The “Temple of Speed”, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, became a stage of great expectations and bitter disappointments for Leipert Motorsport. For the second round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe – again with four cars – the team, supported by PROFICAR, travelled to Italy full of confidence. However, despite excellent preparation, impressive lap times and promising grid positions, the longed-for podium finishes and victories failed to materialize.
Even in the free practice sessions, it was clear that Leipert Motorsport was ideally positioned. All six drivers quickly found their rhythm, achieving several promising starting positions in qualifying. These were the best conditions for a successful weekend.
#44 Thalin/Bergman (SWE) – Pro-Class
In the first qualifying session, Manz Thalin (pictured above, cover photo) secured sixth place on the grid in the PRO category, while Calle Bergman took Pole position overall with an impressive lap in the second qualifying session. The Swedish duo then confidently worked their way up to fourth place in the first race. A breakthrough seemed within reach in the second race. Starting from Pole position, Thalin and Bergman led the field for long periods, until contact in the battle for victory resulted in a disastrous spin eight minutes before the end. Instead of the well-deserved first victory of the season, they finished eighth.
#70 Gerhard Watzinger (USA) – Lamborghini Cup
Gerhard Watzinger confirmed his strong form with fourth place on the grid in the first qualifying session and Pole position in the second. In the first race, he took the lead early on when he was in first position when he went off the track during an overtaking manoeuvre shortly before the end of the race and crashed into the crash barriers. The race was neutralised and finally stopped after a further lap – sixth place was a small consolation. Due to the damage to the vehicle, a start in the second race was no longer possible.
#88 Pablo Schumm (SUI) – Pro-Class
Swiss solo driver Pablo Schumm put in an impressive performance in qualifying, finishing fifth and third on the grid. However, he also met with fate: a spin in the first race cost him many positions – but at least it was enough for tenth place and one point. Schumm was again doing well in the second race until a collision caused by his team-mates shortly before the end through no fault of his own, forcing him to retire in fifth position with suspension damage.
#99 Rytter (DK) / Pretorius (ZAF) – Pro-Class
Rytter secured second place in the first qualifying session, despite heavy traffic. Pretorius experienced multiple interruptions in the second qualifying session and could only finish eighth on the grid. Rytter had a commanding lead in the first race until a moment of carelessness at the Ascari variant led to his retirement. Pretorius started from the back of the 40-car field in the second race after experiencing problems on the formation lap, but fought his way up to 11th place with impressive determination. Rytter then took over and secured sixth place, which was a commendable outcome given the challenging weekend.
A note from managing directors Marc Poos & Marcel Leipert:
“We can’t remember the last time we clocked up so many kilometres in the lead without achieving a podium finish. That is bitterly disappointing. However, the team worked perfectly and the drivers did a great job. Now, we’re looking ahead: we’ll be back in full attack mode at Fuji and Spa!”
The next chapter will follow soon. From 27 to 29 June, Leipert Motorsport will compete in the Super Trofeo Asia race in Fuji, Japan, while the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe event in Spa-Francorchamps will run in parallel from 26 to 28 June. The team aims to return to the podium in both series with its six cars.
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