{"id":5251,"date":"2025-07-26T17:22:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T15:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grtracingteam.com\/?p=5251"},"modified":"2025-07-26T17:22:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T15:22:15","slug":"sanchez-lotta-per-il-podio-in-gara-1-a-balaton-con-il-terravita-grt-yamaha-worldwcr-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grtracingteam.com\/en\/sanchez-lotta-per-il-podio-in-gara-1-a-balaton-con-il-terravita-grt-yamaha-worldwcr-team\/","title":{"rendered":"S\u00e1nchez Battles for Podium in Balaton Race 1 for Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sara S\u00e1nchez and Natalia Rivera returned to action today at the Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary, with S\u00e1nchez (#64) fighting hard for a podium and even the race victory, while Rivera (#20) scored valuable points in Race 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a promising Warm Up session, which saw the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR duo finish fourth and tenth respectively, both riders approached Race 1 with growing confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite a few drops of rain just before the start, the race was declared dry. Starting from fifth on the grid, S\u00e1nchez had an excellent launch and immediately joined the battle for the lead. In the 11-lap contest, the Spanish rider fought relentlessly for a podium finish, ultimately crossing the line in fifth. Thanks to setting the second fastest lap of the race, she will start from P2 on the grid for Race 2 tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teammate Rivera faced a more difficult start, losing positions early on. With the mixed conditions creating uncertainty, she initially struggled to find rhythm but improved lap after lap, regaining positions steadily. She crossed the line in a solid P12, collecting more points in her rookie season. Rivera will start from P10 for tomorrow\u2019s Race 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sara S\u00e1nchez \u2013 P5<\/strong>
\u201cThe final laps were a bit frustrating. After fighting my way back and even leading the group, I started to struggle with grip and made a few mistakes trying to close the gap again. We\u2019ll focus on improving that for tomorrow and hope the weather holds up. Starting from P2 thanks to the second-fastest lap is a great position, so we\u2019ll stay confident and come back fighting!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natalia Rivera \u2013 P12<\/strong>
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t quite the race I expected. Some drops of rain early on made it difficult to find pace right away, as parts of the track still felt uncertain. After that, I was able to improve lap by lap and make steady progress, which helped me secure more points. Tomorrow\u2019s another opportunity to grow and aim for a strong race. I\u2019m confident Race 2 can be an exciting one.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n