Brilliant Kristoffersson scores double Superstars triumph at Imola

Johan Kristoffersson took a brilliant double win on Superstars' visit to Imola, the young Swede breaking his duck in the opening run then repeating the feat in race two.

Race one saw Kristoffersson lead away from pole, but the Audi Sport racer came under heavy pressure from team-mate Gianni Morbidelli. The pair did battle throughout the event, but final lap contact caused damage to Morbidelli's car - with dramatic consequences.

While Kristoffersson was able to limp on Morbidelli was out on the spot, a displaced fuel line then causing his car to ignite in spectacular fashion. Fortunately the three-time Superstars champion was unharmed.

Kristoffersson meanwhile was able to cruise to victory, eight seconds clear of Andrea Larini (Romeo Mercedes). Thomas Biagi (Dinamic BMW) completed the race one rostrum ahead of Francesco Sini (Solaris Chevrolet), debuting ex-grand prix racer Christian Fittipaldi (Swiss Maseratti) and opening round star Tonio Liuzzi (CAAL Mercedes).

Kristoffersson doubled up in race two by scoring another triumph aboard his Audi RS5, climbing from eighth on the partially reversed grid to seal a top-draw victory.

A late race oil leak left his car smoking heavily, and seemed to put his win in doubt, but the Swede pushed on to take the flag.

Biagi took second ahead of Andrea Boffo (Roma Mercedes), who had started from pole and ended the race with a maiden series podium. Fittipaldi was fourth, narrowly missing out on a debut weekend rostrum, ahead of Thomas Shoffler (Audi Sport). Liuzzi meanwhile pitted and soon dropped out of the race while running third.

Kristoffersson's Imola heroics leave the Swede top of the Superstars standings, two points clear of former champion Biagi. Max Pigoli - who endured a muted weekend - sits third, level on points with Liuzzi. The next event takes place at British venue Donington on May 20.


Watch Superstars Series on Motors TV


James Weeks