Tag: Colombo

EN: 2024 season review FORMULA

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Keke Platzer - General

In 2024, the FORMULA class once again guaranteed plenty of excitement. A total of 24 drivers competed in at least one of the six BOSS GP race weekends.

Most of the participants chose Dallara GP2 cars from different years, but there were also some Dallara World Series 3.5 and Lola Auto GP cars on the grid. The choice of the favourites for the title was quick: Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International), who was champion in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, and Colombo’s teammate Juju Noda (JPN), who had switched from HS Engineering to MM International before the season and was also competing in the Super Formula in Japan in 2024. Noda is considered the fastest female single seaster driver in Asia and is working hard to make it to Formula 1. Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) also saw opportunities in the former championship-winning car of Charles Leclerc. The three-time champion was only narrowly defeated by compatriot Colombo in previous years and started with his own team.

Season started in Hockenheim, starring Martin Kindler, Felix Große-Aschhoff and race winner Alexander Seibold

In the first race at Hockenheim, there was an unfortunate collision between Colombo and Noda during the first lap, which forced both out of the race. It seems benefiting from a bad race was not meant to be for Ghiotto. Instead, new faces were at the top of the results: Alexander Seibold (GER, Seibold auto + sport), who has been active in the series for several years, and Martin Kindler (SUI, Jenzer Motorsport), who returned to the series this year, were battling for victory. In the end, it was Seibold who was able to celebrate his first BOSS GP race victory at the Jim Clark Revival. In the second race, the qualifying order was resumed, with Colombo winning ahead of Noda and Ghiotto.

Rookie Michael Fischer was one of the most promising newcomers this year

At the BOSS GP return to the Nürburgring, Simone Colombo then climbed to the top of the podium twice. In the second race, an action-packed duel developed between Colombo and Noda, who were driving on the edge. After another unsuccessful overtaking attempt, the Japanese driver spun and threw away a sure podium finish – victory was within her reach. Colombo took the lead in the standings with his third victory in a row, while Ghiotto also scored big points on two further occasions. In the shadow of the duel at the top, a rookie drove into the spotlight: GT racing ace Michael Fischer (Red Rose Racing by LRT) from Austria made it onto the podium in only his second BOSS GP race and celebrated second place together with mentor Stefan Eisinger-Sewald – a remarkable performance that another rookie was even able to top later.

Juju Noda (front) won her first ever BOSS GP race at the Red Bull Ring in June

But first, it was off to the Red Bull Ring, the home track of the championship. Initially, Colombo continued his winning streak, but a technical failure in Sunday’s race dampened his hopes again. This paved the way for the first class victory by a woman in the BOSS GP Racing Series: Juju Noda won Sunday’s race, after she had lost first place on Saturday due to a time penalty (incorrect starting position).

Another speedy rookie: Max Cuccarese not only took second place at Assen, but also the title of “Rookie of the Year”

In Assen, Colombo was once again the driver to beat. Despite pole position for Noda, the Italian was the best in race 1, but in race 2 the technical devil took control again. Noda won on Sunday, but she was not the only 18-year-old on the podium: shooting star Max Cuccarese (ITA) surprised in his racing debut in the MM International GP2 with 2nd and 3rd place.

The two Auto GP from the French team ZIGZAG took part in both events in Italy

Noda was absent from Mugello due to a clash of dates, which meant that the fastest BOSS GP female driver was out of the title race. After Colombo’s two retirements, Marco Ghiotto had now taken the lead in the standings. With nine podium finishes in a row, he showed incredible consistency, even if a little luck was also needed in the event of a minor collision with a lapped driver in Mugello. But before the Grande Finale at Misano, Colombo sent the championship into a cliffhanger with two wins at Mugello.

Former Euroformula Open pilot Vladimir Netusil (front) from Czech Republic won suprisingly race 1 in Misano

In the first race at the World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Misano, the title contenders met on the track, which had rarely happened in the 2024 season up to that point. But it didn’t end well, Colombo retired and Ghiotto received a drive-through penalty. Because Colombo’s car also failed to start on Sunday, the decision was made in favour of Ghiotto. Without a race win, but with ten podium finishes from twelve races, he clinched his fourth BOSS GP title in the FORMULA class!

