On September 5th, the FIA GT championship will be in Imola for its next round. It’s an important date for the Motorsport world and for a driver who will be participating in his most important race of the year.

In fact, this is Gabriele Lancieri’s home turf race where he will be competing in front of his fans and his sponsors. Gabriel has been looking forward to this race all year round and will be competing on board Graham Nash’s Saleen. In sight of this race, we interviewed the driver.

Gabriele, for you racing in Imola must be special, right?

You’re right. I was born in Imola and the track immediately became a part of me. Since I was a child, I dreamt of racing in my city and that dream has come true. On Sunday my friends, my fans and my sponsors will be there to cheer me on and I hope that I won’t disappoint them.

You will debut in Imola in the FIA GT Championship but you have already competed on this track. What were your best results?

I raced in Imola many times. I happily remember my experience on a single seater in 2001 in the international F3000 series. In 2000, I was 2° in the Italian F3000 Championship which today doesn’t exist. If instead we talk about touring cars, I definitely can’t forget mythe Renault Clio Trophy’s in 1996.

Do you think that Imola is fitting for the characteristics of your car?

Our Saleen is a very fast car that unfortunately has a few problems with reliability. But I hope this doesn’t happen here. Imola is a track that demands a lot from the engine and from the braking system. I however can’t deny that other cars are favoured for the victory: for example the Ferrari 550s and we can’t forget that Lamborghini & Maserati are making their debut as well. Regardless of this, we will not back down and will try to catch up to the front line drivers.

If I ask you to make a prediction…

I don’t want to exaggerate but my goal is to finish the three hour race. Regardless of the outcome, I think that this will be an exciting Motorsport weekend. So it’s a date: see you in Imola on Sunday!

This weekend's  Programme:

Friday, September 3rd

10.40 - 12.10 Free Practice 1

14.20 - 15.50 Free Practice 2

Saturday, September 4th

10.30 - 11.15 Qualifying 1

14.45 - 15.30 Qualifying 2

Sunday, September 5th

11.15 Race (3 hours)