Mixed bag for Solaris AMR at Imola

Going into their second round of their domestic Italian GT Series, Aston Martin Racing newcomers Solaris Motorsport were hoping to improve upon the mid table finishes at the opening round when they visited Imola this weekend.

Having tested there with TF Sport a couple of weeks ago the team were confident of both their pace and car setup to such an extent as they were continually in the top three during the two Free Practice sessions.

Starting Saturday's Race 1 from P3, team boss and lead driver Francesco Sini looked especially quick, picking off the the #8 Audi Sport Italia car in front of it for second over the opening laps before later dropping back to third just before the pit stop and driver change. With Max Mugelli now at the wheel he was made to work hard to keep the catching #32 Imperial Racing Lamborgini Huracan behind him.

By race end the #32 had indeed passed the #007 on track but was later excluded from the results which left the Solaris Team with P3 overall - their highest result in the series yet.


Race 2 Sunday morning was a completely different affair- gone had the clear blue skies and sunshine only to be replaced with torrential rain that was also blighting other locations of motorsport in Monaco and at the Nurburgring.

Track conditions were treacherous for Mugelli who's turn it was to start the race and whilst many around him were losing their heads and control of their cars he kept their GT3 firmly on the black up  until he came in for his stop. With the faster Sini now at the wheel he wouldn't be able to improve upon their position of P6 as Race Control were forced to Red Flag the race short of the distance due to the deteriorating conditions.


The next round of the series is at Misano in two weeks time.

Photo credits - Fotospeedy