The Paul Ricard Circuit, set in the picturesque backdrop of southern France, hosted an exhilarating weekend of racing for the fifth round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe. This event not only delivered thrilling victories but also intense battles and results that could prove decisive for the current season.
Race 1: Italian Domination and Danish Triumph
Saturday’s race saw Giacomo Altoè (Emil Frey Racing) triumph in the Trofeo Pirelli, securing first place with a flawless performance. Starting from pole position with a time of 2’00″974, the Italian confirmed his dominance with a lap time of 2’02″617, leaving his competitors far behind. Bence Valint (Ferrari Budapest – Rossocorsa) finished second, while former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock (Autohaus Ulrich) took third place.
In the Trofeo Pirelli Am, Claus Zibrandtsen (Formula Racing) claimed his fourth consecutive victory. The Dane led the race authoritatively, reaffirming his position as the undisputed leader of the overall standings, aided by a bonus point for the fastest lap. Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) secured second place, with Marco Zanasi (CDP – Pinetti Motorsport) completing the podium. In the Coppa Shell, Henry Hassid (Kessel Racing) celebrated a significant victory, strengthening his position as the leader.
Race 2: Doubles and Surprises
Sunday confirmed the weekend’s leading figures. Giacomo Altoè secured a remarkable double win in the Trofeo Pirelli, overtaking Luca Ludwig (MERTEL Motorsport) with a decisive overtaking move at the last corner of the penultimate lap. Despite Ludwig’s strong start, Altoè’s talent prevailed, while Timo Glock, penalized by 10 seconds for going off-track, ended up behind Bence Valint in third place.
Claus Zibrandtsen continued to shine in the Trofeo Pirelli Am, claiming his fifth consecutive victory. Starting from pole, he dominated the entire 30-minute race, setting the best time in class and extending his lead in the overall standings. Hendrik Viol (Scuderia Praha Racing) and Hanno Laskowski (Emil Frey Racing) completed the podium.
In the Coppa Shell, Henry Hassid completed his double victory, showcasing undeniable dominance on his home circuit. The French driver’s sense of achievement was evident. Zois Skrimpias (Ineco – Reparto Corse RAM) also enjoyed success in the Coppa Shell Am, and Shintaru Akatsu (Ineco) contributed to the team’s happiness with his third-place finish.
The weekend at Paul Ricard highlighted the skill and determination of the drivers in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe. With Altoè and Hassid securing victories and Zibrandtsen and Skrimpias achieving their own successes, the season is set for an exciting finish with escalating competition. The excitement continues as the next round promises even more thrilling action in the race for the title.
