Étiquette : Pizzonia

Bon d’automne début au Mugello

Après la course à Assen/Pays-Bas et les vacances d’été qui ont suivi, les équipes de la BOSS GP Racing Series se sont dirigées vers le sud début octobre. Dès la clôture des inscriptions, il était clair qu’il y aurait à nouveau un très grand peloton de départ en Toscane avec 24 voitures. HS-Engineering d’Autriche avait fait une pause à Assen, mais les deux Dallara World Series V8 T12 étaient de nouveau engagées pour le Mugello. L’ancien pilote brésilien de Formule 1 Antonio Pizzonia avec le moteur Gibson de 4,5 litres plus puissant en classe Open et l’Irlandais Paul O’Connell avec le V8 de 3,5 litres. L’équipe française ZIG-ZAG a une nouvelle fois amené deux pilotes de renom de l’Auto GP au départ de la Classe Formule : le Monégasque Nicolas Matile et le Français Jean-Christope Peyre.


Jean-Christope Peyre (FRA), ZIG-ZAG Motorsport, Lola Auto-GP.

Il y a également eu des retrouvailles avec Giancarlo Pedetti (ITA), qui pilotait cette fois une Scuderia Palladio GP 2. Le Tchèque Vladimir Netušil participera pour la première fois à cette Formula Class. Il a osé passer de la Formule 3 au GP2 pour l’écurie italienne MM International Motorsport. Le grand peloton de départ a également été rejoint par le champion BOSS GP Super Lights 2022, l’Autrichien Andreas Hasler, qui a de nouveau amené sa Dallara World Series V6 T08 en Toscane après une longue absence technique.

Lors des deux séances d’entraînement libres, qui se sont déroulées dans des conditions changeantes, Ingo Gerstl (AUT) du Team Top-Speed ​​​​sur la Toro Rosso STR1 F1 et Antonio Pizzonia se sont affrontés. Gerstl a réalisé le meilleur temps de la FP1 avec 1:30.422, Pizzonia a répliqué comme le plus rapide de la FP2, mais n’a pas pu se rapprocher du temps de l’Autrichien avec 1:31.513. Derrière eux se trouve un trio italien du GP 2 avec Simone Colombo, Massimiliano Cuccarese (tous deux MM International Motorsport) et Marco Ghiotto (Scuderia Palladio). Le nouveau venu étonnamment fort Vladimir Netušil, qui s’est fait sentir après les deux séances d’essais libres derrière ce trio et donc dans le peloton de tête de la Classe Formule. Il fallait s’attendre à des qualifications passionnantes – et c’est ce qui s’est produit, bien qu’avec un retard considérable, car le brouillard matinal persistait et était si épais qu’un départ à temps n’était possible pour aucune des catégories de courses présentes au Mugello ce week-end. Ce n’est que deux heures plus tard que prévu que les premiers pilotes ont pris la piste au volant de l’Alfa Romeo Revival Cup.


Les retards dans le calendrier causés par l’épais brouillard n’ont en rien gâché l’humeur des participants à la Boss GP Racing Series (photo de gauche : Paul O’Connell / HS-Engineering, Ingo Gerst / Top-Speed ​​​​et Andreas Hasler / Hasler Motorsport).

Le brouillard s’est ensuite rapidement dissipé et la situation météorologique s’est améliorée. Cela signifiait que des temps au tour nettement meilleurs étaient possibles lors des qualifications pour le BOSS GP. En raison du grand peloton de départ, cette fois les 30 minutes. Qualifications à nouveau divisées en deux groupes. D’abord 10 minutes pour les plus rapides issus des séances d’essais libres et après une phase de changement puis 18 minutes pour le reste du peloton.

Les meilleurs de chaque classe en qualifications :

F1 Class:Ingo Gerstl (AUT), Team Top-Speed, Toro Rosso STR 1 F1
Open ClassAntonio Pizzonia (BRA), HS-Engineering, Dallara WS V8 T12 4,5
Formula Class:Simone Colombo (ITA), MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2
Super Lights Class:Stephan Glaser (SUI), Jo Zeller Racing, Dallara WS V6 T08


Dominants cette année dans la catégorie BOSS GP Super Lights : Stephan Glaser (SUI), Jo Zeller Racing, Dallara WS V6 T8.

