Photo: Lamborghini
Mattia Michelotto claimed victory in the 200th race for Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe at the Circuit de La Sarthe, while Saturday’s planned second race was canceled as a result of safety concerns over tire problems.
Michelotto, piloting the No. 6 Vincenzo Sospiri Racing Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2, crossed the line with a lead of 8.132 seconds over the Target Racing pairing of Oliver Soederstroem and Largim Ali.
The Italian racer usually shares driving duties with Gilles Stadsbader, but the Belgian is unavailable this weekend as a result of clashing commitments with the Italian GT Championship.
Thursday’s race, which marked the 200th race start in Super Trofeo Europe history, started with championship leader Amaury Bonduel leading from pole position.
The No. 28 Grupo Prom by BDL Competition Lamborghini built up an advantage of some four seconds heading into the pitstop window, through which he was able to retain the lead.
However, the Belgian then suffered a left-rear tire blowout on the Mulsanne Straight, bringing his race to a premature end.
Jacob Riegel, driving the No. 70 Leipert Motorsport entry, inherited the lead only to run into an identical problem on the run down to Indianapolis later in the race.
This in turn allowed Michelotto to take the lead, after which he was able to hold on and take his first victory of the season.
Behind Soederstroem and Ali, the overall podium was completed by the No. 83 Schumacher CLRT Lamborghini of Simon Gachet and Simon Tirman.
Dimitri Enjalbert and Anthony Nahra drove the No. 74 Pegasus Racing entry to victory in the Pro-Am category, coming out on top over the VSR pairing of Andrea Frassineti and Ignazio Zanon.
Danish racer Marco Gersager, driving solo aboard the No. 69 GM Motorsport Lamborghini, claimed his first Am-class win by finishing 8.886 seconds clear of the No. 66 VSR entry of Piergiacomo Randazzo and Stephane Tribaudini.
Finally, the No. 32 ASR Lamborghini of Petar Matic and Paolo Biglieri took class honors in LB Cup.
The second race of the weekend, which was due to take place on Saturday morning was canceled on safety grounds after several instances of tire issues occurred during the opening race.
“After several tire failures during the opening Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe race at Le Mans on Thursday 13th June, Lamborghini Squadra Corse conducted a risk assessment in conjunction with its tire partner, Hankook,” a statement issued by Lamborghini read.
“Despite significant endeavours to maintain the race, and the assessment still ongoing, a decision was made to abandon the second race of the weekend under safety grounds.
“Safety remains of utmost importance to Lamborghini Squadra Corse and the championship organisers would like to express its regret to its teams, drivers and fans in these exceptional circumstances.”
RESULTS: Race 1
