- First official test at Circuit Paul Ricard
- Emil Frey Racing starting with two Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO
- Back to the premier class: GT World Challenge Europe
Safenwil (Switzerland), March 10, 2020:
It couldn’t have concluded better for Emil Frey Racing in 2019, at the International GT Open Series: Bagging the title for overall winner as well as winning the Driver’s Championship with the number 63 and the Vice Driver’s Championship with the number 14. These accomplishments were testament to our hard work and built a strong foundation for our return to the premier class of the GT3-Sport: the GT World Challenge Europe (formerly known as the Blancpain GT Series). The most prestigious car manufacturers and most established racing teams take part at the GT World Challenge with up to 60 racing cars. This year, manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Mercedes, Audi, Aston Martin and many more will be at the start line. The race series promises, once again, a lot of excitement that gets motorsports’ heart rates racing.
This coming Thursday and Friday, all teams meet in Le Castellet (FR) for the official first test of the GT World Challenge Europe. However, preparations for the season and private tests have already begun for Emil Frey Racing at the end of 2019. The two Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO cars have been checked and re-checked and checked again to ensure that they will pull off a superb performance and deliver satisfying results. The ambition is to consistently stay ahead and to continue the successful cooperation with Lamborghini Squadra Corse.
The interplay between the new Pirelli tires and the Lamborghini are of paramount importance in the test in Le Castellet – especially since last season, Emil Frey Racing was still using Michelin tires in the GT Open. To find the optimum car setup, the focus lies on maximizing the Pirelli tires’ performance and to find a calibration that the drivers can effectively translate into great driving. As car-related preparations are just one part of the formula for a successful season, our drivers have also been optimizing their fitness. Over the course of the last winter season, our drivers were tested on endurance, speed and reaction. The results were more than positive and show that we are ready for a long season.
The official test run starts with a «morning test session» on Thursday, the 12th of March at 9:00 and ends on Friday, the 13th of March at 18:00. Emil Frey Racing will be reporting live from the track on social media.
Team statements
Lorenz Frey-Hilti (Team Principal)
We used the time during the off season to gather and analyze data and to apply new-found learnings to improve our race cars. Furthermore, despite a successful season, we made small mistakes here and there, which were all reviewed and assessed in order to avoid repeating them in the coming season. I am very happy with the preparations and the progress of the team in the past few months. Now is the time that we go to the start line and let the first race give us a clear view of where we stand. Also, the two new drivers proved themselves to be great additions to the team during the tests. I am convinced that my team is ready for the new season and am very much looking forward to the season opener and to returning to the most competitive GT-Series worldwide.
Jürg Flach (Technical Director)
The pre-season’s tests focus lay on the new Pirelli DHE tires. We are more than satisfied with the results thus far. That being said, we are continuously improving the setup for the qualifyings and races with quali- and race-simulations to ensure that we are fully prepared for the GT World Challenge Europe. We are looking forward to the coming season and hope that we will come back strong – together with Lamborghini Squadra Corse. In the past year, our group grew into a strong team and we will take this challenge on together, with the right amount of respect for the race.
Driver Statements Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO #163
Albert Costa Balboa (ESP)
Finally! The first official test of the year in Le Castellet is just around the corner and I am thrilled! I’m excited to meet all other drivers and teams and to get a chance to first measure up against other teams. Obviously, it’s not going to be the same as during a race weekend, but it is still important for us to test our cars and I hope that we will bring back home a lot of valuable learnings.
Giacomo Altoè (IT)
Thinking about the coming season fills me with excitement and I am very much looking forward to the first official test in Le Castellet! That track has always been challenging, which is why we’ve been working with great care to ensure all details are taken into consideration in order to be fully prepared for the first race of the season. Let’s go!
Franck Perera (FR)
As a Lamborghini-factory driver I am thrilled to participate in this year’s endurance races at the GT World Challenge Europe for Emil Frey Racing. We have a strong team, a great line up of drivers as well as a really strong car. The level of professionalism of the participating teams promises to make this an exciting season. I am eager to meet the other teams to get a first idea of what the season might bring.
Driver Statements Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO #14
Norbert Siedler (AT)
I am thrilled that the new season is about to start. We have been preparing intensively and according to plan to make sure we’ll be fully equipped for the first race. I am looking forward to start once again at the GTWCE.
Mikaël Grenier (CAN)
I am so happy about being part of the GT World Challenge Europe this season. For the upcoming official test, we are focused on our program to optimize our cars with the new Pirelli tires. I am looking forward to a great season.
Ricardo Feller (CH)
I’m looking forward to the first official test drive at Circuit Paul Ricard as it offers a first glance at the competition. However, we won’t be focusing too much on our competition, but instead will be making sure that we adhere strictly to our test program and continue to optimize our Lamborghini Huracán GT3.