Auteur/autrice : Keke Platzer

Report: Rennen 2 Mugello

Posted on octobre 8, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

Die letzten Siegerpokale der Saison 2023 gehen an Antonio Pizzonia, Simone Colombo und Walter Colacino.

Bei bestem Wetter waren die Piloten der BOSS GP Racing Series Sonntagmittag noch einmal gefordert: Es galt, das längere 25-Minuten-Rennen zu bestreiten und an zahlreichen Positionen wurde um eine bessere Platzierung gekämpft.

Davon unbeeindruckt fuhr Antonio Pizzonia (BRA) heute einen weiteren Gesamtsieg ein. Der Pilot des österreichischen Teams HS Engineering konnte damit auch das letzten Rennen der OPEN-Klasse als Erster beenden. Mit einer Zeit von 1:31.120 min unterbot Pizzonia auch noch einmal seine Bestzeit von gestern. Damit ist Pizzonia im World Series 4.5 jetzt ein neuer Rekord gelungen, denn nur Formel-1-Autos waren auf dieser Bahn bislang schneller unterwegs. Der bisherige Rekordhalter war übrigens Harald Schlegelmilch (LVA), OPEN-Meister des Jahres 2022, ebenfalls in diesem Wagen.

Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) war es, der auch dem 14. Saisonrennen seinen Stempel in der FORMULA-Klasse aufdrückte. Nachdem Pizzonia wegen abbauender Reifen zwischenzeitlich an Boden verlor, war Colombo sogar kurz an die Spitze gerückt. Dahinter baute in der Anfangsphase Marc Faggionato (MCO, MM International) Druck auf, dem wiederum Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) auf den Fersen war. Teilweise am Rande der Curbs unterwegs, schenkten sich die Toppiloten der FORMULA-Klasse auch im letzten Saisonrennen nichts. In Runde 11 von 16 überholte Ghiotto seinen Vordermann Faggionato. Der Abstand zu Colombo war da aber schon auf mehrere Sekunden angewachsen. Damit war es noch einmal Colombo, der den Champagner öffnen durfte. Ghiotto erkämpfte sich Rang zwei, Faggionato wurde Dritter.

Dahinter klassierte sich Salvatore de Plano (ITA, MM International), Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) wurde Fünfter. In einem schönen Triell begegneten sich die beiden Zig-Zag-Fahrer Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA) und Nicolas Matile (MCO) sowie der von der Scuderia Palladio betreute Bruno Jarach (ITA, Eesti Motorsport). Nahezu 15 Runden lang war die Gruppe zusammen um den Kurs unterwegs, schließlich setzte sich Jarach vor den beiden Auto-GP-Wagen durch. Bei den SUPER LIGHTS gewann Walter Colacino (ITA, Walter Colacino Racing) auch das heutige Rennen.

Nach sieben Veranstaltungen in Frankreich, Deutschland, Österreich, Italien und den Niederlanden lauten die Meister der Saison 2023 Ingo Gerstl (BOSS GP F1 Class), Antonio Pizzonia (OPEN), Simone Colombo (FORMULA) und Henry Clausnitzer (SUPER LIGHTS). Geehrt werden sie bei der Jahresabschlussfeier Ende November in der Stadt Salzburg.

Foto: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Report: Race 2 Mugello

Posted on octobre 8, 2023 by Keke Platzer - 5, General

The last winner’s trophies of the 2023 season go to Antonio Pizzonia, Simone Colombo and Walter Colacino.

In perfect weather, the drivers of the BOSS GP Racing Series were challenged once again on Sunday lunchtime: The longer 25-minute race had to be contested and at numerous positions drivers fought for a better result.

Not impressed by this, Antonio Pizzonia (BRA) took another overall victory today. The driver of the Austrian team HS Engineering also took first place in the final race of the OPEN class this season. With a time of 1:31.120 min, Pizzonia topped his best lap time from yesterday. This means that Pizzonia has now managed to set a new lap record in his World Series 4.5, as only Formula 1 cars have ever been faster on this track. The previous record holder was Harald Schlegelmilch (LVA), OPEN champion in 2022, also in this car.

Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) was the one who left his mark on the 14th race of the season in the FORMULA class. After Pizzonia had lost ground due to degrading tyres, Colombo had even taken the lead for a moment. Behind him, Marc Faggionato (MCO, MM International) built up pressure in the early stages, with Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) hot on his heels. Sometimes on the edge of track limits, the top drivers in the FORMULA class gave each other nothing in the final race of the season. On lap 11 of 16, Ghiotto overtook the Faggionato in front of him. But the gap to Colombo had already grown to several seconds. So once again it was Colombo who was allowed to open the champagne first. Ghiotto took second place, Faggionato came third.

Salvatore de Plano (ITA, MM International) finished behind, Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) was in fifth place. In a nice triell, the two Zig Zag drivers Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA) and Nicolas Matile (MCO) as well as the Scuderia Palladio supported Bruno Jarach (ITA, Eesti Motorsport) met. For almost 15 laps the group were together, finally Jarach beat the two Auto GP cars to the chequered flag. In SUPER LIGHTS, Walter Colacino (ITA, Walter Colacino Racing) took home another victory.

After seven events in France, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Netherlands, the champions for the 2023 season are Ingo Gerstl (BOSS GP F1 Class), Antonio Pizzonia (OPEN), Simone Colombo (FORMULA) and Henry Clausnitzer (SUPER LIGHTS). They will be honoured at the end-of-year party at the end of November in the city of Salzburg.

Photo: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Report: Rennen 1 Mugello

Posted on octobre 7, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

Simone Colombo setzt mit dem zehnten Sieg in dieser Saison seinen Erfolgslauf fort. Colacino und Pizzonia gewinnen ihre Klassen.

Nach dem zuletzt in Monza sichergestellten Meistertitel lässt Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) auch im ersten Mugello-Rennen nicht nach. Der nun zweifache BOSS GP-Meister konnte Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) abermals in Schach halten. Das italienische Dauerduell in der FORMULA-Klasse nahm auch in Mugello eine Fortsetzung, wenngleich es dieses Mal zwischen den beiden GP2-Piloten weit weniger hitzig zur Sache ging. Auch Ghiotto fuhr immerhin schon zehn Mal in dieser Saison unter den Top-3.

Im Kampf um Platz 3 hatte sich Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) bereits einen kleinen Vorsprung auf die Dahinterfahrenden herausgearbeitet, ehe eine Safety-Car-Phase das Feld wieder zusammenführte. Zunächst verteidigte Fiedler noch hart, aber fair gegen Marc Faggionato (MCO, MM International), ehe dieser im dritten Streckensektor Fiedler überholen konnte. Ein kleiner Fahrfehler wenig später ermöglichte auch Salvatore de Plano (ITA, MM International) am Deutschen vorbeizufahren. Faggionato ärgerte sich trotz Rang 3, denn nicht zum ersten Mal in diesem Jahr vermasselte dem schnellen Allrounder ein schlechter Start die Chance, um den Sieg zu kämpfen.

Rang 6 gab es für Nicolas Matile (MCO) vom französischen Team Zig-Zag. Bruno Jarach (ITA, Eesti Motorsport) erkämpfte sich Rang 7 vor Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA, Zig-Zag), der nur knapp dahinter die Ziellinie überquerte. Roland Rupprechter (AUT, Rupprechter Motorsport) freute sich über eine weitere Zielankunft.

Am bestem Weg zum Gesamtsieg war Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering), doch in Runde 5 stoppte der ehemalige Formel-1-Pilot in Kurve 3, weil die Schaltung des World-Series-Dallara nicht mehr richtig funktionierte. Walter Colacino (ITA, Walter Colacino Racing) holte die vollen Punkte in der Wertung der SUPER LIGHTS und kletterte mit auf das Podest. Die letzte Möglichkeit in dieser Saison das Podest zu erklimmen, gibt es morgen Sonntag: Rennstart für das längere, 25-minütige Rennen ist um 11:00 Uhr MESZ.

