Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint powered by AWS: Rossi Secures Home Victory at Misano
In a thrilling race at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy, Valentino Rossi clinched victory in the opening round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint powered by AWS. Racing in front of his home crowd, the Italian legend piloted the Team WRT BMW to a narrow win, fending off the determined challenge of his teammate Charles Weerts in the sister #32 BMW.
Rossi’s triumph came after a dominant performance by his teammate Maxime Martin, who led the race from pole position until the pit stops. The handover to Rossi enabled the former MotoGP champion to maintain the lead, but he was pushed hard throughout the second stint by Weerts, who finished just 0.275 seconds behind the winner.
The final podium position went to Giacomo Altoe in the #60 Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, who finished a comfortable 15 seconds adrift of the leading duo.
In the Silver class, the Team WRT BMW of Sam de Haan secured the class win, finishing sixth overall, while the #52 AF Corse Ferrari of Sean Hudsputh finished 18th.
The Gold Cup victory was claimed by Gilles Magnus in the #25 Sainteloc Racing Audi, who finished 13th overall, ahead of Luca Engstler in the LIQUI MOLY Team Engstler by One Group Audi and Charlie Eastwood in the #51 Racing Team Turkey Ferrari.
The Bronze Cup saw Phillip Sager in the #54 Dinamic GT Porsche take the class win, finishing 14th overall, 3.118 seconds ahead of Dmitry Gvazava in the #85 Imperiale Racing Lamborghini.
“The thrilling Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint powered by AWS event at Misano showcased the exceptional talent and competitiveness within the series, with Valentino Rossi’s home victory further cementing his status as a motorsport icon.”
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