The third round of the 2025 Lotus Cup Italia, held last weekend at the technical Varano de’ Melegari circuit, delivered non-stop excitement with intense battles, overtakes, and plot twists, featuring Alberto Naska and Niccolò Loia as the standout names across both races.
In qualifying, it was Naska who stole the spotlight, securing pole position with authority and becoming the only driver to break the 1’12” barrier – a clear show of pace on a single flying lap.
Race 1 saw the poleman capitalize on his strong start, maintaining control over the field in a fast-paced 20-minute race full of tension and duels. Naska took a well-deserved victory ahead of a consistent Giuseppe De Virgilio and current championship leader Massimo Abbati. Maurizio Copetti claimed fourth place overall and topped the Hankook Trophy standings, while Michele Parretta and Nicola Schileo took class wins in the Master and Gold Cup, respectively.
Race 2 was a pure adrenaline rush from lights to flag, with numerous lead changes and tight racing throughout the field. Emerging victorious was Niccolò Loia, who made a decisive move just a few laps from the finish to secure his first-ever win in the official Lotus Cars Italy series. Hot on his heels were Maurizio Copetti—once again best of the Hankook Trophy drivers—and Max Schiavone, both showing great pace. Abbati and Naska finished fourth and sixth respectively, while Andrea Gaggi put in a strong and mature drive to clinch the Rookie class win.
The championship standings are now as close as ever: Massimo Abbati remains in the lead, but by just a single point over Alberto Naska (140 vs. 139), while Copetti and Parretta further strengthen their leads in the Hankook Trophy and in the Master and Rookie classes.
The next round is set for July 4–6 at the iconic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza – the Temple of Speed is ready to host another weekend of high-octane action.
