Ferrari Challenge Europe – Van der Vorm champion on Schirò and Kirchmayr’s day

Trofeo Pirelli. Niccolò Schirò (Rossocorsa) nullified Michelle Gatting’s (Scuderia Niki – Iron Lynx) first match-point, keeping alive his title hopes, which will now hinge on the final round at Mugello. Setting off from pole, the Italian driver first fended off John Wartique’s (FML – D2P) attacks in the early stages. He then managed the pace and crossed the finish line two seconds before the Belgian and three ahead of Luca Ludwig (Octane 126) on his third consecutive podium since his debut in the one-make series. After starting from the last box on the grid due to problems in qualifying, Michelle Gatting pulled off an excellent comeback finishing in eighth place overall and sixth in class. The Dane still has the consolation of the championship lead, albeit reduced to just 29 points over Schirò. In the Am, Hugo Delacour (Scuderia Monte-Carlo) enjoyed a comfortable victory. He crossed the line ahead of François Lansard (Formula Racing) and Sergio Paulet (Santogal Madrid – MST Team), now championship leader with a 13-point margin over Christian Brunsborg (Formula Racing), off the podium in the weekend’s races.

Coppa Shell. With two wins in the Ardennes, Ernst Kirchmayr (Baron Motorsport) caught up with James Weiland (Rossocorsa) at the top of the overall standings before the 2021 Finali Mondiali at Mugello in November. Kirchmayr had no trouble holding off Axel Sartingen (Lueg Sportivo) and Fons Scheltema (Kessel Racing), who, along with James Weiland (Rossocorsa), lit up the 30-minute outing with their repeated duels. Peter Christensen (Formula Racing) also scored a one-two in the Am class.  The Dane finished ahead of rookie Peter Stockmans (Francorchamps Motors Brussels), who took his second podium in two races. Then came Tommy Lindroth (Baron Motorsport), who finished third after Laurent De Meeus (HR Owen – FF Corse) suffered a 25-second penalty for a contact.

Despite retiring due to a collision in the early stages, Willem Van der Vorm (Scuderia Monte-Carlo) sealed the Coppa Shell Am crown with two races to go. He is mathematically out of reach on 122 points against 80 for his closest rival, Joakim Olander (Scuderia Autoropa). The Monegasque has amassed three wins so far, with five other podiums and three poles.

Appointments. The 488 Challenge Evo cars of the European series will be back on track from 16 to 21 November for the Finali Mondiali weekend. On that occasion, the seventh and final round of the season will be held on the Tuscan track before the eagerly awaited Finale Mondiale that will decide the world champions of the Prancing Horse one-make series.