SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS - The second round of the Creventic 24H Series 2024 brought us to our home race at Spa-Francorchamps. This track consistently provides spectacle and excitement for drivers and fans alike, and this weekend was no exception. Our week began with private testing on Wednesday, where we focused on setting up our car for the forecasted changing conditions during the race weekend. The promising feeling we all had on the first day boded well for what lay ahead.
Friday saw private testing, a free practice session, and qualifying on the agenda. Despite the fluctuating conditions during the private test, We managed to secure the second-best time. In the free practice session, we opted for a cautious approach due to the cold and wet track conditions, recognizing that there was little to gain at that point. As the track dried during qualifying, we pushed hard, resulting in an aggregate lap time that secured P5 overall.
The race spanned Saturday and Sunday, with 5 hours on Saturday and the remaining 7 hours on Sunday. During the initial part of the race, our focus was on avoiding trouble and maintaining a steady pace, which we achieved despite the unpredictable and slippery conditions. Our strong pace kept us in contention for podium positions and the class lead throughout. Ending the first day in P2 and within the top 3 was a result we would have gladly accepted at the start of the day.
Sunday began with typical Spa weather: melting snow, resulting in a safety car start. As conditions improved, we maintained our positions and exchanged the lead within our class. Despite the challenges, our pace remained strong. The team's tactical decisions kept us in contention for the win until the end. Despite encountering a serious issue with the rear left of the car after the final Code60, which threatened to end our race prematurely, we managed to secure P2. This marked our first podium of the season and a 1-2 finish for the Redant Racing team.
This amazing P2 position elevates us to second place in the championship standings, fueling our hopes for the remainder of the season. With the pace we've demonstrated, the upcoming races promise to be exciting. I'm already looking forward to the next one: the 24 Hours of Portimão (11-12/05), a personal favorite track of mine. It's a long race where anything can happen, but we're prepared for the challenge.
I extend my gratitude to the entire Redant Racing team for providing us with a great car and to the engineers for making the right calls at crucial moments. I also want to thank everyone who traveled to Spa this weekend; your support gave us the extra boost we needed to secure P2.
Let's carry this momentum into the next race!
