24h Series, GT3

Creventic 12h Race Spa: Successful preparation for the season highlight – CrowdStrike 24h of Spa

8. May 2023

Leipert Motorsport finished 6th in the GT3-AM class after a faultless race

 

The decision to compete in the 12-hour race of the 24h Series in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) was made at very short notice by the team from Wegberg, which is supported by MOTUL. As the opening event of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe in Imola (Italy) was postponed, the Wegberg crew used the freed-up date to complete an extensive test under racing conditions for the season highlight of the GT World Challenge, the CrowdStrike 24h of Spa at the traditional race track at the end of June.

 

Leipert Motorsport competed in the 12h race of the 24h Series in Belgium with a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 and the drivers Kerong Li (China), Jean-Francois Brunot (USA) and Brendon Leitch (New Zealand). After an exciting race with a wide variety of weather conditions, the trio finished 6th place on the Ardennes rollercoaster in the GT3-AM class, which was well-filled with a total of 9 starters. A total of 50 cars took on the race around the clock. However, the ranking only played a subordinate role this weekend.

The primary aim was to collect valuable data with the Lamborghini, but more importantly to offer the drivers maximum driving time and to train important work processes with the team in view of the 24h race. First, the Leipert Lamborghini did numerous laps during the pre-test, the intensive test work was then continued during the official free practice. The changing weather conditions typical for the Ardennes, with rain coming down again and again, were also part of it.

In qualifying, the Leipert Lamborghini – the average time of all three drivers was taken into account – finished a good sixth on the grid in difficult conditions. In the race, the Leipert team then concentrated on doing a flawless job and working through the extensive test list. The team finished the first six hours of racing in 6th place in class and 16th overall. In the further 6 hours of racing on Sunday, the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 was able to maintain sixth position despite three punctures in the final third of the race.

 

Managing Directors Marcel Leipert & Marc Poos:

“We achieved what we set out to do at the 12-hour race in Spa. The team was able to perfect processes such as driver changes and pit stops. The drivers had a lot of driving time. Everything worked perfectly and we gained further important knowledge. The Lamborghini GT3 ran smoothly throughout the weekend. The race pace was also good. For us, this was an almost perfect test drive under racing conditions. At the end of May we will go to Spa for further tests in preparation for the CrowdStrike 24h.”

 

The next stop for Leipert Motorsport is the race weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit (France, 2-4 June). There, the team from Wegberg will compete in the season opener of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe with five cars. In addition, a guest start with a Lamborghini GT3 is planned for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS Endurance Cup, the 1000 kilometres of Paul Ricard.