En raison des retards liés au brouillard, PNK, en tant qu’organisateur, a dû considérablement resserrer le calendrier en concertation avec la direction de course et l’organisation de BOSS GP. Tous les organisateurs de la série étaient très déterminés à contribuer à la réalisation de toutes les courses prévues. Pour la Course 1 du BOSS GP, qui a débuté avec près d’une heure de retard, la durée de la course a dû être raccourcie de deux minutes.

Résultats de classe BOSS GP Course 1:

La course 2 de dimanche s’est déroulée comme initialement prévu. Dans le tour de formation, les deux pilotes de Formule 1 avec Ingo Gerstl et Ulf Ehninger (GER), ESBA Racing, Benetton B197 F1 sont en tête. Derrière la deuxième voiture de tête se trouve le reste du peloton, mené par Antonip Pizzonia et suivi par une armada de pilotes GP2 Formula Class. Étant donné que certaines décisions préliminaires pouvaient être prises dans les classes individuelles en ce qui concerne la victoire globale, il fallait s’attendre à des duels passionnants et à des combats intéressants pour les classements individuels dans les points. Et c’est comme ça que ça s’est passé. Les positions ont changé au fil des tours.


Avec deux victoires au Mugello, Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2, photo de face), se rapproche de plus en plus au classement par points de l’ancien leader de la BOSS GP Formula Class, Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio, Dallara GP2). La décision concernant la victoire au classement général dans cette catégorie sera probablement prise lors du week-end de Misano, début novembre.

Résultats de classe BOSS GP Course 2:

Comme la classe F1 du BOSS GP ne participera pas à la finale à Misano début novembre, Ulf Ehninger est pour la deuxième fois vainqueur au classement général de la classe F1. De même Antonio Pizzonia dans la classe Open du BOSS GP. Il n’y a pas de décision de titre dans les deux classes restantes du BOSS GP. La victoire au classement général et le classement derrière sont encore ouverts. Une finale passionnante du BOSS GP peut être attendue à Misano du 1er au 3 novembre.


Vainqueur général de la classe BOSS GP F1 pour la 2ème fois après 2022 : Ulf Ehninger (GER), ESBA Racing, Benetton B197 F1.


A pu réitérer sa victoire au classement général BOSS GP dans la classe Open de l’année dernière : ancien pilote de Formule 1 Antonio Pizzonia (BRA), HS-Engineering, Dallara World Series V8 T12 4.5.

Classements BOSS GP Racing Series – toutes classes
Gallerie PNK Racing Weekend Mugello

Report: Black/SMW MEDIA
Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Review: Red Bull Ring 2024

Legendary Formula 1 cars, iconic cars from movie heritage and motorsport at its finest with the BOSS GP Racing Series attracted around 15,000 spectators to the Red Bull Ring in June.

Over 200 automotive jewels lined up at the start line on the Red Bull Ring in the Austrian Alps. The highlight for many was once again the BOSS GP Racing Series races. 18 vehicles were entered and divided into four classes to allow a fair competition. During the pit walk, thousands of spectators crowded the pit lane to get up close to the BOSS GP cars and collect autographs from the drivers.

Public Pit Walks

F1 and OPEN

Austrian Ingo Gerstl (Team Top Speed) gave everything he had at his home race to get his Toro Rosso STR1 running after all. Rare technical problems with the Formula 1 car made it impossible for him to take part in the first race on Saturday. The 2006 car then ran on Sunday and Gerstl scored full points in BOSS GP’s F1 Class. It was Gerstl’s first win of the season in the sixth race of the season.

Ingo Gerstl celebrates his first victory of the season in style

Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) started the race together with Gerstl from row 1 and the pair put on a powerful show at the front of the field. Pizzonia, who competes for the Austrian team HS Engineering with a 4-litre World Series, had secured overall victory on Saturday. At the end of the race, both thanked the spectators for coming with smoking « donuts ». They responded with a roaring round of applause from the stands.

After the next victory in the OPEN class for Antonio Pizzonia, everything looks set for a successful title defence for the ex-Formula 1 driver. Benetton driver Ulf Ehninger (GER, ESBA Racing) continues to lead the Formula 1 standings ahead of Ingo Gerstl.

