Monza, 8th July 2006

The fifth round of the Italian Ferrari Challenge Pirelli Trophy and the fourth of the European series, both featuring the F430, got underway today at the Monza circuit.

The European one-make series held its first races of the weekend. The main category, the Pirelli Trophy, saw victory go to Max Blancardi (Auto Palace/Star Rent Competition,) with the Italian driver crossing the finish line ahead of Frenchman Ange Barde (Modena Cars Racing) and the Swiss crew of Moser/Favre (Kessel Racing.)
As for the gentlemen drivers in the Shell Cup, the German Dennis Huebner (Baron Service) emerged victorious ahead of France's Jonathan Sicart (Modena Sport/Yellow GT Challenge) and the Monegasque driver, Philippe Prette (Auto Palace/Star Rent Competition.)
In the separate classification for the 360 Modena, the win went to Germany's Ralf Schaefer (Lueg Sportivo.)




The Italian series was at the qualifying stage today, in preparation for tomorrow's races. Pole positions in the main class on the grids for the F430 went to Andrea Belluzzi (Motor) and Livio/Montani (Rossocorsa,) while in the Shell Cup for gentlemen drivers, the quickest times in the double qualifying session were set by the crew of Cappelletti/Ferroni (Rossocorsa/Pellin) and Cristian Francescon (Forza Service.)
Quickest in the two sessions to determine the order for tomorrow's 360 Modena races was Lorenzo Bontempelli (Rossocorsa.)

Tomorrow's programme gets underway at 9.30 with the first European Ferrari Challenge Pirelli Trophy race for the Shell Cup runners. (Live TV coverage of all races can be seen exclusively on Mediaset Premium 5 digital terrestrial.)