Foto: Angelo Poletto

Report: Race 1 Mugello

Posted on octobre 7, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

Simone Colombo continues his hot streak with his tenth win of the season. Colacino and Pizzonia win their classes.

After securing the championship title last time out in Monza, Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) is not slowing down in the first Mugello race. The now two-time BOSS GP Champion managed to keep Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) at distance once again. The Italian battle in the FORMULA class continued in Mugello, although this time it was much less tense between the two GP2 drivers. By the way, Ghiotto finished in the top-3 for the tenth time this season.

In the battle for third place, Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) had already built up a small lead over the drivers behind him before a safety car interruption reunited the pack. Fiedler defended hard but always fair against Marc Faggionato (MCO, MM International) before the Monegasque was able to overtake Fiedler in the third sector. A small driving mistake a little later also allowed Salvatore de Plano (ITA, MM International) to pass the German. Faggionato was annoyed despite third place, because not for the first time this year a bad start robbed the fast all-rounder of his chance to fight for victory.

Sixth place went to Nicolas Matile (MCO) of the French team Zig-Zag. Bruno Jarach (ITA, Eesti Motorsport) took 7th place ahead of Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA, Zig-Zag), who crossed the finish line only just behind. Roland Rupprechter (AUT, Rupprechter Motorsport) was delighted with another finish.

Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) was on the best way to overall victory, but on lap 5 the former Formula 1 driver stopped in turn 3 because the shifting of the World Series Dallara did not work correctly anymore. Walter Colacino (ITA, Walter Colacino Racing) took the full points in the SUPER LIGHTS classification and climbed onto the podium as well. The last chance to take a trophy this season is tomorrow, Sunday: the longer, 25-minute race starts at 11:00 a.m. CEST.

Photo: Angelo Poletto

Report: Qualifying Mugello

Posted on octobre 7, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

Antonio Pizzonia leading the way, exciting races expected in FORMULA and Walter Colacino best SUPER LIGHTS driver in Qualifying.

In the finest late summer weather, the 5.245-kilometre track at Mugello presented its most beautiful side to the BOSS GP drivers. In qualifying, which determines the starting grid for both races, Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) set the fastest time in the OPEN classification for the seventh time this season. This time, the ex-Formula 1 driver from Williams and Jaguar will lead the full field to the start, as he did in Misano earlier this year.

In the FORMULA class, a three-way battle for the top spot is expected after practice and qualifying: Simone Colombo (ITA), Marc Faggionato (MCO, both MM International) and Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) were separated by just a few tenths of a second on their fastest lap – they will probably fight it out between themselves for victory.

Following them was another MM International driver, Salvatore de Plano (ITA) starts from third row. The two Auto GP cars from Zig-Zag will start from row 3 and 4: Nicolas Matile (MCO) was faster than team-mate Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA). Best in the SUPER LIGHTS class this time around was Walter Colacino (ITA, Walter Colacino Racing) in his Formula 3000.

Roland Rupprechter (AUT, Rupprechter Motorsport) and Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) both came to an early end to their practice sessions after a spin. However, both will be able to take part in the races. The start of the first race is today, Saturday, at 14:10 CEST, the second race starts tomorrow, Sunday, at 11:00 CEST.

Photo: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Report: Qualifying Mugello

Posted on octobre 7, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

Antonio Pizzonia ganz vorne, spannende Rennen in der FORMULA erwartet und Walter Colacino bester SUPER-LIGHTS-Pilot.

Bei bestem Spätsommerwetter präsentiert sich die 5,245 Kilometer lange Strecke in Mugello den BOSS GP-Piloten von ihrer schönsten Seite. Beim Zeittraining, welches die Startaufstellung für beide Rennen festlegt, fuhr Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) zum siebenten Mal in dieser BOSS GP-Saison die Bestzeit in der OPEN-Wertung. Diesmal darf der Ex-Formel-1-Pilot von Williams und Jaguar das Feld wie schon in Misano als Erster zum Start führen.