Best of the World Series cars: Paul O’Connell made three podium appearances, including a victory in the final race at Misano

Noda eventually finished third in the championship ahead of Paul O’Connell (HS Engineering) from Ireland, who managed to score another victory in the last race of the year with his World Series 3.5 V8. Max Cuccarese was heartbroken, because he too would have almost won had it not been foiled by competitor Noda (Saturday) or an early braking manoeuvre before the checkered flag (Sunday). Nevertheless, the title “Rookie of the Year” went to the Italian.

Roland Rupprechter from Austria was giving his all!

With several top finishes, Roland Rupprechter (AUT, R&B Research and Wealth Management) has been making a name for himself this year, and Martin Kindler, who is the smallest team on the circuit, has also settled well into the series, qualifying for Qualifying 1 of the fastest pilots several times. Vladimir Netusil (CZE, MM International) is another fast rookie in the series. The Czech, who has competed in the last four races, won race 1 in Misano. The comebacks of Phil Stratford (USA, Scuderia Palladio) and of father and son Große-Aschhoff (GER, Asche-Racing) are also worthy of mention. Son Felix was at one point even leading the standings after the opening races in Hockenheim. Nicolas Matile (MCO) secured the unofficial title of fastest driver of the Auto GP, but only just managed to pip ZIGZAG colleague Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA) to the top spot by a single point.

Interested drivers can already pre-register for the 2025 season. Send a non-binding inquiry now to office@bossgp.com

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

DE: Saisonrückblick 2024 FORMULA

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Keke Platzer - Allgemein

In der FORMULA-Klasse war auch 2024 wieder Abwechslung garantiert. Insgesamt 24 Fahrer und Fahrerinnen nahmen zumindest an einem der sechs BOSS GP-Rennwochenenden teil.

Die meisten der Teilnehmer setzten auf Dallara GP2 verschiedener Baujahre, auch einige Dallara World Series 3.5 sowie Lola Auto GP mischten sich in die Startaufstellung. Die Favoriten auf den Titel waren schnell gefunden: Zum einen Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International), der in den Saisonen 2022 und 2023 Meister wurde. Außerdem Colombos Teamkollegin Juju Noda (JPN), die vor der Saison von HS Engineering zu MM International gewechselt war und 2024 auch in der Super Formula in Japan antrat. Noda gilt als schnellste asiatische Formelfahrerin und arbeitet hart daran, in Richtung Formel 1 zu kommen. Chancen rechnete sich auch Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio) im Ex-Meister-Wagen von Charles Leclerc aus. Der bis dahin dreimalige Meister war in den Vorjahren nur knapp gegen Landsmann Colombo unterlegen und fährt in seinem eigenen Team.

Saisonauftakt in Hockenheim, u.a. mit Martin Kindler, Felix Große-Aschhoff und Rennsieger Alexander Seibold

Bereits im ersten Rennen in Hockenheim kam es zu einer unglücklichen Kollision zwischen Colombo und Noda in der Startphase, die beide aus dem Rennen riss. Doch auch Ghiotto konnte mit einem verkorksten Rennen davon nicht profitieren. Stattdessen duellierten sich neue Farben an der Spitze: Es kam zum Duell um den Sieg zwischen Alexander Seibold (GER, Seibold auto + sport), der schon einige Jahre in der Serie aktiv ist, und Martin Kindler (SUI, Jenzer Motorsport), der in diesem Jahr wieder in die Serie zurückgekehrt war. Schließlich war es Seibold, der beim Jim Clark Revival über seinen ersten BOSS GP-Rennsieg jubeln konnte. Im zweiten Rennen war die Ordnung aus dem Qualifying dann wieder hergestellt und Colombo gewann vor Noda und Ghiotto.