Antonio Pizzonia leads the field on Saturday

FORMULA

Juju Noda (JPN, MM International) secured the first pole position of her still young BOSS GP career. However, the 18-year-old Japanese driver was penalised with a 30-second time penalty for an infringement during the start procedure in the first race. As a result, Noda, who also competes in the Japanese Super Formula, lost out on victory in Saturday’s race. Instead, team-mate Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) celebrated 25 points and the winner’s trophy for the fourth time in a row. Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) followed behind after a good race. His team-mate Phil Stratford (USA) completed the podium on his race comeback in the BOSS GP Racing Series. Due to a late safety car period, the field remained close together, with Paul O’Connell (IRE, HS Engineering) in the World Series Dallara also finishing less than two seconds off the podium. Roland Rupprechter (AUT, R&B Research and Wealth Management) followed in a strong fifth place.

Amazing battle through turn 1: Noda (le.) and Colombo (ri.) in front, followed closely by Fischer (le.) and Ghiotto (ri.)

Satisfaction for Juju Noda in the second race: She initially lost the lead to Simone Colombo, who put in a strong opening lap. However, before this duel came to a head, defending champion Colombo retired with a mechanical failure on the start-finish straight. Noda then also survived the restart after the SC phase and retained the lead ahead of Marco Ghiotto. Ghiotto took over the lead of the standings with another trouble-free drive and his fifth podium finish in a row.

Meanwhile, Noda celebrated her first victory in the BOSS GP Racing Series loudly alongside her team. The young Japanese driver is also the first woman to win a class in the 30-year history of the series. Rookie Michael Fischer (AUT, Red Rose Racing by LRT) delivered another showcase of talent with third place, while O’Connell again narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth place. Alexander Seibold (GER, Seibold auto+sport) finished fifth after a collision had slowed him down on Saturday. Andreas Fiedler (GER, Fiedler Racing) finished sixth ahead of Marco Minelli (ITA, AM Sport System), who was on the grid for the first time this year.

SUPER LIGHTS

Podium ceremony on Sunday: f. le. Eisinger-Sewald, Pizzonia, Fischer, Ghiotto, Noda, Clausnitzer and Glaser

As in Hockenheim, BOSS GP rookie Stephan Glaser (SUI) scored the maximum number of points twice in Spielberg. The driver from Jo Zeller Racing extended his lead in the standings. It was particularly close in the second race, where Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (AUT, Red Rose Racing) in his Ralt F3000 approached Glaser’s World Series V6 at the end. Eisinger-Sewald crossed the finish line in second place in his class both times in his home races. Henry Clausnitzer (GER, WF Racing), who finished third twice, is currently tied with Eisinger-Sewald in second place in the overall standings.

The Swiss Stephan Glaser won twice ahead of the Austrian Stefan Eisinger-Sewald

The next race will take place at the beginning of August (2nd-4th) in the Netherlands: At Jack’s Racing Day, series from various motorsport disciplins will delight more than 50,000 spectators at the TT Circuit Assen. A show run in the centre of Assen will warm up the fans on Thursday evening (1st).

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Review: Nürburgring 2024

Three weeks after the season opener in Hockenheim, the BOSS GP Racing Series resumed its season at the Nürburgring. Among other things, there was a thrilling duel for FORMULA victory and Pizzonia’s record-breaking drive.

The return to the legendary circuit in the Eifel offered drivers and fans plenty of excitement and thrilling motorsport. This time, the Grand Prix circuit with the smoother motorbike version in the Veedol-S was used. Rock concerts, a huge firework’s display on Saturday evening and an illuminated Ferris wheel in the paddock attracted thousands of visitors to the Nürburgring Classics just one week before the 24-hour race. At the Grid Walk before the BOSS GP races, many fans were able to get up close to the cars.

F1 and OPEN

F1 driver Ulf Ehninger (GER, ESBA-Racing) and OPEN driver Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) scored maximum points for the championship twice. Ehninger enriched the event with his Benetton B197, which had already competed here at the Grand Prix of Luxembourg in 1997. ESBA-Racing also put Alexander Wurz’s 1998 Benetton on display.

Benetton’s 1998 (le.) and 1997 (ri.) F1 cars

Pizzonia caused a sensation with an outstanding qualifying lap in the World Series 4.5: With a time of 1:38.135 min, the ex-Formula 1 driver set a new lap record for non-Formula 1 cars, once again living up to the reputation of Europe’s fastest racing series.

