Batlle fought back from flame out to win opening round of Spanish Nationals [VIDEO]

0 April 11, 2016, 5:44 p.m.

By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

Race report from InfoRC:
www.inforc.net

Spanish RC news site InfoRC reported from last weekend’s Spanish 1/8-Scale Nationals opening round in Silla, where ten-time and defending champion Robert Batlle won the final from pole position.

The weekend began with rain turning the track condition to mud, but by mid-day the weather had cleared and the rest of the race weekend took place without issue.

Batlle secured TQ in qualifying despite young Mugen Seiki teammate Oscar Baldo setting the fastest time in Q2. Once the semifinals were completed, a first-ever “Last Chance Saloon” featured the drivers failing to transfer from the semis - with Martin Roca taking the ultimate transfer spot to the final.

Batlle lost the lead at the beginning of the race to Mugen Seiki teammate Bryan Baldo before regaining the top spot, then recovered from a flameout when his MBX7R ran dry of fuel - a problem that plagued many drivers on the slick surface. Batlle fought back for the win ahead of Baldo, with TLR’s Ricardo Monteiro third.