In der FORMULA-Klasse zeichnet sich nach den Trainings und dem Qualifying ein Dreikampf um die Spitze ab: Simone Colombo (ITA), Marc Faggionato (MCO, beide MM International) und Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) waren auf ihrer schnellsten Runde nur wenige Zehntelsekunden voneinander getrennt – sie werden sich wohl den Sieg unter sich aus machen.

Dahinter klassierte sich mit Salvatore de Plano (ITA) ein weiterer Fahrer von MM International. Die beiden Auto-GP-Wagen von Zig-Zag starten aus Reihe 3 und 4: Nicolas Matile (MCO) war schneller als Teamkollege Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA). Bester der Klasse SUPER LIGHTS war dieses Mal Walter Colacino (ITA, Walter Colacino Racing) in seinem Formel 3000.

Frühzeitig beendeten Roland Rupprechter (AUT, Rupprechter Motorsport) und Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) ihr Training, jeweils nach einem Dreher. Beide können aber an den Rennen teilnehmen. Start zum ersten Rennen ist heute Samstag um 14:10 Uhr, das zweite Rennen startet morgen Sonntag um 11:00 Uhr.

Foto: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Vorschau: Grande Finale Mugello

Posted on octobre 4, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

Noch einmal werden die Motoren der BOSS GP Racing Series gezündet: Zum Grande Finale der Saison 2023 geht es in die Toskana.

Für die Saisonrennen 13 und 14 reisen die Teams und Fahrer an einen der schönsten Rennplätze des Kontinents. Die 5,245 Kilometer lange Strecke in Mugello bildet das Finale einer großartigen Saison 2023, die u.a. mit neuen Zuschauerrekorden glänzte.

Der Mugello Circuit ist im Besitz von Ferrari und ist traditionell Gastgeber der MotoGP. 2020 war die Bahn in der Toskana auch Austragungsort eines Formel-1-Rennens. Die Kurvenabfolgen sind meist flüssig und schnell, die Topografie hügelig. Damit zählt die 1974 erbaute Strecke zu den Lieblingsstrecken vieler Piloten. Für kommendes Wochenende sind noch dazu Temperaturen rund um 30 Grad Celsius prognostiziert.

Nennungen

In Abwesenheit der Formel-1-Autos geht Antonio Pizzonia (HS Engineering) als Favorit auf den Gesamtsieg in das Finale. Für den Brasilianer ist es abermals eine gute Gelegenheit, einen Angriff auf den Rundenrekord eines Nicht-F1 zu starten. Sollte er auch dieses Mal in beiden Rennen die Zielflagge sehen, könnte er die Saison ohne einen Ausfall und mit einer Siegquote von 100 Prozent in der Klasse OPEN beenden.

In der am härtesten umkämpften Klasse FORMULA, wo u.a. Formel-2- und World-Series-Autos zusammentreffen, bringt MM Motorsport das interessanteste Line-up an den Start: Mit Simone Colombo (ITA), Marc Faggionato (MCO) und Salvatore de Plano (ITA) gehen gleich drei vormalige Rennsieger an den Start. Sie nehmen es mit Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) auf, der die letzte Chance auf einen Saisonsieg nützen will. Im Team von Ghiotto startet mit Bruno Jarach ein weiterer Italiener.

Für das französische Team von Zig-Zag Motorsport gehen Nicolas Matile (MCO) und Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA) an den Start. Beide pilotieren einen der spektakulären Auto-GP-Wagen. Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) ist nach einigen Pausen in dieser Saison nun wieder voll und ganz zurück und hat gute Chancen, in der Gesamtwertung noch einige Plätze nach vorne zu springen.

Und bei den SUPER LIGHTS? Walter Colacino (ITA, Colacino Racing) kommt mit seinem Formel 3000 ebenso in die Toskana. Er teilt sich den Lola, Baujahr 1996, mit seinem Kollegen Roberto Vanni (ITA).