Antonio Pizzonia on the way to his record lap

FORMULA

The FORMULA category, which this time featured exclusively GP2 cars, was hotly contested. Reigning champion Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) won both races, but was under a lot of pressure, especially in the second race. Japanese driver Juju Noda (MM International) tried to pass her team-mate several times. The two top drivers showed each other no mercy and were side by side several times, especially in the first corner. However, Noda overshot the braking point on another overtaking attempt and subsequently spun.

The fact that she was able to compete at all is thanks to the spirit of solidarity within the BOSS GP family. After an engine failure on Friday, the neighbouring team Scuderia Palladio provided a spare car shortly before qualifying. She thanked them with third place in the first race.

Marco Ghiotto from team Scuderia Palladio (li.) helped out Juju Noda (re.)

Meanwhile, everything is going according to plan for Simone Colombo. After three wins in a row, he is leading the overall standings by nine points from Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio), who also had a successful weekend with second and third place. Michael Fischer made a strong debut with 4th place in the first race. In the second race, the Austrian with monoposto and GT experience was able to improve once again and celebrated second place behind Colombo. The best German in the races turned out to be Alexander Seibold (Seibold auto + sport) in both races.

Great racing in the SUPER LIGHTS category

SUPER LIGHTS

Stefan Scho (GER, Scho) celebrated a perfect debut. In his first appearance in the BOSS GP Racing Series, the experienced German in the Lola Formula 3000 was able to prevail against the increasingly strong competition in terms of quantity and quality in the SUPER LIGHTS and clinch victory twice. Swiss driver Stephan Glaser (Jo Zeller Racing) in the World Series car, who scored good points again with second place in the first race, retains the lead in the standings. Henry Clausnitzer (GER, WF Racing) also remains consistent, finishing third twice. Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (AUT, Red Rose Racing) also finished on the podium in his Formula 3000. Once again, it became evident how diverse this still young class is this year.

The next two races in the BOSS GP Racing Series will take place at the Red Bull Ring Classics from 7 to 9 June 2024.

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

AMF honours for BOSS GP drivers

The champions of the 2023 season received more honours in Austria last January.

The Austrian Motorsport Federation (AMF) celebrated the winning drivers of the previous year in a magnificent setting at the Congress Center and Casino in Baden, around 30 kilometres from Vienna. As a racing series based in Austria, we were given this honour. The champions Ingo Gerstl (BOSS GP F1 Class) and Henry Clausnitzer (SUPER LIGHTS) gladly attended the evening. On behalf of HS Engineering, team owner Michael Hascic received the trophy for the OPEN title win by Antonio Pizzonia. FORMULA winner Simone Colombo had to be excused due to the start of the karting season in Italy and the obligations that go with it.

This time, the BOSS GP Racing Series with its representative Keke Platzer also had the opportunity to present the series on stage in a discussion with AMF General Secretary Michael Fehlmann ahead of its 30th anniversary in the 2024 season.

Photos: Gregor Nesvadba

Report: Race 2 Mugello

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: Race 1 Mugello

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

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: Races Monza

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.

Race 1 podium ceremony

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

Report: Races Assen

Once again, the event in Assen was a motorsport festival for both participants and spectators.

Tens of thousands of fans in the grandstands at the TT Circuit in Assen (Netherlands), saw Europe’s fastest racing series in action at Jack’s Racing Day. A huge show program surrounded the practice sessions and races of the BOSS GP Racing Series this Saturday and Sunday. Among others, former Formula 1 driver Nyck de Vries hit the track in a World Series car of BOSS GP team HS Engineering. Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Top Speed) also made headlines, smashing both the track record and the official lap record (set in the race). With 1:15.861, the Austrian lapped the current MotoGP track in his Toro Rosso STR1 Formula 1 car faster than anyone before.

The Dutch Formula E World Champion Nyck de Vries in the HS racing car

The results

The fifth race weekend of this season produced four double winners: Ingo Gerstl (BOSS GP F1 Class), Antonio Pizzonia (OPEN), Simone Colombo (FORMULA) and Henry Clausnitzer (SUPER LIGHTS) secured both race wins in their classes. For Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) and Clausnitzer (GER, WF Racing) these successes also mean the premature win of the championship. The duel of the weekend saw again Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) and Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) battling for victory in the FORMULA class. These two GP2 drivers were once again split by just a few tenths of a second. There were also celebrations for Simon Jackermeier (GER, Top Speed), who was on the podium for the first time in race 2. In Race 1, Walter Steding (GER, Scuderia Palladio) was invited onto the winner’s photo, showing with third place on his return that he has lost none of his speed.

