RT Motorsports has had to make last-minute changes to its plans for the EuroMoto weekend in Most. Championship leader Jakob Rosenthaler is unable to race due to a leg injury he sustained during practice this week. Italian World Championship rider Bruno Ieraci will step in at the last minute to replace the Austrian in the EURO MOTO class.
This setback comes at a bad time for Rosenthaler. Although he still leads the championship after two race weekends, his lead is only four points. This means the title race could take a significant turn as early as Most.
The call came as a surprise to Bruno Ieraci. Team manager Rob Vennegoor had contacted the Italian just a few days earlier and asked if he could replace the injured Rosenthaler. The two know each other from the World Championship, and for Ieraci, the start is also a welcome opportunity to get back into racing after his recent injury.
The Italian injured his shoulder in a crash during the first race at the World Championship round in Aragon at the end of May. Although he made an impressive comeback two weeks later in Misano and won the first race, he sat out the second race due to persistent pain. Since the next World Championship weekend isn’t until September, Ieraci is also using his EuroMoto appearance to get back in shape.
“Rob called me on Tuesday and asked if I could step in. For me, this is a great opportunity to get back into racing and help the team as much as possible,” says Ieraci. “My goal is clearly the podium. I know the track very well, and the heat doesn’t bother me either.” According to the weather forecast, temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees this weekend.
In addition to Ieraci, regular driver Tom Kuil will also be competing for RT Motorsports. Given the high temperatures forecast, tire management and keeping a “cool head” are likely to be just as crucial as sheer speed.