Rookie Michael Fischer war gleich auf Podestkurs

Bei der BOSS GP-Rückkehr auf den Nürburgring kletterte dann zweimal Simone Colombo ganz nach oben auf das Podest. Im zweiten Rennen entwickelte sich ein actionreiches, an der Grenze geführtes Duell zwischen Colombo und Noda. Nach einem weiteren missglückten Überholversuch drehte sich die Japanerin und warf damit ein sicheres Podium weg – der Sieg war zum Greifen nahe. Colombo übernahm mit dem dritten Sieg in Folge die Tabellenführung, während auch Ghiotto zwei weitere Male dicke Punkte sammelte. Im Schatten des Duells an der Spitze fuhr ein Rookie ins Rampenlicht: GT-Ass Michael Fischer (Red Rose Racing by LRT) aus Österreich erreichte bei seinem erst zweiten BOSS GP-Rennen das Podest und feierte gemeinsam mit Mentor Stefan Eisinger-Sewald Rang 2 – ein Kunststück, das ein weiterer Rookie später im Jahr sogar noch toppen konnte.

Juju Noda (vorne) gewann am Red Bull Ring ihr erstes BOSS GP-Rennen

Zuvor ging es allerdings an den Red Bull Ring und damit auf die Heimstrecke der Meisterschaft. Zunächst setzte Colombo seine Siegesserie fort, doch im Sonntagsrennen folgte mit einem technischen Defekt ein weiterer Hoffnungsdämpfer. Damit war der Weg frei für den ersten Klassensieg einer Frau in der BOSS GP Racing Series: Juju Noda gewann das Sonntagsrennen, nachdem sie am Samstag noch durch eine Zeitstrafe (inkorrekte Startposition) Platz 1 verloren hatte.

Ein weiterer schneller Rookie: Max Cuccarese holte sich nicht nur Platz 2 in Assen, sondern auch den Titel „Rookie of the Year”

In Assen war Colombo erneut jener Fahrer, den es zu schlagen galt. Trotz Poleposition für Noda war der Italiener in Rennen 1 der Beste, doch übernahm in Rennen 2 abermals der Technikteufel die Kontrolle. Noda siegte am Sonntag, doch sie war nicht die einzige 18-Jährige am Podium: Shooting Star Max Cuccarese (ITA) überraschte beim Renndebüt im GP2 von MM International mit den Rängen 2 und 3.

Die beiden Auto GP vom französischen Team ZIGZAG nahmen an beiden Italien-Veranstaltungen teil

In Mugello fehlte Noda wegen einer Terminüberschneidung, damit war die schnellste BOSS GP-Amazone aus dem Titelrennen. In der Tabelle hatte sich nach den beiden Ausfällen von Colombo nun Marco Ghiotto in Führung gesetzt. Mit neun Podestplätzen in Folge zeigte er eine unglaubliche Konstanz, auch wenn wie im Falle einer kleinen Kollision mit einem überrundeten Fahrer in Mugello auch Glück dazugehörte. Bevor es zum Grande Finale nach Misano ging, machte es Simone Colombo mit zwei Siegen in Mugello aber noch einmal spannend.

Der tschechische Ex-EFO-Pilot Vladimir Netusil (vorne) gewann überraschend Lauf 1 in Misano

Im ersten Lauf am World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Misano trafen sich die Titelkontrahenten dann auf der Strecke, was in der Saison 2024 bis dahin nur selten vorkam. Doch es nahm kein gutes Ende, Colombo fiel aus und Ghiotto musste eine Durchfahrtsstrafe antreten. Weil Colombos Auto am Sonntag dann auch noch streikte, war die Entscheidung zugunsten Ghiotto gefallen. Ohne Rennsieg, aber mit zehn Podestplätzen aus zwölf Rennen holte er sich seinen vierten BOSS GP-Titel in der FORMULA-Klasse!

