Franco Girolami has been handed a 30-second time penalty for overtaking under yellow flags after a protest by Volcano Motorsport in the second TCR Europe race at Monza, meaning Mat’o Homola inherits the race victory.
Girolami had earlier crossed the finish line as the on the road winner of the second race of the weekend, but the Argentine has now been dropped to 19th in the final classification after Azcona’s team protested that the Argentine had passed the Spainsih driver under yellow flags at Turn five on lap three.
Following a post-race investigation, their appeal was upheld by the race stewards, meaning Girolami was handed the penalty which also now has huge implications on the Drivers Standings.
Azcona – who had also received a time penalty himself for contact with Jimmy Clairet on the opening lap of race two – now sees his championship lead extend to 53 points following the decision to demote Girolami.
Azcona’s increased lead now also means Girolami needs at least 54 points to remain in contention for the title with only 60 remaining at the final round of the season in Barcelona in two weekends time.
Girolami’s move down the leaderboard also means Tom Coronel is promoted into second in race two in Italy, with Jack Young, Azcona and Felice Jelmini completing the top five finishers.