Podium of race 2: f.l. Ghiotto, Colombo, Pizzonia, Gerstl, Clausnitzer, S. Jackermeier

Next up for the BOSS GP Racing Series is Brno on September 9-10, where there will be the premiere of the BOSS GP Show Runs. Next points will be awarded in Monza again, where the engines will be fired up from September 22-24.

Photos: SMW MEDIA, WF Racing

Report: Races Misano

The fourth race weekend of the 2023 BOSS GP Racing Series in Misano was a good reason for the Brazilian drivers to celebrate Carnival.

The Italian race organiser PNK Motorsport invited samba dancers into the paddock and proved to have a lucky hand, as two Brazilians were at the front of the grid after qualifying.

Antonio Pizzonia (BRA, HS Engineering) was the favourite for overall victory at the Misano race. In the absence of Formula 1 cars, for which the Misano circuit is not approved, the ex-Formula 1 driver fulfilled expectations. The wins were the first two overall victories for the driver in the World Series V8 car and the next double in the OPEN category. HS Engineering teammate Paul O’Connell (IRL) was suffering with electrical problems throughout the weekend. At least in race 1, he was able to score with second place in the OPEN category.

Harald Schlegelmilch: World Series beats GP2

In the first race, the FORMULA classification was fiercely contested only in the starting phase. Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International) briefly took the lead from third on the grid in class before returnee Harald Schlegelmilch (LVA, HS Engineering) stormed to the front and claimed a historic victory: For a long time no Dallara World Series car (in Schlegelmilch’s case from the 2012 generation) had won against Dallara’s GP2 cars, which were slightly faster on paper.

The duel of the weekend was between Schlegelmilch and Adriano Buzaid (BRA, MM International) in the second race on Sunday afternoon. After Schlegelmilch had ensured that HS Engineering triumphed in two classes on Saturday, Buzaid was able to convert his pole position into a victory on Sunday. The two were together for the entire race distance, with no more than one second separating the dominant duo during the longer Sunday race. In the end, Buzaid crossed the finish line with a lead of only 0.8 seconds.

Nicolas Matile (f.) was the best-placed driver with an Auto GP car on Sunday

Once again, only a tiny margin separated the winner and the runner-up in the FORMULA class, but the debut victory of the Brazilian Buzaid is also a sensation. After racing at the front of the British Formula 3 Championship more than ten years ago, the now 35-year-old took an extended break from racing. This weekend, he returned to a single-seater racing car for the Italian team MM International in Misano and finished 2nd and 1st. MM International had more than one reason to be happy, because Simone Colombo also beat his arch-rival Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) in the duel for third place, narrowly but nevertheless, to take two more podium places and the next important points for a possible title defence.

Fabian Vettel (GER, Top Speed) finished fifth in the first of the two races this weekend, which was remarkable after he even had to go to hospital on Friday for a closer check-up after an accident. However, he was then able to take part in qualifying and the race in a replacement car of his Austrian team Top Speed after receiving medical clearance. In Sunday’s race, « Checco » Malavasi (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) finished fifth. Best Auto GP car within the FORMULA class: in race 1 Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA, Zig-Zag), in race 2 Nicolas Matile (MCO, Zig-Zag).

After Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (AUT, Red Rose Racing) won SUPER LIGHTS twice last time at the Red Bull Ring, it was now Henry Clausnitzer’s (WF Racing) turn again. The German continues to make his mark with season wins 5 and 6 in the six-cylinder car class. Although, Walter Colacino (ITA, Colacino Racing) in the 1996 Formula 3000 set a good pace, especially in the second race. The Italian finished second twice in his home race.

Complete podium after race 1: f.l. Colacino, Buzaid, O’Connell, Pizzonia, Schlegelmilch, Clausnitzer, Colombo

There’s a sequel in three weeks’ time. The BOSS GP Racing Series returns to the TT Circuit in Assen from 11 to 13 August, where tens of thousands of spectators are expected at Jack’s Racing Day.