Aussie Alex Peroni has scored the most important win of his career in the Formula Renault Eurocup race at Monaco.
The 18-year-old-Hobart driver led from the start of the 18-lap race on the narrow streets of the fabled 3.3km circuit.
Peroni blasted into the lead from pole position and immediately started to put some distance between himself and French driver Charles Milesi.
His lead continued to grow as Milesi was kept busy fending off countryman Victor Martins.
By the time Peroni crossed the Finish line he was 4.3 seconds ahead – the biggest margin so far this year.
The win has lifted the Tassie driver from 12th to eighth position in the series pointscore after unrepresentative results in the first three rounds.
Afterwards he was elated with his performance at the showpiece round of Renault’s international series for its 2.0-litre openwheel racing cars.
“It was as near to a perfect race that I’ve ever driven,” he said. “My car was near-perfect too.
“I got a good start, which is more important at Monaco than anywhere else. Overtaking is almost impossible here unless the driver ahead makes a mistake.
“In the first laps I could attack the circuit without risking hitting the barriers. With Charles and Victor fighting over second place, I was able to extend my lead until I had a safe margin.
“From there I maintained the gap until the end of the race.”
Peroni will start Sunday’s second Eurocup race from second grid position, under the Monaco round’s unique qualifying procedure.
“To win any race at this famous circuit, in front of the Formula 1 teams, is just amazing!” he said.
“It’s just what I needed after a difficult start to this year’s series. Now we have to keep the momentum going, starting with race two here tomorrow.
“Thanks to everyone involved in my Eurocup campaign, especially my team MP Motorsport and sponsors Blundstone, RACT, Richardson Devine Marine and Spirit of Tasmania.”
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