Rutronik Racing Holds Steady in Monza Continuity
Rutronik Racing to Continue Strong Form in GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Monza
In the historical Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, known for its high-speed races during the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup will take its second round. The renowned Lombardy circuit, home to iconic GT racing events, first hosted the series in 2011. This year, two Porsche 911 GT3 R from Rutronik Racing will vie for top spots.
The experienced trio of Porsche works drivers Sven Müller, Patric Niederhauser, and Alessio Picariello will pilot the #96 Porsche. In contrast, Antares Au and Loek Hartog will compete as a pair in the Bronze Cup, with Hartog racing one more Porsche team. Hartog completes two full stints in the #97 Porsche, while his partner Au completes one as a bronze driver.
Rutronik Racing has enjoyed a successful season thus far in the GT World Challenge Europe. They have secured a podium finish in every event so far, with a second-place finish at Le Castellet's six-hour race, a third-place result for Müller and Niederhauser at Brands Hatch's Sprint Cup, and ultimately their first win of the season in Zandvoort. Müller and Niederhauser currently sit in second place in the overall standings of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS.
Monza poses a unique strategic challenge due to its significant fuel consumption and high full-throttle percentage, necessitating an additional pit stop. This adds an extra dimension for teams, as three mandatory pit stops are prescribed with a minimum driving time of 50 minutes per driver. The high-speed track demands optimal setup compromises from drivers and engineers.
The three-hour race starts on Sunday at 3:00 PM, following a morning qualifying session. Both practice sessions on Saturday and the qualifying and race will be broadcast on the official YouTube livestream of the series in multiple languages, including German and English. Teams have two 90-minute test sessions on Friday to prepare for the high-speed encounter.
Klaus Graf, Team Principal of Rutronik Racing, expressed his enthusiasm, "The race in Monza's royal park is a highlight in the calendar of the GT World Challenge Europe. The high-speed track demands a lot from drivers and engineers. We're well-prepared with both cars and aim to consolidate our championship position with the #96. The #97 will have only two drivers, Antares and Loek, presenting a unique challenge."
Alessio Picariello, pilot of the #96 Porsche, acknowledged the importance of the upcoming race, stating, "I'm excited to race again in a Rutronik Porsche on a track and in a country I love. We aim to carry our momentum and optimize everything before the 24 Hours of Spa."
Meanwhile, Antares Au, pilot of the #97 Porsche, expressed his confidence, "The Monza race will be special for us, as only Loek and I will be driving the car. However, we are prepared for this challenge, as we have conducted extensive test drives here. The team is exceptionally well-prepared, bringing a lot of momentum after its recent successes. We're ready for the weekend."
The high full-throttle percentage at Monza impacts several strategic aspects, including fuel consumption, tire management, pit stop timing and efficiency, traffic management, and engine and mechanical stress. Teams must carefully balance these factors to maintain a competitive edge in one of the world's most competitive GT3 grids.
Other sports, such as rally racing, provide a stark contrast to the high-speed GT World Challenge Europe, but the competitive spirit remains the same among teams like Rutronik Racing. As Hartog prepares to race his Porsche in the Bronze Cup, he might find inspiration from his team's success in other racing disciplines.