Bester der World-Series-Autos: Paul O’Connell fuhr dreimal aufs Podest, darunter auch beim Sieg im Finale in Misano

Noda blieb schließlich Dritte in der Meisterschaft vor Paul O’Connell (HS Engineering) aus Irland, dem mit seinem World Series 3.5 V8 im letzten Rennen des Jahres noch ein Sieg glückte. Max Cuccarese war untröstlich, denn auch er hätte beinahe gewonnen, wären nicht Konkurrentin Noda (Samstag) und ein verfrühtes Abbremsen vor der Zielflagge (Sonntag) dazwischengekommen. Der Titel „Rookie des Jahres“ ging dennoch verdient an den Italiener.

Roland Rupprechter aus Österreich gab alles!

Mit mehreren Spitzenplätzen wusste Roland Rupprechter (AUT, R&B Research and Wealth Management) in diesem Jahr von sich Reden zu machen, ebenfalls bestens in die Serie eingefügt hat sich Martin Kindler, der sich als kleinstes Team an der Strecke mehrfach für Qualifying 1 der schnellsten Piloten qualifizieren konnte. Mit Vladimir Netusil (CZE, MM International) hat sich ein weiterer schneller Rookie in der Rennserie eingefunden. Der Tscheche, der die letzten vier Läufe bestritt, siegte in Misano in Lauf 1. Erwähnenswert sind auch die Comebacks von Phil Stratford (USA, Scuderia Palladio) sowie Vater und Sohn Große-Aschhoff (GER, Asche-Racing). Sohn Felix war nach den Auftaktrennen in Hockenheim sogar zwischenzeitlich Tabellenführer. Die inoffizielle Wertung des schnellsten Auto GP sicherte sich teamintern Nicolas Matile (MCO), aber nur um einen Punkt Vorsprung auf ZIGZAG-Kollegen Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA).

Interessierte Fahrer können sich bereits für die Saison 2025 voranmelden. Sendet jetzt eine unverbindliche Anfrage an office@bossgp.com

Fotos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Great start to autumn in Mugello

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Stieger - General

After the race in Assen / Netherlands and the subsequent summer break, the teams of the BOSS GP Racing series headed south at the beginning of October. When entries closed, it was already clear that there would be a very large starting field in Tuscany with 24 cars. HS-Engineering from Austria had taken a break in Assen, but both Dallara World Series V8 T12s were entered for Mugello. The Brazilian ex-Formula 1 driver Antonio Pizzonia with the more powerful 4.5 liter Gibson engine in the Open Class and the Irishman Paul O’Connell with the 3.5 liter V8. The French ZIG-ZAG team brought two well-known Auto GP racers to the start in the Formula Class, the Monegasque Nicolas Matile and the Frenchman Jean-Christope Peyre.

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

There was also a reunion with Giancarlo Pedetti (ITA), who this time drove a GP 2 from Scuderia Palladio. The Czech Vladimir Netušil will be taking part in this Formula Class for the first time. He dared to switch from a Formula 3 to the GP2 of the Italian team MM International Motorsport. The large field of starters was also joined by the 2022 BOSS GP Super Lights champion, Andreas Hasler from Austria, who brought his Dallara World Series V6 T08 to Tuscany after a long, technical absence.

In the two free practice sessions, which were run in changing conditions, Ingo Gerstl (AUT) from the Top-Speed team in the Toro Rosso STR1 F1 and Antonio Pizzonia duelled. Gerstl drove the fastest time in FP1 with 1:30.422, Pizzonia countered as the fastest in FP2, but with 1:31.513 he could not match the Austrian’s time. Behind them was an Italian GP 2 trio with Simone Colombo, Massimiliano Cuccarese (both MM International Motorsport) and Marco Ghiotto (Scuderia Palladio). Newcomer Vladimir Netušil was surprisingly strong, making himself noticeable behind this trio after the two free practice sessions and thus in the front field of the Formula Class. An exciting qualifying session was to be expected – and that’s what happened, but with a significant delay, because the morning fog persisted and was so thick that it was not possible for any of the racing classes present in Mugello this weekend to start on time. The first drivers, the Alfa Romeo Revival Cup, only took to the track two hours later than planned.

