The fourth round of the 2024 Lotus Cup Italia delivered a weekend full of adrenaline at the legendary Monza circuit, where 18 Lotus Elise Cup PB-R cars lit up the Temple of Speed with overtakes, slipstreaming, and fierce on-track action.
Race 1 saw victory go to Alberto Naska. The Turin-based driver, fresh off a GT4 European Series win at Spa and Saturday’s Super Pole, quickly regained the lead after Massimo Abbati’s great start – the first ever rolling start in Lotus Cup Italia history. Naska made his move halfway through the opening lap and never looked back. Michele Parretta finished second overall and first among the Masters and Hankook Trophy contenders, ahead of Abbati, who rounded out the podium. Behind them, a thrilling battle unfolded with Parretta, Schileo, and De Virgilio as main protagonists. A Safety Car period, caused by Maurizio Copetti’s off at Lesmo 2, reset the field and led to an all-out sprint to the finish line, ending in a dramatic dash to the flag.
In Race 2, with Naska sidelined early due to a technical issue, it was Abbati, De Virgilio, and Schileo who stole the spotlight. Abbati pulled away at the front, managing his pace expertly while De Virgilio and Schileo fought tooth and nail for second place. Schiavone joined the fray in the closing stages, adding to the excitement. The race concluded in a tight finish, although a yellow flag in the Parabolica prevented a final-lap showdown.
In the Hankook Trophy, American rookie Christian Melone impressed with a podium finish, while his compatriot Scott Knott also put in a strong performance to secure a spot in the Top 10.
Once again, the Lotus Cup Italia delivered top-tier racing, with the battle for the championship tighter than ever as the series heads toward its next round.
