The 2021 FIA WTCR season will also be remembered as Gabriele Tarquini’s last as a full-time driver.
The ‘Cinghiale’ waited for the weekend in Adria to announce his farewell to the championship (but not to the racing world because he also has something to say, and how he does!).
Analyzing what were the best races of this year, it was inevitable to talk about the Bi-World Champion, but it would have been too easy (and repetitive at the same time, since we had already talked about it) to dwell on the triumph achieved in Aragon .
Instead, the choice falls precisely on the Adria event, to which we were present in person to breathe that memorable weekend air, with so much emotion and a few tears that already risked being shed upon our arrival on Friday.
Tarquini’s relatives could not miss it, so much so that the turret overlooking the Rovigo track from the last corner was stormed by a real ‘ultras group’ from Giulianova, with tricolor flags and banners.
Here Gabriele’s brother, ‘Gigi’, immediately handed us the celebratory orange shirt with the inscription ‘Thanks Cinghio’as well as to all those present: “Guys, be careful not to let Gabri see you, we put it on Sunday after Race 2 for the party”.
A few hours later, in reality, a bit of despair arose because the outcome of the Qualifying was not the best: only 12th time for the standard-bearer of the BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse, eliminated at the end of Q2 due to a brake problem accused by his Hyundai Elantra N, sending him into the gravel.
It is almost impossible to think of obtaining a good result starting for the two races from that position, on a narrow and tortuous track, with fast sections that however guaranteed few spaces to attack.
Almost impossible, we said, because we are talking about Tarquini, whose nickname is precisely ‘Cinghiale’ and not by chance. After a carefully tackled Race 1 to get back to the Top 10, Race 2 was memorable at times, from jumping on the couch while the Abruzzo rider took out one opponent after another.
Reaching fifth place, there was not much to do to hope for a podium that would have been more than deserved, but on which he got up for the celebration announced and organized as we said previously.
Already upon arrival in the pit lane the ‘orange’ tide stood out with applause, choirs and shining eyes in welcoming a visibly excited Tarquini, embraced by the mayor of his city, awarded by the Chief of Hyundai Motorsport, Andrea Adamo, and acclaimed by friends, relatives and fans, as well as honored by rivals and colleagues from the top touring series.
In short, fun on the track, but also off for a 59-year-old boy (but we are closer to 60, who will be on 2 March 2022) whose right foot is still very heavy. With fangs sticking out of his helmet as soon as he puts it on. We will miss him and the movement will miss him, just as the presence of an audience in the stands that Tarquini would have deserved for what he has done and given in a career that is difficult to replicate has also failed due to Covid restrictions.
#races #Tarquini #farewell #true #Boar