The qualifying day and first heats have just concluded at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo, which for the first time is hosting a round of the RMC Winter Series.
In a week that will see the awarding of titles and numerous prizes—including entry fees for the RMCET and tickets for the RMCIT—the pole positions among the 107 verified drivers were secured by: Tom Read (Privateer), Mate Kobakhidze (DHR), Lizzy Mentier (DHR), William Kristensen (RSC Performance), and Nicolas Picot (Privateer).
Read grabs pole at the last second!
Tom Read surprised everyone by setting the fastest time in the final moments of the session, beating Cremona’s poleman, Belgian Jef Verbeke (SP Motorsport), and Mikkel Grantins (SM Racing). Both Read and Verbeke went on to win their first heats, setting the stage for what looks to be an exciting duel.
Kobakhidze dominates
Georgian driver Mate Kobakhidze led a Dan Holland Racing 1-2, followed by Japanese teammate Shun Sekiguchi. The duo made the difference in the Viterbo downpour and repeated their strong performances in the first heat. Although Sekiguchi seemed poised for victory, a solid second half of the race allowed Kobakhidze to take the win.
Mentier, a pole in pink!
DHR’s fast lady Lizzy Mentier was the quickest among the three Senior MAX groups. The British driver became the first woman to secure a pole position in 2025, beating her teammate Yort van Wijk and confirming Dan Holland Racing’s strong connection with the Leopard Circuit. Mentier continued her momentum by winning the first heat. Wins also went to Sebastian Hedin (AD Motorsport) and Sean Butcher (KR Sport), each claiming two victories, along with Archie Walker (KR Sport).
Picot takes overall pole
In DD2 Masters, Nicolas Picot not only secured his sixth pole in the last seven races but did so with the overall best time, finishing four tenths ahead of William Kristensen. Kristensen responded in the afternoon by winning the first heat.
Tomorrow’s schedule is fully dedicated to the heats, which will determine the starting grids for Sunday’s Prefinals.
Information, Standings, Results: www.rotaxmaxchallenge-eurotrophy.com