The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe made a stop at the Balaton Park Circuit for its second round of the season, treating motorsport enthusiasts to a weekend full of excitement and action. Held on the 1st and 2nd of June, this event marked the debut of Ferrari’s one-make series at the Hungarian circuit, which opened in 2023 and is located 85 kilometers southwest of Budapest.
The Excitement of the First Day of Racing
On Saturday, Giacomo Altoè (Emil Frey Racing) and Alexander Nussbaumer (Gohm Motorsport – Haupt Racing Team) stood out in the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell categories respectively, securing victories behind the wheel of the new Ferrari 296 Challenge. Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) dominated in the Trofeo Pirelli Am, while Eric Cheung (Formula Racing) triumphed in Coppa Shell Am. Fabrizio Fontana (Formula Racing) emerged as top driver among the 488 Challenge Evo class.
The variable weather conditions, with alternating sunshine and rain, added a unique and challenging element to the races. Making his debut in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe, Altoè expressed great satisfaction with his win, thanking his team for their hard work. Nussbaumer praised the team’s winning strategy of keeping dry-weather tires in spite of the rain.
Triumphs and Surprises on Day Two
Sunday saw Giacomo Altoè once again take the spotlight with back-to-back wins in the Trofeo Pirelli. The Balaton Park Circuit also witnessed the first victory of Andreas Ritzi (CDP – D&C Racing) in Coppa Shell, while Marco Zanasi (CDP – Pinetti Motorsport) triumphed in the Trofeo Pirelli Am. Zois Skrimpias (Ineco – Reparto Corse RAM) won in Coppa Shell Am, and Fabrizio Fontana (Formula Racing) repeated his success in the 488 Challenge Evo class.
The words of the winners reflected the tension and excitement of the races. Altoè described his weekend as “perfect,” with two wins, two fastest laps, and a pole position. Zanasi acknowledged a stroke of luck but still celebrated a “good race.” Ritzi dedicated his victory to his team and coach Domenico Schiattarella, while Skrimpias rejoiced over a victory that was the result of great team effort. Fontana, who celebrated his birthday with two wins, described the day as “unforgettable.”
The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe provided the audience at Balaton Park Circuit with an unforgettable weekend, full of intense races, daring strategies, and moments of raw emotion. The drivers’ passion and determination, along with the stunning new Ferrari 296 Challenge and 488 Challenge Evo, made this event a true spectacle of speed and excitement. The Prancing Horse continues to make history in motorsport, with each race adding new successes and breathtaking challenges. As a technical partner, we couldn’t be prouder.
