- First sprint race of the season at the GTWCHEU
- Weekend schedule overview
- Driver line up for Emil Frey Racing: Grenier/Siedler – Altoè/Costa
Safenwil (Switzerland), August 4th 2020
First sprint race in Misano after the season opener in Imola
Just one week after the season of 2020 kicked off with an exciting endurance race in Imola, it’s time once again for another race weekend. This time, however, only sprint drivers will meet at the grid to face off at the first sprint race of the season. 23 GT3 cars are expected to compete in Misano on August 07.-09.
The circuit
At only 4.226km and a total of 16 corners, the circuit in the province of Rimini is known for being a fast track. The fastest lap recorded (in 2011) took a mere 1min and 33s. But, not only is the track known to be fast, the «Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli» is also considered one of the most beautiful tracks in Italy.
The teams of Gernier/Siedler (#14) as well as Altoè/Costa (#163) will fight for Emil Frey Racing with their respective Lamborghinis at the sprint race. Unlike endurance races, there won’t be any need to refuel during pit stops at sprint races, so there will be ample opportunity, ideally, to win valuable time while changing tires.
Due to the Italian COVID-regulations, the coming race weekend will once again be taking place without a live audience. Luckily, fans all over the world can watch the action live from home via Youtube-Livestream.
Team statements
Lorenz Frey-Hilti (Team Principal)
We delivered a solid performance at the first race in Imola. Still, we missed scoring points. Now the sprint races lie ahead of us. So, every second counts, especially during the pit stops. To not lose valuable time, the team has been relentless with their daily pit stop practice at the workshop in Safenwil. Now I’m just really looking forward to the three one-hour races and am hoping to take home as many points as possible.
Jürg Flach (Technical Director)
With 4.226km of track, the Marco Simoncelli Circuit is a relatively short race track. Grip is usually not as strong which means that we’ll have to get the most out of our tires. With the many low-speed corners it’s important to minimize understeering, lest we lose too much time. The layout is challenging for the brakes as well with its rather short straights and the reduced time for brake cooling.
Traditionally, air- and track temperatures are very high in Misano, which will be another challenge for an optimized set up in qualifying as well as the race. But we’re ready to face the challenges and are thrilled to take on the first three sprint races along the Adria.
Driver Statements Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO #163
Albert Costa Balboa (ESP)
Misano is the first sprint race of the season. That’s why I’m super motivated. It’s a great and fast track, and home to Lamborghini, too! That’s why I’m hoping to achieve great results together with Giacomo and Emil Frey Racing.
Giacomo Altoè (IT)
I’m already super excited for our first sprint race in Misano. After the great work in Imola, I think we have a good chance to deliver a great performance and I can’t wait to hit the track together with the team and Albert.
Driver Statements Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO #14
Norbert Siedler (AT)
I’m already so stoked for the race in Misano! Two years ago, we’ve had a good run there with Lexus. I hope that this will be true for us this year as well and that we will be competing at the top. BPO unfortunately isn’t on our side at the moment, but I’m still positive. We will give it our best to make sure we won’t leave unnoticed.
Mikaël Grenier (CAN)
I’m thrilled to be heading to Misano for our first sprint race. This weekend will be just as challenging as the last. Misano is a short circuit. That’s why I’m expecting all of us to be racing very close to one another. The qualifying will be very important which is why we’re putting extra focus there. I’m also excited to be racing on a short track after the long circuit in Imola. The team in Imola did a tremendous job and we were able to prove that we were quick to get back on our feet after these rather difficult times.