Fortaleza (CE) – Gabriel Browne, “Biel”, (BRA50) had a perfect day on Friday. After taking all four races he is very close to winning his third Wind Brazil event and clinching the 2011 South American Formula title. Biel carries forward a total of 6 points and has the difference of eight points over second placed Dutchman Casper Bouman (NED52). If he keeps this continuity Biel wins the Wind Brasil title for the third consecutive time on Sunday. Saturday is a rest day for the Formula racers, as Fortaleza will be hosting the debut event in south america of the new class in Latin America, RS:One.
“I could not have done better. I did nothing wrong and I am very happy because I had a perfect day. Now I’ll rest a bit on Saturday and watch the premiere of RS One. I hope to win the title on Sunday,” summarized Biel, 20, whose won seven of eight races in the two days of competition.
Friday was also favorable to the Dutchman, Casper Bouman, who has risen from third to second place after three second places. “On Friday the conditions were great and I managed to sail better than the first day. I want to maintain this level to ensure the podium.”
Paulão dos Reis (BRA3333), second in the worldwide ranking, did not repeat the performance of the day one and dropped to fourth place overall with a total of 18 points after two thirds and two sixth places. Victor Melo (BRA2497), from Ceará, has moved up to third place with 16 points after one second, two thirds and a fourth place in today’s racing.
The leader of the world rankings, Ervin Martin (EST202), from Estonia, showed that he is adapting to the hot climate of Ceara. He left 8 degrees below zero at home, and is facing more than 30 degrees in Fortaleza. He jumped from seventh to fifth place after two 4ths, one fifth and one eighth place.
“In addition to adapting to the climate, I am also getting used to compete with smaller sails than those used in Europe. So I’m improving on the classification,” explained Ervin, who completed 42 years on Thursday.
He also praised the leader of Wind Brasil, Gabriel Browne. “” He has good technique, and is quite fast. I keep an eye on what he does, anyway here it is preferred to be home. Undoubtedly has a great future ahead, ”
Ervin wants to close the season in the lead and because of this he will also compete in the North American Championships, in Miami, in December. “I came to Fortaleza to adapt to the weather, get the rhythm and arrive in Miami able to obtain a good result and ensure the number one ranking,” he said.
The first two races on Friday were held in winds between 15 and 20 knots. In the last two races the wind dropped – 12 to 16 knots.
Leaders after 8 races and two discards:
1 – Gabriel Browne, “Biel” – 6 points
2 – Casper Bouman (Netherlands) – 14 pts
3 – Victor Melo – 16 pts
4 – Paulão dos Reis – 18 pts
5 – Martin Ervin (Estonia) – 30 pts
6 – Wilhelm Schurmann – 32 pts
7 – Fabio Melo – 33 pts
8 – Mathias Pinheiro – 34 pts