Baldan, on Hankook tyres, leads TCR Italy after the halfway point in Monza

The third event of this season’s TCR Italy, from 21^st to 22^nd June at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, was all about exciting touring car racing and a thrilling title race. The opening race in the Royal Park was dominated by Matteo Poloni, who claimed his maiden victory in the series. The Italian started from third place before passing his rivals in some fierce battles, using the high level of stability of the Hankook Ventus Race to pull off precise overtaking manoeuvres, even when under pressure. After a safety car, Poloni continued to control the race and went on to take a commanding victory. While the Italian had plenty to celebrate, his compatriot Nicola Baldan could do no better than seventh place and consequently surrendered the championship lead to Canadian Nicolas Taylor, who finished third in the fifth race of the season.

However, Baldan bounced back on the Sunday: he benefitted from the high grip level of the Hankook tyres in race six of the season, particularly in the early stages. By the time the race was just a few laps old, he had already climbed into the lead from eighth on the grid. From that point, there was no denying him his second victory of the season, which also saw him return to the top of the table. The action resumes from 1^st to 3^rd August at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola.

Full replay of race 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YtrqurIWtI
Full replay of race 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVolhf8MEcs