Opening round for ZAKSPEED in Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup

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April 21, 2016 in Motorsport

Opening round for ZAKSPEED in Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup in Monza‏

ZAKSPEED to compete with Mercedes-AMG GT3 in Pro ClassAlex Tagliani, Jean-Frederic Laberge and Darryl O'Young form the driver line-up

The opening round of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup that will be held at the Italian temple of speed of Monza the coming weekend, marks the return of Zakspeed into the European highly competitive GT championship. The team from Germany competes with one of it’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the long-distance races, with the highlight being the 24-hours of Spa.

Once the lights turn green next Sunday, a total of 57 GT supercars are going to race towards the challenging “prima variante” producing one of the most spectacular moments in the European racing season. ZAKSPEED takes part in the strong Pro Class and is well prepared for the three-hour race. “We had very good tests here in Monza”, says Peter Zakowski, Team Principal Team ZAKSPEED. “We learned a lot about the car, the telemetry and the race track. GT racing is still quite new to some of our drivers, but we have formed a good basis for a successful working relationship and I am very much looking forward to the race.”

Behind the wheel of the #91 Mercedes-AMG GT3 is no other than the Canadian Alex Tagliani. The pole sitter of the 100 years anniversary edition of the mytical Indy 500, looks ahead to his first race in Monza, making it the extra bit special since he has Italian roots. “I cannot recall having been this exciting about the start of a season for a long time”, says the 42-year-old. „It is a combination of curiosity and interest, to drive on historic race tracks such as Monza. It motives me even more to be part of a team like ZAKSPEED. My goal is to do well, to place the Mercedes-AMG GT3 as many times as possible in front positions. This project is really close to my heart and I want to give my best, to represent both the team and the Mercedes-AMG brand.”

The trio is completed with Jean Frederic Laberge and Darryl O’Young. The first one is a reference in Canadian motor racing as a very competitive driver on home soil, and the second one, one of the most experienced drivers from Asia and someone that achieved great results whether in touring cars and GT world wide.

The first Free Practice will start on Saturday, 23rd April at 11am. The three-hour race will start on Sunday, 24th April at 3pm.

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