NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
- Mattia Michelotto won the 200th race of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe at Circuit de La Sarthe.
- He drove the No. 6 Vincenzo Sospiri Racing Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2.
Mattia Michelotto Triumphs in Milestone Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Race Amid Safety Concerns
In a thrilling milestone for Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Mattia Michelotto secured victory in the series’ 200th race at the iconic Circuit de La Sarthe. However, safety concerns due to tire issues cast a shadow over the event, leading to the cancellation of the second race planned for Saturday.
Michelotto’s Impressive Win
Driving the No. 6 Vincenzo Sospiri Racing Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2, Michelotto clinched victory with an impressive lead of 8.132 seconds over his closest competitors, Oliver Soederstroem and Largim Ali from Target Racing. Michelotto usually shares the car with Belgian driver Gilles Stadsbader, who missed this weekend’s event due to a scheduling conflict with the Italian GT Championship.
A Race Full of Drama
Thursday’s race, marking the 200th start in Super Trofeo Europe history, began with championship leader Amaury Bonduel in pole position. Bonduel, driving the No. 28 Grupo Prom by BDL Competition Lamborghini, built a substantial lead of around four seconds as the race approached the pitstop window.
Unfortunately, Bonduel’s race was abruptly cut short when his car suffered a left-rear tire blowout on the Mulsanne Straight. This incident handed the lead to Jacob Riegel in the No. 70 Leipert Motorsport entry. However, Riegel also fell victim to a similar tire failure near Indianapolis, forcing him out of the race and allowing Michelotto to take the lead.
Podium Finishers
Michelotto held on to his advantage, securing his first win of the season. Behind him, the Target Racing duo of Soederstroem and Ali finished second, while the overall podium was completed by Simon Gachet and Simon Tirman in the No. 83 Schumacher CLRT Lamborghini.
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Category Winners
In the Pro-Am category, Dimitri Enjalbert and Anthony Nahra took victory driving the No. 74 Pegasus Racing Lamborghini, ahead of Andrea Frassineti and Ignazio Zanon from Vincenzo Sospiri Racing (VSR). Danish driver Marco Gersager, piloting the No. 69 GM Motorsport Lamborghini solo, claimed his first win in the Am class, finishing 8.886 seconds ahead of Piergiacomo Randazzo and Stephane Tribaudini in the No. 66 VSR car. Petar Matic and Paolo Biglieri in the No. 32 ASR Lamborghini won the LB Cup class.
Race Cancellation Due to Safety Concerns
Despite the excitement of the 200th race, the weekend was marred by safety concerns over tire failures. Lamborghini Squadra Corse, in collaboration with their tire partner Hankook, conducted a risk assessment following multiple tire failures during Thursday’s race. Citing safety as their top priority, the organizers decided to cancel the second race scheduled for Saturday.
“After several tire failures during the opening Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe race at Le Mans on Thursday 13th June, Lamborghini Squadra Corse conducted a risk assessment in conjunction with its tire partner, Hankook,” read a statement from Lamborghini. “Despite significant efforts to maintain the race, and with the assessment still ongoing, a decision was made to abandon the second race of the weekend on safety grounds.”
The decision, although disappointing for teams, drivers, and fans, underscores the commitment to safety in motorsports. The championship organizers expressed regret over the cancellation but emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the well-being of all participants.
Looking Forward
The 200th race at Le Mans will be remembered not only for Michelotto’s triumphant victory but also for the critical safety decisions that highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in motorsport. As the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe series moves forward, teams and organizers will undoubtedly focus on addressing the tire issues to ensure the continued success and safety of the championship.
With the next race on the horizon, fans and competitors alike are eager to see what the rest of the season holds. Michelotto’s victory at Le Mans has set a high bar, promising more thrilling races and fierce competition in the upcoming events.
