Michelin 12H Misano: HAAS RT Claims Victory with Audi
In a dominant performance, Jef Machiels, Matisse Lismont, and Peter Guelinckx secured the overall victory at the Michelin 12H Misano on Saturday, piloting their #21 HAAS RT Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II. This triumph marks a consecutive win for Audi at this event, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in endurance racing.
Lismont expressed his delight following the race, highlighting the team’s resilience after last year’s early abandonment. “This one feels sweet… The car had zero issues at all, a mega performance,” he stated, emphasizing the strong debut with HAAS RT.
Proton Huber Competition’s #73 Porsche 911 GT3 R, driven by Klaus Bachler, Manuel Lauck, Jorg Dreisow, and Constantin Dressler, finished in second place and dominated the PRO-AM class. Red Ant Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO secured third place, driven by Ayrton and Yannick Redant, Kobe de Breucker, and Kenneth Heyer. Juta Racing’s Audi R8 clinched the GT3 AM class victory, taking fourth overall.
Key Race Insights
- Start of the Race: Lauck launched from pole position but faced immediate competition from Lismont. After 30 minutes, Lauck established a 4.5-second lead before a Code 60 neutralization.
- Mid-Race Dynamics: As the race unfolded, Machiels took charge for HAAS RT, executing decisive overtakes and maintaining the lead through critical pit stops. By the first quarter, HAAS RT led ahead of rival teams, setting up a competitive finish.
- Closing Stages: HAAS RT maintained its lead into the night, with Lismont back at the wheel, finishing comfortably ahead of Proton Huber and Red Ant Racing.
Class Performances
- 992 Class: Van Berlo Motorsport, representing the family team, took first in the 992 class with Glenn and Kay van Berlo achieving their maiden victory together, while RPM Racing secured second and first in AM class.
- GT4 and GTX Classes: Venture’s #421 Mercedes-AMG won the GT4 class, while Vortex V8 navigated early troubles to seize the GTX class victory.
As the Michelin 24H Series moves into a six-week hiatus, the next event is set for July 5 at Circuit Paul Ricard, promising more thrilling endurance racing action.