The delays in the schedule caused by the heavy fog did not dampen the mood of the participants of the Boss GP Racing Series (in the picture from left: Paul O´Connell / HS-Engineering, Ingo Gerst / Top-Speed and Andreas Hasler / Hasler Motorsport).

The fog then quickly cleared and the weather improved. This meant that much better lap times were possible in the BOSS GP qualifying session. Due to the large field of starters, the 30-minute qualifying session was again split into two groups this time. First 10 minutes for the fastest from the free practice sessions and then 18 minutes for the rest of the field after a changeover phase.

The best in each class in qualifying:

F1 Class:	Ingo Gerstl (AUT), Team Top-Speed, Toro Rosso STR 1 F1
Open Class	Antonio 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

Dominating this year’s BOSS GP Super-Lights class: Stephan Glaser (SUI), Jo Zeller Racing, Dallara WS V6 T8.

Due to the delays caused by the fog, PNK as the organizer had to tighten up the schedule enormously in consultation with the race management and the BOSS GP organization. All series organizers helped very enthusiastically to get all the planned races through. For race 1 of the BOSS GP, which started almost an hour late, the race duration had to be shortened by two minutes.

Class results BOSS GP race 1:

Race 2 on Sunday went ahead as originally planned. In the formation lap, the two Formula 1 cars with Ingo Gerstl and Ulf Ehninger (GER), ESBA Racing, Benetton B197 F1, were at the front. Behind the second leading car was the rest of the field, led by Antonip Pizzonia and followed by an armada of GP2 drivers from the Formula Class. Since some preliminary decisions could be made in the individual classes with regard to the overall victory, exciting duels and interesting fights for the individual positions in the points were to be expected. And that’s exactly what happened. Positions were changed for laps.

With two race wins in Mugello, Simone Colombo (ITA, MM International Motorsport, Dallara GP2, pictured at the front) is getting ever closer to the previous leader of the BOSS GP Formula class, Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio, Dallara GP2) in the points ranking. The decision for the overall victory in this class will probably be made on the Misano weekend at the beginning of November.

Class results BOSS GP Race 2:

Since the BOSS GP F1 class will not be taking part in the finale in Misano at the beginning of November, Ulf Ehninger has been declared the overall winner of the F1 class for the second time. The same goes for Antonio Pizzonia in the BOSS GP Open Class. There is no title decision in the remaining two BOSS GP classes. Here, both the overall victory and the placings behind it are still open. An exciting BOSS GP finale can therefore be expected in Misano from November 1st to 3rd.

Overall winner of the BOSS GP F1 class for the 2nd time after 2022: Ulf Ehninger (GER), ESBA Racing, Benetton B197 F1.

Was able to repeat his BOSS GP overall victory in the Open Class from last year: Ex-Formula 1 driver Antonio Pizzonia (BRA), HS-Engineering, Dallara World Series V8 T12 4.5.

Standings BOSS GP Racing Series – all classes
Gallery PNK Racing Weekend Mugello

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

Review: Assen 2024

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Keke Platzer - 5, General

95,000 fans saw the City Showrun on Thursday as an appetiser in the centre of Assen and another three days of great racing on the TT Circuit. The championship remains wide open after round 4 in the Netherlands.

In addition to Formula 1 star David Coulthard, BOSS GP driver Ingo Gerstl (AUT, Team Top Speed) attracted a lot of attention when he accelerated his Toro Rosso STR1 next to the canal and then skilfully performed a few pirouettes. Gerstl’s team-mate Erich Zech attracted similar attention when he drove his roaring 1997 Ferrari Formula 1 around the 4.555-kilometre track during the demo runs.

*The City Show Run in the centre of Assen was a blast*

It was also Gerstl who won both races in the F1 class and set the lap record on the legendary MotoGP circuit with a lap time of 1:16.791 in qualifying. Ulf Ehninger (GER, ESBA Racing) finished second twice, which was enough to keep him at the top of the standings. The Benetton driver goes into the race in Mugello with a 44-point lead, which is also the last chance for the Formula 1 cars to score points this year. Due to the track licence, only the OPEN, FORMULA and SUPER LIGHTS classes are eligible to start at the grand finale in Misano.

