MONZA THRILLER ENDS WITH TWO TOP-5 RESULTS
ROWE RACING holds its own amidst the turbulence of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, collects crucial championship points and celebrates another Gold Cup podium finish.
The second race of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup season in Monza unfolded exactly as expected – becoming one of the most feverish events of the year. On the historic high-speed circuit in Northern Italy – a track featuring long straights and tight chicanes that regularly trigger incidents – one objective stood above all others for many teams: simply reaching the finish line. For ROWE RACING, this very feat proved to be the decisive factor for success.
POSITIVE TREND CONTINUES
After three eventful hours of racing, both of the team’s BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars crossed the finish line virtually unscathed – a result that, given the numerous collisions, Safety Car periods, and Full Course Yellow interruptions, held a significance almost equal to that of a victory. With a fifth-place finish in the overall standings – achieved by Augusto Farfus, Jake Dennis, and Raffaele Marciello in the #98 car – ROWE RACING also confirmed the positive momentum established following the season opener at Le Castellet. In the Team Standings, the squad improved by one position, climbing to fourth place.
The second BMW M4 GT3 EVO, bearing the #998, also impressed with a consistent and error-free performance. Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, and Tim Tramnitz initially finished fourth in the Gold Cup class. However, following a post-race time penalty imposed on a competitor, the trio was promoted to third place, thereby celebrating their second class podium finish in just the second race of the season. In the Gold Cup Team Standings, the squad now sits tied on points, trailing the third-placed team.
EARLY CHAOS SHAPES THE RACE
Just seconds after the start, it became clear why Monza is considered one of the most unpredictable races on the calendar. At the first chicane – approximately 900 meters into the lap – a consequential chain reaction unfolded, involving numerous cars and immediately eliminating several top teams from the race.
During this phase, Augusto Farfus demonstrated great composure and experience. The Brazilian escaped the multi-car pile-up with only a minor brush, while simultaneously benefiting from the retirements of numerous competitors. As a result, the #98 car temporarily climbed from its starting position of 18th all the way up to seventh place.
As the race progressed, the proceedings were largely dictated by differing strategies and several safety car periods. The tactical landscape remained difficult to assess for a considerable time. With roughly 15 minutes remaining in the race, Raffaele Marciello handed the car over to Jake Dennis during another race interruption, running in eleventh place at the time.
A fresh incident shortly before the end of the race caused further significant shifts in the standings following the restart. Several competitors who were well-placed to achieve a strong result were forced to retire, allowing the #98 car to advance to fifth place overall in the final minutes of the race.
Second Gold Cup Podium Secured Retroactively
While the closing stages of the race saw the #98 car gain additional positions, the numerous interruptions on track initially prevented its sister car from launching a potential attack on the Gold Cup podium. Jens Klingmann kept the #998 within striking distance of third place for a long time; however, following the many safety car periods, he was ultimately unable to mount the decisive challenge.
It was not until after the race had ended that it was confirmed – due to a penalty imposed on a competitor – that the trio had indeed moved up to third place in the Gold Cup standings and 23rd overall. This second podium finish of the season underscored the team's consistent performance and once again secured valuable championship points for ROWE RACING.