Fiat Abarth Racing enjoyed a dream debut for its newly introduced Agip Grande Punto at Wesbank Raceway this weekend. The event, which marked the official introduction of the diesel powered Fiat Grande Punto into the South African Bridgestone Production Car Championship, saw Trevor Tuck score the vehicles first victory.

Tuck finished fourth in the day’s first heat and set the fastest lap of the day. In heat 2 he got a strong start and went on to take the vehicles debut victory on its debut outing. Team mate Theunis Eloff had a tougher weekend. Having blown the motor during Saturday’s warm-up session Eloff had no choice but to run his previous race car, the Fiat Palio, on race day. Eloff finished sixth and fourth in the day’s respective races.

“I’m thrilled with the results of the weekend," said Tuck. "I started fourth for Race 1 but quickly caught the front runners. I was challenging for the lead when the car suddenly lost drive. Luckily it came back and I was able to continue and finish fourth. In heat two I got a really good start and managed to get a gap and take the lead - the car did the rest. The team have done a great job in getting the car to where it is and able to win on its debut."
 

“It was heart breaking to have the engine blow on Saturday," said Eloff. "Luckily we were able to get the Palio ready and though I missed qualifying I could still participate. But because I didn’t set a time in qualifying I was forced to start from the back of the grid. Having not had any time to do set up on the car we were a little on the back foot but I went on to finish sixth. In heat two I got a better start and made my way up to fourth place.”

The Fiat Abarth racing team which is running in Class C of the South African Production Car Championship would like to thank the following sponsors for their ongoing support: Fiat Auto South Africa, Agip, SLA, CRD, Postnet and Accident Repair Centre. The team would also like to welcome new sponsor Gedore to the fray.