Ulf Ehninger celebrates 2nd place *twice* *in BOSS GP’s F1 category*

FORMULA

After Juju Noda (MM International) not only secured her first pole position at the Red Bull Ring, but also won a BOSS GP race for the first time, the 17-year-old Japanese driver followed this up with another pole position in Assen. However, Noda found herself behind her team-mate on the way to turn 1. It was then a close call with Marco Ghiotto (ITA, Scuderia Palladio), who squeezed past Noda on the inside of turn 1. While Noda lost places at the start, Michael Fischer (AUT, Red Rosa Racing by LRT) made up positions at the back of the field. After a technical failure in qualifying, he made up 13 places in the race compared to the starting grid and ultimately finished fourth in the FORMULA classification.

While Colombo controlled the pace at the front and took his fifth win of the season, newcomer Max Cuccarese (ITA, MM International) surprised everyone with a confident drive and second place in his very first race in a GP2 car. The youngest driver in the field confirmed this performance on Sunday with another podium finish (3rd). Marco Ghiotto scored the same number of points as Cuccarese with 3rd and 2nd place.

*Two BOSS GP youngsters: race winner Juju Noda (18 years) with Max Cuccarese (17 yrs.)*

Noda made a much better start in the second race, enabling her to defend her lead over Colombo. As the two MM drivers in their GP2 Dallara looked set for another duel this season, Colombo retired. As this happened in the first half of the race, the defending champion was only awarded half points instead of full points. The third retirement of the season was another setback for the fast Italian in the battle for the championship title. Marco Ghiotto remains in the lead. The 2019-2021 champion is scoring points with consistency and is now 22 points ahead of his compatriot Colombo.

*Marco Ghiotto drives by the fans in the grandstand*

Martin Kindler (SUI) also left Assen with a smile on his face. The Swiss returnee to the series not only qualified for Q1 (top five in free practice), but also delivered two strong results with 6th and 5th place. Andreas Fiedler (GER) was able to put the problems of the last races behind him and scored twice with 7th and 6th places, while Walter Steding (GER, Scuderia Palladio) was able to regain his old form in the races after a mixed training session and finished 8th twice in the fiercely contested FORMULA class. After an accident in the first race, Phil Stratford’s (Scuderia Palladio) team was able to repair the car for the second race and the American finished the second race in 7th place.

SUPER LIGHTS

Stephan Glaser (SUI, Jo Zeller Racing) was once again unbeatable for his rivals. With wins number 5 and 6 this season, the BOSS GP rookie extended his lead in the championship to 34 points. While race 1 in this class was a smooth affair, race 2 was particularly remarkable. Firstly, Glaser parked his car at the side of the track on the last lap. Second-placed Stefan Scho (GER) was unable to capitalise on this, however, as he also stopped with technical problems on the final lap. Henry Clausnitzer (GER, WF Racing) was already two laps down after going off track into the gravel on lap 1 and was also unable to capitalise on this. This meant that the order on the podium on Saturday and Sunday was Glaser ahead of Scho and Clausnitzer. In addition to Stephan Glaser and Henry Clausnitzer, a third driver, Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (AUT, Red Rose Racing), is still in contention for the championship title despite a challenging weekend for him.

Races 9 and 10 of the season will take place on 12 and 13 October 2024 in Mugello. All four classes of the BOSS GP Racing Series can be seen and heard for the last time all together this season as part of the PNK Racing Weekend.

Pictures: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Review: Red Bull Ring 2024

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Keke Platzer - 5, General

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.

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

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Keke Platzer - 5, General

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.

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

Report: Race 2 Mugello

Posted on October 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: Race 1 Mugello

Posted on October 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: Races Assen

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Claudia Auer - General

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

Preview: Misano

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Keke Platzer - 5, General

The fourth race weekend from 21 to 23 July 2023 in Misano marks the mid-season for the Big Open Single Seater Racing Series, Europe’s fastest racing series.

