Technical Issue Denies AF Corse - Francorchamps Motors Podium at Nürburgring

AF Corse - Francorchamps Motors narrowly missed a podium finish in the fourth round of the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup, staged this weekend at the Nürburgring in Germany.

Our number 51 Ferrari 296 GT3 was battling for third place in the closing moments when a technical problem forced an unscheduled stop just before the final lap, leaving the crew classified at the tail of the field.

The three-hour race unfolded in mild conditions, starting at 15°C and ending at 20°C, with the threat of rain giving way to sunshine on a dry track.

Qualifying had shown strong pace: the #51 secured the third-best time, later promoted to the front row after a rival’s penalty. Alessio Rovera took the start and immediately kept the Ferrari in contention at the sharp end of the pack. Vincent Abril maintained that momentum through his stint, before handing over to Alessandro Pier Guidi with the car running in third. A Full Course Yellow during the pit stop cycle disrupted their progress, dropping the Ferrari down to seventh. Pier Guidi then launched a determined fightback, climbing the order and seizing fourth place, with a podium once again in sight thanks to a penalty for a competitor ahead. Just as hopes were high, the car was struck by a technical issue two laps from the finish. Forced into the pits, Pier Guidi could not rejoin and the car ended the race in 46th position.

The sister car, the #50 Ferrari shared by Arthur Leclerc, Antonio Fuoco and Eliseo Donno, did not make the start. Heavy damage sustained during the morning’s qualifying session while fighting for top grid positions ruled the entry out of the race.

Watch the behind-the-scene of the race on FrancorchampsMotors.TV

Next: the Endurance Cup season will conclude in Barcelona, Spain, with the final round scheduled for 10-12 October. Meanwhile, AF Corse - Francorchamps Motors will return to action for the Sprint Cup in Valencia, Spain, from 19 to 21 September.