Jonas Rodrigues takes memorable podium in Parma

After competing in the Monaco Kart Cup, where several problems in his kart prevented him from achieving a top result, Jonas Rodrigues was at the mythical track of Parma this weekend participating not only in the Champions Cup but also in the final farewell to this fantastic track, considered by many as one of the best in the world, and where drivers such as Senna, Patrese, De Cesaris, Fisichella, Trulli, Zanardi and Alonso made history.

 Planning to test different parts for the following season, Jonas entered the event with a PCR Advance chassis and a VKR engine. In the first practice session, with a wet track, Jonas surprised everyone by setting the fastest lap. On Saturday however, with a drying track and a set of tires past it’s prime and that was clearly limiting his pace, Jonas could do no better than 10th place in the qualifying session.

  “I feel very disappointed with this position because, due to a problem with the tires, I could not find the right balance in my kart to get a clean lap”, Jonas commented at the end of the session.

 With this result in qualifying, Jonas looked to be facing a complicated mission. However, with his usual grit and motivation he made up several positions throughout the heat races which meant he would be starting the Final in 6^th place, in what would already be a positive result.

 In the Final Jonas had another of his trademark spectacular starts, completing the first lap in 3rd place and fighting with the leaders. Struggling with the worsening handling of his kart, he then decided to secure 3^rd position and focused on controlling the pace of his direct opponents, as well as his own. At the end of the 20 lap race, Jonas achieved yet another well deserved and much celebrated podium in his still very short career.

 “This podium means a lot because I got it under very difficult conditions and among drivers with a lot more experience and knowledge of this track than me. I am also very happy for leaving my name in the record books of this amazing track and confident that next season I will be able to give my sponsors, friends and fans a good result and something to cheer about”, added an effusive Jonas as the event drew to a close.