With the BOSS GP Racing Series, the most powerful single-seater cars of the last 25 years will be guests at the World Circuit Marco Simoncelli this weekend – meaning that spectators on site will experience the fastest starting grid of the year. The Misano circuit has already celebrated its 50th anniversary. The 4.2-kilometre track has been rebuilt several times, including a change of direction in 2006. 16 corners demand a lot of patience on the throttle and precision from the pilots. Only a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast, the “Holiday Grand Prix” is a good opportunity for the participants of the BOSS GP to spend their holidays by the sea.

Scuderia Palladio is one of the strong Italian teams in BOSS GP

Entries

Antonio Pizzonia (BRA) is the favourite in the BOSS GP OPEN class. With the World Series V8 of the HS Engineering team, he has won all the races so far this season. The former Formula 1 driver will try to break the track record set last year by Harald Schlegelmilch (1:20.785 min). Schlegelmilch (LVA, HS Engineering) himself will make his BOSS GP comeback in Misano, but in the FORMULA Class. Last year’s OPEN Class champion will be driving a World Series by Renault 3.5.

For many years now, the Italian teams and drivers have been a fundamental reason for the success of the BOSS GP Racing Series. No fewer than eight Italians will be competing in Misano this time. Championship leader Simone Colombo (MM International), his rival Marco Ghiotto (Scuderia Palladio) and Ghiotto’s team-mate “Checco” Malavasi in the FORMULA class. Also competing for Ghiotto’s team is Bruno Jarach. Another Italian, Marco Minelli (AM Sport System), who recently made his debut in Spielberg, joins them in a World Series Dallara. New in Misano is Alessandro Rosi (Gruppo Piloti Forlivesi), who, like compatriot Minelli, will be driving a World Series car. They will all face Fabian Vettel (GER, Top Speed), who made a strong monoposto debut at the Red Bull Ring and will participate in the rest of the season in the BOSS GP. After the first podium, an attack for the win could possibly happen soon. For the first time this year, Nicolas Matile (MCO, Zig-Zag) will be on the grid, bringing one of the spectacular Auto GP cars with a loud 3.4-litre Zytek engine, as will team-mate Jean-Christophe Peyre (FRA). In addition to Simone Colombo, Marc Faggionato (MCO) is another contender for victory in the car for the Tuscan MM International team. In addition, Adriano Buzaid, a former top driver from the British Formula 3, will make his debut. The Brazilian will also compete in a GP2 car.

In the SUPER LIGHTS class, where primarily the 6-cylinder cars find their stage, Walter Colacino and Giulio Tine (both ITA) share a 1998 Formula 3000 with an Alfa Romeo engine. They will compete against Henry Clausnitzer, who exhibited with consistency in his debut season and continues on his way towards the title.

The BOSS GP F1 Class will not compete in Misano because the track is not approved for Formula 1 cars. Interested Formula 1 teams and drivers therefore have the opportunity to take part in two show runs this year in Brno (9/10 September) and Magny-Cours (30 September/1 October). These events are also the perfect opportunity to get a taste of BOSS GP. Send your enquiry to race@bossgp.com

Timetable

Friday, 21 July
10:35–11:05 Free Practice 1
16:35–16:50 Free Practice 2

Saturday, 22 July
09:35–10:05 Qualifying (two groups)
15:00–15:20 Race 1 (20 minutes)

Sunday, 23. July
12:15–11:40 Race 2 (25 minutes)

all times CEST

Tickets

Admission on site is free of charge, paddock entry for visitors is possible.

Support programme

The PNK Motorsport Racing Weekend is the successor to the Gruppo Peroni events, which often hosted the Italian races of the BOSS GP in previous years. This year, the summer event in Misano will once again feature a variety of racing series. These include races with sports prototypes (Master Tricolore Prototipi and Sports Car Challenge), silhouette cars (Mitjet Racing Series), cup touring cars (RS Cup) and various historic classes (Histo Cup Austria).

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP