GT2 European Series: Barcelona Highlights

Race 1 Summary
In a remarkable return for Audi, Otto Blank and Pierre Kaffer clinched victory at the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the first win for the Audi R8 in over two years. The pair navigated a challenging race, overcoming initial setbacks from other competitors, including a technical issue that prevented the pole-sitting #89 RTR Projects KTM from starting.

Starting from second position, Blank executed a strong opening stint, allowing Kaffer to capitalize and secure the win. The new Ginetta G56, driven by Lawrence and Freddie Tomlinson, made an impressive competitive debut, finishing second. Philippe Prette dominated the Am class again, achieving his ninth win of the season.

Key developments included:

• Early Race Drama: The top grid position was compromised due to the #89 KTM’s failure to start, enhancing Prette’s pole position.
• Race Dynamics: After an intense battle, Kaffer took over leadership in the latter part of the race, with the #88 Audi finishing first.
• Pro-Am Podium: The #115 NM Racing Team Mercedes-AMG secured a strong third place.

Race 1 Results

1. 88 LP Racing Audi (Blank/Kaffer)

2. 89 CMR Ginetta (Tomlinson/Tomlinson)

3. 115 NM Racing Mercedes-AMG (De Martin/Montserrat)

   (Am Class: Prette, #1 LP Racing Maserati)

Race 2 Summary
Following a pit lane start due to Saturday’s technical issues, the #89 RTR Projects KTM, driven by Lennart Marioneck and Mato Homola, staged a remarkable comeback to win Race 2 by over 35 seconds. Philippe Prette continued his dominance in the Am category, achieving a record 10th victory of the season in the #1 LP Racing Maserati.

Race highlights included:

• Initial Chaos: A first-turn clash between Mauro Calamia’s #7 Maserati and Nil Montserrat’s #115 Mercedes-AMG forced both to pit, affecting their race strategies.
• Decisive Lead Change: The #89 KTM capitalized on a strategic pit stop and an overtaking maneuver on Marius Aigner of Team MZR.
• Pro-Am Standings: Aigner finished second, alongside the Ginetta rounding out the Pro-Am podium.

Race 2 Results

1. 89 RTR Projects KTM (Marioneck/Homola)

2. 115 Team MZR Mercedes-AMG (Aigner)

3. CMR Ginetta (Tomlinson/Tomlinson)

   (Am Class: Prette, #1 LP Racing Maserati)

As the 2025 GT2 European Series concludes, teams now shift focus to preparations for the upcoming season, set to commence at Monza on May 30/31, 2026. The series showcased fierce competition and significant advancements in vehicle performances, promising exciting prospects for the future.