Audi Sport Italia Press Release
- Marco Mapelli, Thomas Schoeffler Lead At The Start But Wind Up in P8
- Sixth Place For Dindo Capello And Emanuele Zonzini, Who Started From Pole
Monza – Today in round four of the Italian GT neither Dindo Capello and Emanuele Zonzini--starting from pole position-- nor Marco Mapelli and Thomas Schoeffler --staying on top in the eight opening laps -- were able to claw their way to a podium finish.
Monza's homeboy Mapelli had a brilliant getaway at the start. The provisional points leader went on to fight boldly for the top spot with Lamborghini's Andrea Amici. However, Mapelli had to relinquish the lead to the swifter and ligther Gallardo, but both drivers' effort was soon hindered by a safety car period that took place on the brink of the mandatory pit stop. The closest pursuers pitted one lap earlier than both of them, whilst Schoeffler--who took over from Mapelli--finished in eighth place.
Pole-sitter Zonzini fought valiantly at the start of the race for fourth place with the Porsches that wound up sweeping the Top3. Capello, who resumed the race in P3 taking over from the young team mate, also found himself trailing the 997s driven by Gagliardini-Donations and Beretta-Carboni The Asti-based driver had soon to give way to Babini-Bianco's Porsche, as the braking was getting worse and he entangled himself with Ferrara-Magli's Ferrari eventually dropping to P6.
Sunday's meager box score translates in Mapelli and Schoeffler dropping from first to third in the championship tables, albeit only six points behind new leaders Donativi-Gagliardini. Capello, Zonzini are now five points adrift of team mates and eleven behind the new series leaders.
Photo credit: Audi Sport Italia
