Ferrari Challenge Europe Opens at Paul Ricard: Paulet Dominates
Circuit Paul Ricard, France – The 2026 Ferrari Challenge Europe Trofeo Pirelli season commenced with stunning performances by Sergio Paulet of Ineco – Reparto Corse RAM, who claimed victory in both races during the opening weekend.
In Race 1, Paulet, starting from pole position, maintained his lead against a fierce challenge from Gilles Renmans of Francorchamps Motors Brussels. Despite the drying track conditions, Paulet secured victory by a narrow margin of just 0.127 seconds. “I’m really happy to have won the first race of the season,” Paulet remarked. “The conditions were completely different from the last few days. In the end, I had to defend my position, but I managed it.” Renmans, who set the fastest lap, finished second after rising from fifth on the grid, with Max Mugelli of CDP – Eureka Competition rounding out the Pro podium.
In the Am category, Michael Verhagen of Ferrari Warszawa captured a gritty victory after a multi-car battle, finishing ahead of Danilo Del Favero of Penske Sportwagen Hamburg and Herbert Geiss of Maranello Motors – Pro Racing.
Race 2 saw Paulet repeat his success, though this time he faced less pressure due to penalties imposed on Renmans for a jump start and track limits infractions. Renmans finished second but was well clear of the field—a testament to his pace. Mugelli again secured third place.
Verhagen continued his strong form in Trofeo Pirelli Am, leading post halfway and setting the category’s fastest lap, while Anders Bidstrup and Del Favero filled the remaining podium spots.
Coppa Shell Highlights
In the Coppa Shell division, Jan Sandmann initiated his season with a commanding lights-to-flag victory in Race 1. His teammate, Fons Scheltema, demonstrated skill by overtaking Sven Schömer for second but could not close the gap to Sandmann. Schömer, in his Pro debut, finished third.
Rookie Lukas Azzato of Kessel Racing dominated the Coppa Shell Am class, winning on his first outing and setting the fastest lap. He fended off challenges from Boris Gideon and Andreas König.
The second Coppa Shell race brought unexpected drama as pole sitter Tibor Valint was unable to start due to an incident, handing pole position to Scheltema. Ultimately, Eddie Cheung of Formula Racing secured the win in a tight finish, narrowly ahead of Scheltema and Sandmann, who was penalized for an earlier collision.
Azzato further distinguished himself by clinching his second victory in the Am category, maintaining his lead throughout while Shintaro Akatsu recorded the fastest lap.
The 2026 Ferrari Challenge Europe season will continue in Mugello, Italy, from April 23 to 26.
