The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe Am made its sixth stop at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the third-to-last round of the season. A crucial round for the standings, with the moment of truth looming amidst on-track excitement and dramatic twists. The spotlight was on Marco Zanasi, who proved himself ready to get back in the running after his error in Valencia.
As we know, Barcelona is no ordinary circuit. With its fast straights and challenging corners, the 4,657 m stretch of tarmac serves as a crucial testing ground for both drivers and cars. Amid collisions, strategic overtaking, and tyre management hindered by high temperatures, Marco Zanasi’s character shone through, as he turned the disappointment of Race 1 into an outstanding response in Race 2.
In Spain, the Zanasi Group once again welcomed guests, customers, and partners to its exclusive hospitality area, confirming its commitment to making every event a memorable experience.
Trofeo Pirelli Am, Race 1: an uphill start for Zanasi
On the scorching Catalan afternoon, with tarmac temperatures nearing 50°C, Race 1 of the Trofeo Pirelli Am kicked off amidst high expectations and a charged atmosphere. But at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the sixth round of the season quickly turned into a chaotic race, marked by a lengthy safety car period and multiple retirements. Marco Zanasi was involved in a collision with Henri Acid early on which forced him to retire. A difficult day for the Motor Service-Pinetti Motorsport driver, who would have preferred a different outcome.
Trofeo Pirelli Am, Race 2: a determined Marco Zanasi back on the podium
After retiring from Race 1, Marco Zanasi showed determination and a strong comeback in Race 2 with an impressive qualifying performance in the Pirelli Am category.
The start was anything but easy though, with Zanasi losing ground in the opening laps, the drvier dropped positions – affected in part by Yasin Ferrati’s stunning recovery.
The decisive moment of the race, though, unfolded in a fierce duel with Michael Verhagen over third place in the Am category. After losing his position, Marco kept his cool, responding smartly with a clean move on Bjorn Gman to finish ahead of his rival.
The driver handled the pressure until the end, taking home a well-deserved third place behind Vol and Gosner. A well-managed race, which put him firmly back among the category’s frontrunners.
Next stop: Spa-Francorchamps!
Once again, the Ferrari Challenge delivered a thrilling spectacle, with the Barcelona circuit – an iconic venue for Formula 1 and MotoGP – serving as the perfect stage for a high-pressure duel. The next stop is Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, where the Ferrari 296 Challenge cars will be on the track from 17–21 September for the seventh and penultimate round of the season. Another legendary circuit, another challenge awaits.