In a thrilling race at Spa-Francorchamps, Mattia Michelotto and Gilles Stadsbader of VS Racing emerged victorious, showcasing their skill and determination in the 2023 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe season.
Overcoming a late-race safety car restart, they secured their second win of the season, leaving their competitors in awe. This gripping encounter was filled with intense battles and strategic manoeuvres, highlighting the exceptional talent of these drivers. Let’s delve into the exhilarating details of this remarkable race.
VS Racing Dominates from Pole Position
Starting from the pole position, Mattia Michelotto in the #6 Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 immediately took control of the race. Displaying a remarkable pace, he maintained his lead throughout the initial stages and even after the mandatory pit window. Michelotto’s flawless driving allowed him to build a substantial lead of over six seconds before handing over the wheel to his teammate, Gilles Stadsbader.
Charging Competitors and Intense Battles
As the race unfolded, Brendon Leitch from Leipert Motorsport showcased his skills by surging forward. Leitch made a spectacular move to overtake the #12 Boutsen VDS machine of Thomas Laurent and Adam Eteki, securing second place. However, a converted drive-through penalty for Eteki enabled Leitch to take advantage and move up to third.
Meanwhile, Loris Spinelli from VS Racing displayed his determination, overtaking both Frederik Schandorff and Thomas Laurent to claim the second position. However, penalties for pit-stop infringements affected the frontrunners, with all three receiving time penalties. Despite these setbacks, Stadsbader, now behind the wheel, skillfully maintained his lead against the charging Adam Eteki.
Safety Car Drama and Unyielding Determination
With only seven minutes remaining, the safety car was deployed due to an incident involving Enrico Bettera’s #14 Oregon Team Huracán. This turn of events bunched up the field, creating a nail-biting finish. Stadsbader exhibited immense composure and skill, fending off a spirited attack from Eteki on the run towards Eau Rouge, ensuring his lead remained intact.
In a captivating battle for second place, Brendon Leitch strategically slipstreamed Eteki down the Kemmel Straight and executed a daring manoeuvre into Les Combes, securing the position. Leitch’s exceptional defensive skills protected his position against the relentless Rodrigo Testa de Sousa and Amaury Bonduel of the BDR Competition.
Pro-Am Category Highlights
The Pro-Am category witnessed a dramatic turn of events in the final stages of the race. Andrzej Lewandowski and Loris Spinelli, initially strong contenders, received drive-through penalties, which reshuffled the order. Eventually, the Iron Lynx duo of Yelmer Buurman and Nigel Schoonderwoerd emerged victorious in the Pro-Am category, showcasing their remarkable skill and determination.
Am and Lamborghini Cup Battles
Gabriel Rindone of Leipert Motorsport showcased his talent in the Am race, securing his second victory of the season. With an impressive performance, Rindone manoeuvred through the challenges to claim a well-deserved win.
In the Lamborghini Cup class, Paolo Biglieri and Petar Matić of Bonaldi Motorsport emerged triumphant, displaying exceptional skill and teamwork. Jose Alfredo Hernadez Ortega from BDR Competition secured second place, while Gerard van der Horst, a quadruple champion, was promoted to third after a penalty for another competitor.
Driver Reactions
Gilles Stadsbader, overwhelmed with joy, expressed his delight in winning at his home circuit, in Belgium. Addressing his friends, family, and sponsors, he emphasized the incredible feeling of achieving such a remarkable victory. He commended his teammate, Mattia Michelotto, for his exceptional performance and highlighted the challenges they faced, particularly during the safety car restart and the additional one-second penalty. Despite the nerves, they held on to secure the well-deserved win.
Mattia Michelotto, proud of his team’s achievement, reflected on the race and his own performance. He acknowledged his strong start and the efforts made to gain an advantage. Michelotto praised his teammate, Gilles Stadsbader, for his outstanding performance and his determined push in the final laps to compensate for the penalty.
Conclusion
The Spa-Francorchamps encounter of the 2023 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe season will be remembered as an intense and captivating race. VS Racing emerged as the triumphant team, showcasing their skills, determination, and exceptional teamwork. The thrilling battles, strategic manoeuvres, and unforeseen twists added to the excitement, making this race a true spectacle. As the season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate more exhilarating races and extraordinary performances from these remarkable drivers.