Zeitplan

Freitag, 6. Oktober
11:30–12:00 Freies Training 1
16:00–16:30 Freies Training 2

Samstag, 7. Oktober
10:00–10:30 Qualifying (geteilt in zwei Gruppen)
14:10–14:30 Rennen 1 (20 Minuten)

Sonntag, 8. Oktober
11:00–11:25 Rennen 2 (25 Minuten)

alle Zeiten MESZ

Tickets

Am Freitag ist der Eintritt frei, 5 Euro kostet der Eintritt ins Gelände am Samstag und Sonntag. Zutritt zum Fahrerlager und der Haupttribüne gibt es um 15 Euro. Für Frauen, 14-17 Jährige und ACI-Mitglieder gibt es einen reduzierten Preis von 10 Euro. Freien Eintritt bekommen Bewohner der anliegenden Gemeinde Scarperia e San Piero und Kinder bis 14 Jahren.

Rahmenprogramm

Weitere Rennserien im Programm des PNK Racing Weekend in Mugello sind die F2000 Trophy mit dem Drexler Formel Cup (Formel 3, Formel Renault 2.0 etc.), die Lurani Trophy für Formel-Junior-Autos, die Sportprotoypen von Sports Car Challenge und Master Tricolore Prototipi sowie GT- und Tourenwagenrennen mit modernen und historischen Boliden.

Fotos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Preview: Grande Finale Mugello

Posted on octobre 4, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

One more time this year, the engines of the BOSS GP Racing Series will be fired up: The grand finale of the 2023 season will take place in Tuscany.

For rounds 13 and 14 of the season, the teams and drivers will travel to one of the most beautiful racetracks on the continent. The 5.245-kilometer track at Mugello (built in 1974) will be the the venue for the finale of a great 2023 season that will be remembered for, among other things, new spectator records.

The Mugello Circuit is owned by Ferrari and traditionally hosts the MotoGP. In 2020, the track in Tuscany also was the venue for a Formula 1 race. The sequences of corners are mostly fluid and fast, the topography hilly. This makes the track, which was built in 1974, a favourite of many drivers. In addition, temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius are forecast for the coming weekend.

Entries

With no F1 cars in the entry list, Antonio Pizzonia (HS Engineering) goes into the finale as the favourite for overall victory. For the Brazilian, however, it is once again a good opportunity to attack the lap record of a non-F1. Should he see the checkered flag in both races yet again, he could finish the season without a retirement and with a 100 percent win rate in the OPEN class.

In the most competitive class FORMULA, where Formula 2 and World Series cars meet, MM Motorsport brings the most promising line-up to the start line: With Simone Colombo (ITA), Marc Faggionato (MCO) and Salvatore de Plano (ITA) three former race winners have entered the event. They will take on Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) who wants to make the most of his last chance for a win this season. Another Italian, Bruno Jarach, will start in Ghiotto’s team.

Nicolas Matile (MCO) and Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA) will compete for the French Zig-Zag Motorsport team. Both will be driving one of the spectacular Auto GP cars. Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) is now fully back after a few absences this season and has a good chance of jumping up a few places in the overall standings.

And in the SUPER LIGHTS? Walter Colacino (ITA, Colacino Racing) is also coming to Tuscany with his Formula 3000. He shares the Lola, built in 1996, with his colleague Roberto Vanni (ITA).

Timetable

Friday, 6 October
11:30–12:00 Free Practice 1
16:00–16:30 Free Practice 2

Saturday, 7 October
10:00–10:30 Qualifying (separated in two groups)
14:10–14:30 Race 1 (20 minutes)

Sunday, 8 October
11:00–11:25 Race 2 (25 minutes)

all times CEST

Tickets

On Friday, admission is free. 5 Euros is the price of admission to the grounds on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the paddock and the main grandstand is 15 Euros. For women, 14 to 17-year-olds and ACI members there is a reduced price of 10 Euros. Free admission is granted to residents of the nearby municipality of Scarperia e San Piero and children up to 14 years of age.

Support program

Other racing series in the program of the PNK Racing Weekend in Mugello are the F2000 Trophy with the Drexler Formel Cup (Formula 3, Formula Renault 2.0, etc.), the Lurani Trophy for Formula Junior cars, the Sports Car Challenge and Master Tricolore Prototipi, as well as GT and touring car races with modern and historic bolides.

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Report: Races Monza

Posted on septembre 24, 2023 by Keke Platzer - 5, General

The crowds at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza enjoyed three days of top-class motorsport at the Nardi Compressori Race. Italian Colombo wins second FORMULA title in a row. Japanese Noda impresses on debut.

The first race on Saturday will probably go down as one of the races that started the latest in BOSS GP history. After a lengthy rain interruption in the afternoon, the BOSS GP timetable was also delayed. The first (20-minute) race did not start until after 6 pm, however when it did, it offered a stunning ambience at the Parco di Monza as apology for the wait.

The Formula 1 racetrack also saw two highlights with F1 history featuring Ingo Gerstl’s Toro Rosso STR1 and Antonio Pizzonia. Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed) had to give way to the Brazilian for overall victory in both races this time. Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) impressed not only with the victory in the OPEN class. By using a « low downforce setup » on the World Series V8 with a 4.5-litre engine he was able to achieve a top speed of over 330 km/h. Ingo Gerstl is now officially the champion of the BOSS GP F1 Class and joins the confirmed champions of the 2023 season, Antonio Pizzonia (OPEN) and Henry Clausnitzer (SUPER LIGHTS).

Gerstl followed closely by Pizzonia, in the background Marco Ghiotto

A decision was also made in the FORMULA class, where the epic duel between two Italians continued. In qualifying, Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) had scored a coup by having more time in Q2 than his rival Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International). He used this time to go for the fastest time again at the end of the session with new Pirelli tyres. Ghiotto got it right and put himself in a better position for the two races.

Their duels made their mark on the races in this competitive class with Formula 2 (GP2) and World Series cars. An unfortunate situation in the first race took Ghiotto out of contention for victory. However, with third place in class, he at least saved a large number of points. In the second race, once more Ghiotto kept up with championship leader Colombo and tried everything to keep the title race open. But once again it was not enough. With the double victory, Colombo will travel to the finale in Mugello (6-8 October 2023) as the old and new champion. It is the former karting professional’s second title in the BOSS GP. This extends the series of championships for Italian drivers to five in a row.

But newcomer Juju Noda (JPN, HS Engineering) was also in the mix and impressed many commentators with her ability to learn quickly. For the former driver in the W Series and the Euroformula Open, it was a successful debut in the league of the « Big Open Single Seater ». Places 2 and 3 were a showcase of talent for the 17-year-old in the World Series 3.5. Team-mate Paul O’Connell (IRE), competing for the first time in the team’s 4.5-litre World Series in the OPEN class, also contributed with two second places to the fact that HS Engineering once again collected a lot of silverware.

Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) made his comeback after a break and showed with fourth place in the second run that he also belongs to the top group. Other notable results: 5th place for Checco Malavasi (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) and 6th place for newcomer David Richert (CDN, MM International) in the second race. After a premature retirement in the first race, Felix and Michael Grosse-Aschhoff (both GER, Asche Racing) were able to score in the second race, as was Bruno Jarach (ITA, Eesti Motorsport).

Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (AUT, Red Rose Racing) gained some new fans in the iconic Ralt F3000 with retro design. He scored full points twice in the SUPER LIGHTS and is now on course for second place in the championship.

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Preview: Nardi Compressori Race Monza

Posted on septembre 20, 2023 by Keke Platzer - General

After two years, the BOSS GP Racing Series finally returns to the Parco di Monza, one of the most prestigious racing venues in the world.

