By Johan Laubscher
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Gennaro Bonafede |
The latest news from South Africa is that a young star will soon be on track behind the wheel of an Audi S4. Gennaro Bonafede has made a name for himself on the South African motorsport scene. After moving through the formulas he debuted in the Bridgestone Production Cars in 2010. He made his debut in Class T for turbocharged cars such as the Golf GTI and the Ford Focus ST, amongst others. Armed with his Ferodo Golf GTI he finished runner up in his debut season, firmly establishing himself as a front runner in the series.
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Johan Fourie Racing A4 |
Some sad news had emerged from the sport during the week running up to round six of the Production Car series at Phakisa. The multiple championship winning team, Johan Fourie Racing announced that the team would be closing its doors. It was a tremendous loss to the series and South African motorsport as a whole. The news also meant that the team’s Audi S4 had become available to prospective teams. It did not take long for another team to purchase the Audi S4 and to prepare an entry into class A.
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Gennaro Bonafede Ferodo Golf 6 GTI |
The fact surrounding the acquisition of the S4 became known shortly after the Johan Fourie Racing news, but which team it was had not yet been announced. Rumours began circulating and finally the announcement was made. Gennaro Bonafede will be driving the Audi S4 in Ferodo colours run by VMP Motorsport. The move was initiated by Audi South Africa expressing a keen interest in seeing Gennaro racing the Audi S4. This is very exciting news for the series and fans alike. The VMP team are already running an Audi S4 in Class A for Melvil Priest and Gennaro’s Golf 6 GTI in Class T. The team is delighted to add another Audi S4 for their young star driver.
With Gennaro Bonafede success in Class T it was inevitable that he would move to Class A. It seems natural for him to step up to an Audi after his successes with its sister brand Volkswagen. The Ferodo Audi S4 once again raises the Audi S4 count to four in the series. Audi fans will be very excited as young new talent will represent the brand in Class A along with the other Audi S4 drivers.
We wish the best of luck and success to Gennaro and VMP with their new adventure in Class A, armed with the Ferodo Audi S4.
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Photos by Steve Wicks and www.motorpics.co.za