KCMG ENYA by Pinnacle Motorsport delivered a remarkable result in Sunday’s Formula Regional World Cup on the streets of Macau, as Théophile Naël led home Mari Boya to complete an outstanding 1-2 for the outfit.
The weekend started strong on Thursday with both drivers coming in the top four of FP1, before Boya set the second quickest time in FP2. The Spaniard kept up his impressive pace to be third in Qualifying 1, as Naël finished narrowly behind in fourth.
Friday’s sole qualifying session would see the Frenchman go even quicker, recording an impressive 2:15.609 to snatch pole position in a tightly consented field, as Aston Martin Formula 1 Driver Development Programme member Boya had to settle for sixth.
Boya got an excellent launch off the line at the start of Saturday’s 10-lap Qualification Race, moving up to third, while Naël dropped behind his teammate. Boya managed to pass a rival into Lisboa to elevate himself into second, with Naël pulling off an identical overtake just a lap later. This ensured a double podium finish for the outfit and strong starting positions for Sunday’s event.
The following day saw 15 dramatic laps to crown the winner of the 72nd Macau Grand Prix as Boya moved into an early lead, which was contested fiercely in the opening stages. Naël sat behind in fourth before a crash for another driver elevated him up to third and brought out the Safety Car.
When the event returned to green flag running, there were just two laps remaining. As Boya defended his position, Naël swept around the outside of two cars to make his way into the lead at Lisboa. Boya would manage to fend off the threat from behind to remain in second.
Another incident would force the race to end under a Safety Car, as the team secured a maiden 1-2 in the FIA Formula Regional World Cup, with Naël becoming the first Frenchman to win the event in 21 years.
John O'Hara, Pinnacle Motorsport Team Director
“To finish 1–2 in Macau means a great deal to the whole team. Mari and Theo did a fantastic job all weekend and delivered a result we never even dreamt of. Extremely proud of the effort from everyone involved and a very good way to end the event.”
Théophile Naël
“What an absolutely incredible weekend. We did it - world champions. I still can’t quite believe it. The whole team deserved this win, and Mari as well, in second. The car was just flying, and the pace was there. A massive thank you to the whole team at Pinnacle Motorsport for your work, your energy, and your trust - none of this would have been possible without you. Macau gave us another wild race, huge emotions, and a moment we’ll never forget.”
Mari Boya
“I’m really happy about the weekend. P2 is a good result. Of course, I wanted the win, but I feel we had an incredible event together as a team. In the final race, we finished first and second, and we can be really proud of that. I gained a lot of experience and learned from this weekend, and for sure it will help me in the future. I really enjoyed my time here in Macau.”