riccardo finished the race in 18th place, followed closely by Carraro in 19th. While the results reflect some challenges, they also demonstrate the riders' determination and the impressive speed of the bike.

Riders Comments

Given Riccardo Rossi's current condition, the race is the hardest part of the weekend: "I expected a drop due to the pain, but I still managed to stay in the battle at the front for most of the race. Towards the end, a rider pushed me wide to overtake, and from that moment on, I struggled a lot until the finish. However, I’m making progress physically, and I’m confident for the upcoming races."

Nicola Carraro reflects on the race: "Today didn’t go as we hoped. Our strategy wasn’t as effective as expected, but every experience helps us improve. We’re already looking ahead and ready to tackle the next race weekend with our best effort!"