60 cars were on the track for the race, and on the starting grid, 40 cars were held in less than 2 seconds from the pole position. That is a lot of people but this is the reason for the success of the series.
Two Boutsen Ginion cars started the race but only one finished. Frédéric Vervisch was at the wheel of the McLaren #5 for the start of the race. He started from the middle of the grid, gained a few positions, but got hit hard and finished in the gravel bed. He was able to rejoin the pit box where the team started to work on his car. The car was unable to recover its initial speed. He had to retire. Koen Wauters and David Dermont were not able to complete their stint.
Marlene Broggi started with the second car, the #15, from the last row of the grid. She also was hit during the 2nd qualifying, therefore Karim Ojjeh could not participate to the Q3. Marlene Broggi however did a very good job, she was 40th when she handed the wheel to Christophe de Fierlant, who completed his stint without any problems and handed the car over to Karim Ojjeh. And Karim passed the checkered flag.
Marlene Broggi : « It has been a good week-end, I have learned a lot even if we didn’t get the best of results. I know I can still improve. I am disappointed as I could not give the car in good state to Karim after my qualifying session. But the mechanics worked well during the night to fix it. And we finished the first race. I look forward to being in Silverstone.”
Christophe de Fierlant : « It has been very positive for me. I have discovered the GT3, at a sunny Monza and I have improved during the week-end. The car was ok after my first run. I would like to thank my team mates, Olivier, and the team. I hope we can continue the adventure together.”
Karim Ojjeh : «The result is not indicative of the positive step the team has made. We all progressed during the weekend – team spirit/driver change/team work – and that’s what needs to come out. The set-up of the car is very tricky. You try making changes to the set-up, and once you get a full tank and new tires, you are back to zero! So, we did our best during the race. Marlene started the race and did a great job bringing the car back in one piece, almost wanting to cry after her stint! Christophe managed to put his times down but most importantly identified a problem and came to the pits with an unfitted rear left tire and I finished the race, with a last minute pit stop for a tire change due to a tire puncture, 10 seconds before the checkered flag and took the checkered flag. The competition is very very tough but we will fight! Silverstone is another battle ground! »
Next meeting Blancpain : 1 & 2 June, Silverstone.
Source : Boutsen Ginion Racing