Where just a few weeks ago thousands and thousands of Tifosi were able to experience Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen & Co., Formula 1 history will once again return this coming weekend (September 22 to 24, 2023). With the BOSS GP Racing Series, the fastest racing cars of the past 25 years are lined up to contest again in a race. The great interest in drivers for the sixth race weekend of the season showed how popular the circuit is.

The second of three Italian BOSS GP rounds this season will be held in Monza

The 5.793-kilometer racetrack in the royal park of Monza is one of the most impressive racing facilities in the world. As one of the last high-speed tracks, it is a unique challenge for racing drivers. A large part of the original layout has been adapted to modern safety standards and is still used today, but the steep concrete curves can only be visited on foot. Many drivers and fans also combine their visit with a trip to the centre of Milan, about half an hour away, or to nearby Lake Garda.

Entries

Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed), who is already confirmed as the old and new champion of the BOSS GP F1 Class, will enter the races in Monza as the logical favourite for victory. His STR1 with the V10 Cosworth engine is the fastest car on the grid for Monza.

In the OPEN class, where adapted monoposto cars will be on the grid, Paul O’ Connell is expected to make an appearance. This time, the popular Irish racer will be driving a second Dallara World Series with a 4.5-liter engine, prepared by HS Engineering, in an attempt to stand up to ex-Formula 1 driver Antonio Pizzonia (HS Engineering). The Brazilian has already been confirmed as champion of his class and will once again try to keep up with Gerstl’s Formula 1 car and offer the fans the best possible show.

This time, there is particularly great interest in the FORMULA class, where there are some newcomers: Juju Noda is one of them. The Japanese is the daughter of Hideki Noda, the former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver. On her way towards the top class, she uses the BOSS GP platform as an ideal training environment to familiarise herself with a big Formula racing car. To do so, the former W Series driver will climb into a 3.5-litre World Series of the Austrian team HS Engineering this weekend.

Juju Noda during a test session at the BOSS GP Show Run in Brno earlier this month

With Felix Grosse-Aschhoff and Michael Grosse-Aschhoff (both GER), two drivers from Asche Racing will join the grid in Monza. The international character of the BOSS GP Racing Series is also demonstrated by the entry of David Richert from Canada, who will compete for MM International from Italy. Richert has previously raced in the Formula Renault Eurocup and most recently competed in Formula 3. Now he is celebrating his debut in a GP2 Dallara.

In the duel for the championship title, however, two other drivers are in the spotlight: Once again it is Scuderia Palladio driver Marco Ghiotto (champion 2019, 2020, 2021) and Simone Colombo (champion 2022) who are battling it out at their home race. Colombo (MM International) could clinch the title already this weekend.

Five other Italians will be competing in Monza, including Robert Vanni and Walter Colacino (both Colacino Racing) in a Formula 3000 in the SUPER LIGHTS category. With Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (AUT, Red Rose Racing) in an older Ralt-F3000 and Jody Stadelmann (SUI, Team Stadelmann) in the rare Formula Nippon-Mugen, there are also two returnees in this class.

Timetable

Friday, 22 September
09:00–09:25 Free Practice 1
13:59–14:24 Free Practice 2

Saturday, 23 September
11:20–11:50 Qualifying (separated in two groups)
17:40–18:00 Race 1 (20 minutes/F1 Class 15 minutes)

Sunday, 24 September
11:20–11:45 Race 2 (25 minutes/F1 Class 15 minutes)

all times CEST

Tickets

During the entire race weekend, entry to the racetrack is free of charge. Almost all grandstands are open. Parking costs 15 euros per car and 5 euros per motorbike on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

More to watch

The BOSS GP Racing Series is the highlight of a packed motorsport programme at Monza. In addition to the GT3 cars of the International GT Open, the GT Cup, the Euroformula Open, the TCR Europe and the Porsche Carrera Cup France will be all racing this race weekend in Monza.

Photos: Robert Lösch, Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP, WF Racing