Heavy rain did not deter from N.Technology Alfa Romeo’s last outing with the Alfa 156 at the Bologna Motor Show as James Thompson claimed third place in the Nivea For Men Eurotouring event.

Heavy rain did not deter from N.Technology Alfa Romeo’s last outing with the Alfa Romeo 156 at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy at the weekend as James Thompson claimed third place in the Nivea For Men Eurotouring event.

The British driver won seven races on his way to the finals, beating Gabriele Tarquini in his last race. Taking third place, Thompson set a final combined time of 4:43.40, the fastest of the top four drivers.

“It’s a little bit of a shame not to be in the final but third is quite a fitting end result for the Alfa Romeo,” said Thompson who also finished third in the FIA World Touring Car Championship this year with the N.Technology Alfa Romeo team. We had the same points as the top two drivers but lost out on the count-back. We did the best we could though and we got a podium finish. It’s a great end after such an amazing year, a superb car and team effort.”

Team-mate Marco Melandri’s moment of glory came yesterday when the Ducati-bound MotoGP rider set the fastest lap of the weekend with a time of 0:40.04 whilst battling it out against the eventual overall winner Nicola Larini.

Nivea For Men Eurotouring - final classification:

1. Nicola Larini (ITA), Chevrolet Lacetti, 4:44.42
2. Roberto Colciago (ITA), SEAT Leon, 4:44.76
3. James Thompson (GBR), Alfa Romeo 156, 4:43.30
4. Gabriele Tarquini (ITA), SEAT Leon, 4:44.01
5. Marco Melandri (ITA), Alfa Romeo 156, n/a
6. Sergio Hernandez (ESP), BMW 320si, n/a