Blancpain Sprint Series – Brands Hatch smiles again at Zanardi

If Grasser Racing won with the duo Jeroen Bleekemolen – Harry Proczyk and their Lamborghini Gallardo in the two races at Brands Hatch, second round of the Blancpain Sprint Series 2014, but it was Alex Zanardi (BMW Z4 GT3 – ROAL Motorsport) who performed on Sunday afternoon. After an error in the Qualifying Race, which also tilted the round in favor of Grasser Racing, Zanardi had to start in 17th position for the Main Race. “I thought the turn was over, then I went a little wide in the marbles (the small balls of gum present off the trajectory on a circuit, Editor’s note) and I understeer. I then lost the rear. »

And despite this incident, it is indeed the Italian who will achieve this Sunday's feat with a magnificent rise from 17th to 5th place. This route worked well for him since he also won Paralympic gold twice there in 2012 in London in HandBike.

“It was really hard. It felt like we were in an oven. At least on a handbike I could breathe! jokes the 47-year-old pilot. In Italy, 17 is unlucky, a bit like 13. But at my age, I think it's time to move on from all that. It's one of the hardest things I've had to do on wheels, whether on 3 or fours. »

The next round of the Blancpain Sprint Series will take place in Zandvoort in the Netherlands, from July 4 to 6.