Endurance Brasil – Round 1 – Curitiba – Podium for Via Italia Racing in Curitiba
Posted: 02.04.2019
Source: Ferrari
Curitiba, Brazil | 2 April 2019 – Via Italia Racing took a podium finish on the opening round of the 2019 Brazilian Endurance Championship with their Ferrari 488 GT3. After making their debut in the Ferrari at the 24 Hours at Daytona, the team re-oriented to the championship in Brazil. Straight out of the box, the Ferrari 488 GT3 proved fast and consistent with Daniel Serra taking pole in the GT category with a 1:12.739 second lap.
Challenging Race Start. Via Italia elected to start Chico Longo for the opening two stints, who would then be replaced by Daniel. However, with only thirty minutes elapsed in the race, a small contact with a fellow GT competitor pushed the Ferrari 488 GT3 machine off-track. At the pit stop to repair the damage, a problem with the air jack caused the team to loose additional laps before Chico was able to return to racing in 25th position.
Fight Back. Chico was able to recover several positions over the remainder of his stint, climbing to 18th place. Daniel then took over and powered the Via Italia Racing Ferrari up to 6th overall and 3rd in the GT class by the checkered flag, earning the team its first podium of the young 2019 season and proving that the Ferrari has the pace required to challenge for wins at every race this season. An AJR Prototype took the overall win, while the GT category was won by the Mercedes of Xandy/ Xandinho Negrao.
Quotes. This race was possible to fight for the victory. The car is very faster and competitive. I am sad with the result, but optimistic to the remaining the session”, said Longo.
“The car is perfect. My best lap in Curitiba with an GT Car. The final result does not show our real condition. Is possible to fight for the victory all the race. And this is ours ambition this year”, said Serra.
Schedule. The Brazilian Endurance Championship will return on 25 May in Goiania, Goias for another four hour endurance contest.
Endurance Brasil – Round 1 – Curitiba – Chico Longo Secures Pole for Via Italia in Season Opener
Posted: 30.03.2019
Source: Ferrari
Curitiba, Brazil | 30 March 2019
Chico Longo and Via Italia Racing secured pole position in his Ferrari 488 GT3 car the GT3 category in the season opener of Endurance Brazil. This weekend’s opener is being held at the Autodromo Internacional de Curitiba, a 12 turn, 3.7 kilometer circuit located just outside of the city of Curitiba. The famed Brazilian circuit has previously hosted Formula 3 competition and the World Touring Car Championship before welcoming Endurance Brazil in 2019.
Dominant Time. Chico’s fastest time of 1:12.739 was good for pole position by nearly two seconds over his nearest competitor. His time in qualifying bodes well for a strong result in the race tomorrow for Via Italia and Ferrari. Chico earned most of his advantage in the second sector of the 3 kilometer circuit where the strong braking and power application characteristics of the Ferrari 488 GT3 were able to give Chico maximum advantage over his competitors.
Schedule. The opening round of Endurance Brazil will begin at 2pm local time, and will run for four hours. Racing action will be available to view via a live stream at endurancebrazil.com.
Endurance Brasil – Round 1 – Curitiba – Via Italia Racing debuts a Ferrari 488 GT3 in Brazil
Posted: 27.03.2019
Source: Ferrari
Maranello | 27 March 2019 – Via Italia racing will make its racing debut for the 2019 season in the Brazilian Endurance series on March 30th at the Autodromo Internacional de Curitiba in Pinhais, Brazil in the Ferrari 488 GT3. The weekend will mark the first of an eight race championship that will culminate on the 21st of December at the 6 Hours of Interlagos. The team, founded by Chico Longo, who will also compete, will look to repeat its championship performance of 2018 with the Ferrari 488 GT3 and Ferrari factory pilot Daniel Serra.
Daytona Debut. This will not be Via Italia’s first time on track in 2019. The team took a remarkable pole position in the GT-Daytona category in the prestigious 24 Hours at Daytona. The team was able to earn a 9th place finish in a rain-soaked edition of the 24 hour race. “The 488 GT3 is a fantastic car. From the first practice at Daytona you have already realized all the qualities of this machine. I’m sure we’ll have a great car to race for the title here in Brazil. The expectation is great, even knowing of the strong opponents, “said Longo. Daniel Serra, Chico Longo’s teammate, is competing in the US aboard a 488 GT3. “It’s an impressive race car. I’m competing in the USA with this same model and I’m already comfortable with the car. We are going to work to develop the 488 on the Brazilian tracks, “said Serra, one the country’s top driver.
Schedule. The schedule begins on Thursday, the 28th with free practice. On Friday, 29 March three official practices and qualifying. On Saturday, March 30, a quick warm-up. The four hour race will begin at 2pm Brasilia Time (GMT -3).