Just two rounds remain before the end of the 2023 Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe season, which prior to the August break saw the fifth round go into the archives at the Estoril track, after previous rounds at the circuits of Valencia, Misano, Spielberg and Le Mans. The final verdicts are yet to be delivered in each of the classes, with all eyes firmly on the Finali Mondiali at Mugello and the coveted World Championship titles.
Excellent debut. Now in its 31st season, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe, the longest-running single-marque series on the Old Continent, made its maiden visit to the Estoril Circuit, near Lisbon. The iconic track, which for years also hosted Formula 1, has always exercised a fascination over drivers with its distinctive narrow, fast and highly technical motorcycle-style track, similar to Misano.
Another highly anticipated track, known for its charm, history and coat of arms, is the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, where the Ferrari Challenge accompanied the Centenary edition of the 24 Hours, with seventy 488 Challenge Evos – the largest number of Ferraris ever fielded in a single race – drawing applause from the spectators on the other side of the Alps. For the final post-summer phase, two more events await on the renowned Spa-Francorchamps and Mugello tracks (Ferrari.)
As for F1, Scuderia Ferrari goes into the summer break with the satisfaction of scoring its third podium finish of the season, courtesy of Charles Leclerc. He drove a solid race and his pace was strong and consistent from start to finish. Carlos Sainz was very unlucky, involved in a racing incident with Oscar Piastri at the first corner, which led to him retiring at half-distance because of the damage to his SF-23.
Straightforward race. Charles got away well from pole but was powerless against the two Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez who soon headed the field. The Monegasque kept pushing which meant he was able to comfortably keep ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Charles shadowed his rival at both pit stops, coming in one lap later, defending against the undercut. He also took on the same tyres as Hamilton, first the Medium and then the Soft. This was Charles’ 27th Formula 1 podium, Ferrari’s 801st.
Confidence boost. The team now heads into the obligatory summer break knowing there is still much to do to close up on Red Bull, but with the satisfaction of having done a good job in Belgium, the podium finish being well deserved. Without the incident, Carlos would also have been near the front, capable of bringing home a good points tally. The season resumes at the end of August, the 27th to be precise, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort (Ferrari.)