ANDRE Varquez and Iñigo Anton ruled their respective categories in Race 3 of the Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup, which was broadcast last weekend by Tuason Racing.
Done on a replica of the Laguna Seca racetrack, Messrs. Varquez and Anton once again showed their top-class skills, mastering the field in the Reverse Grid Position of the PC-based Assetto Corsa game.
Mr. Varquez topped in Race 3 of the AM Class, setting the fastest lap time of 01:34.424 along the way.
“I had a good start on the race. I already secured my position at the first corner of the racetrack. I’ve seen that there was a huge pile at the back, so I kept going on. I don’t have to push myself, I just need to retain my consistency. Laguna Seca is super slippery, one mistake, and it will make a huge loss in everyone’s performance,” said Mr. Varquez after the race.
Coming behind Mr. Varquez was Race 2 champion Julian Colvin Tang in second place, and Patrick Malicsi at third spot.
Mr. Anton, meanwhile, emerged on top in the PRO Class category.
He was challenged by Estefano Rivera and Russel Reyes, but held on amid the slippery track, to secure the top spot. Mr. Rivera, however, set the fastest lap time of 01:32.603.
“The track was so difficult and the grip level was so low. So during the race, I got a very keen start and very keen lap. From there on, I just kept the level head and just tried to be very consistent and at the same time try not to commit any mistakes,” said Mr. Anton.
Organizers of the Cup are very excited for the final round of the Cup set for broadcast next month as it would feature the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga as the virtual track.
The Virtual Cup is backed by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., Tuason Racing, LG Philippines, BlueChem, Bendix, PC Express, and Family Mart.
It was set up to keep interest in motorsports going, despite the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers admitted that going virtual is not easy, but they are undeterred and looking at flipping its downside into opportunities. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo