Last WE Race 8 of the FIA GT1 World Championship was held on the new Navarro Circuit, NW of Spain. The young driver from Brussels showed his great abilities to the whole world, realizing a 2nd time during Qualifying and climbing on the podium in P2 after Race 1, together with his team mate Alessandro Pier Guidi.
After a first positive experience in GT1 at Spa-Francorchamps, Nico was again invited by Triple H Hegersport to compete in their Maserati, next to worksdriver Pier Guidi. “It was clear they started with high ambitions, in order to take maximium point for the championship” says Nico.
The start of the WE was great: good results during free practice and finally a 2nd place at the end of Qualifying 3. The Maserati #34 would start in front, next to the Lamborghini of Zonta (ex Formula 1).
Race 1 went perfect: Nico had no problems to keep his 2nd place; even against faster cars he could use his former experience with the Maserati to keep the right pace. The Lamborghini was too strong, his team mate simply kept P2. Nico: “How nice to be on the podium in a GT1 race!”
Race 2: A big casino! Started again on P2, Pier Guidi was immediately attacked by several concurrents resulting in lots of collisions. “Incredible, when you look at the risks some drivers take to overtake…” The Maserati had to come in to replace a flat tire and lost a complete lap. Nico could only pursue, even realized the 2nd best lap of the race but stranded on P11. “Very frustrating indeed, looking at the potential of the car and our results earlier…we must look at the positive side, as Alessandro, myself and Triple H, showed the true potential of the MC12 during the entire WE, but failed to take important points in the Championship race” Nico explains.
“However we left Navarra with mixed feelings, I would like to thank Triple H, Maserati and especially ALD Automotive for this great opportunity back in FIA-GT1. After my great performance I’m working to be back again for the last 2 races of the FIA GT1 Championships in Brazil and Argintina, late November, begin December.
Next race for Nico: the 10h of Zolder, November 13th. A last opportunity this season for his fans to see him on Belgian soil.
Source : Nico Verdonck