The SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm drivers, Enrico Förderer and Cedric Fuchs, have experienced a spectacular start in the GT4 European Series at the Paul Ricard Circuit, achieving a resounding victory in the first race.
The graduates of GT4 Germany demonstrated great speed, with Förderer leading the race from the second position on the grid. Thus, he created a gap from Lluc Ibañez and Alex Papadopulos, NM Racing Team drivers with another Mercedes-AMG, which Fuchs defended until the end.
Victor Bouveng and Joakim Walde overcame penalties and nerves to achieve their first victory in the Pro-Am category with the BMW from Schubert Motorsport. Meanwhile, the duo from JSB Compétition, consisting of Nicco Ferrarin and Julien Briché, was unbeatable in the Am class.
A memorable debut for the rookies
Setting the second place on the grid was for Förderer, who did not hesitate to take the lead at the start. With a magnificent maneuver, he passed Ibañez on the outside, quickly establishing a lead that increased while Bouveng and Ibañez battled for second place.
Although Ibañez managed to reclaim second position, the gap to the leader was nearly three seconds when the drivers entered the pits. A perfect stop allowed Fuchs to maintain the pace and secure a dream victory for the team.
The Speedy Motorsport drivers, Mees Houben and Lachlan Evennett, completed a rookie podium with a commendable second place, after Evennett, who entered the race from sixth place, passed Papadopulos to secure his spot. Papadopulos finished third, followed by Erik Evans and Nathan Vanspringel, while the defending champions, Benjamin Lariche and Robert Consani, finished in a difficult tenth position.
Schubert beats the clock and JSB reigns in the Am class
Despite the intensity of the competition, Bouveng and Walde felt comfortable within the top four. While the BMW of Schubert Motorsport received a penalty that jeopardized the victory, Walde had to demonstrate his speed.
With a 10-second penalty for speeding in the pits, the task became complicated, but the same penalty also affected Önder Erdem, who was second in the race, leaving Walde with enough margin to consolidate the win.
For their part, Erdem and Gustavo Xavier finished third for Razoon – more than racing, while after dominating the sessions, Ferrarin and Briché clinched victory in the Am class, rounding out the podium were the drivers from W&S Motorsport and Gazoo Racing Sweden.
The next race of the GT4 European Series will take place at 16:30 and can be followed live through the GT World YouTube channel.
