Italian duo Marco Cioci and Piergiuseppe Perazzini had a bitter-sweet experience at Le Mans, taking victory in the GT3 class from pole position in the first 55 minute Road to Le Mans race in their AF Corse run Ferrari F488.
The second race on Saturday morning saw Marco Cioci challenging for the lead when an unfortunate accident when Sergio Pianezzola’s Ferrari spun across the track collecting Cioci’s Ferrari in the process and eliminating both cars from the race.
A second place in Round 2 at Monza for Cioci and Perazzini sees the Italians on 42 points and lying in third place in the championship standings as the Michelin Le Mans Cup heads to Austria for the next race at the Red Bull Ring.
Q: How was the Road to Le Mans for you and Pierguiseppe? You must be pleased with a pole position and a race win in Race 1, but not so happy about the accident that forced you to retire from Race 2. What are the positives you take from the two races in Le Mans?
Marco Cioci: “Taking victory in Le Mans has a different taste everytime. We knew this was a great opportunity for us to gain points cause both of us knew Le Mans very well! Eppe has competed at Le Mans three times and I have seven times, with three podiums and one pole. This was a great opportunity and we got it. Race two was disappointing because we were already leading our class. However, as you know, Le Mans is Le Mans and for Pianezzola’s mistake, we had to retire.. but this is motorsport!”
Q: What are your thoughts on the circuit at the Red Bull Ring? What do you like about the track and what is your favourite corner?
MC: “I’m a little bit concerned about Red Bull Ring because it will be a tough race. Drive fast and consistent because with LMP3 around this will be the key of the result. I like the last corner a lot. Going into the bump makes me feel something vintage, like Carousel in Nurburgring or La Source in Spa!”
Q: The Michelin Le Mans Cup GT3 class is very competitive this season. Who do you see as your main rivals for another podium finish in Austria?
MC: “Everyone can be the winner in Red Bull ring but for me Pianezzola/Piccini are the favourites. Pianezzola, as former Rally driver, made a huge improvement in circuit racing and as a bronze is faster than many other silvers. So we now have to do our best to beat them!”
The next round of the 2018 Michelin Le Mans Cup will take place at the Red Bull Ring on Saturday 21 July and is race four of the seven race series.
