Scuderia Corsa Strong in Pirelli World Challenge

 

   A Strong World Challenge Start for Scuderia Corsa

   Martin Fuentes scores pair of fourth place finishes in GT-A at Circuit of the Americas

a0f2f93e-19c1-4d33-8f44-7a37bc27b6edMarch 9, 2015 (Los Angeles, Calif.) – Scuderia Corsa’s three Ferrari 458 GT3 Italias were undoubtedly fast during the NISSAN Grand Prix of Texas, the first two rounds of the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge season. Only the team’s second World Challenge event, Scuderia Corsa was eager to begin it’s ‘sprint’ racing season after kicking off the endurance racing season with the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.Two of the team’s Ferraris, the no. 64 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia of Duncan Ende and the no. 65 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia of Mike Hedlund, would compete in the GT category while the no. 07 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia of Martin Fuentes would race in the GT-A category.  Fuentes would lead the way for the team on Saturday, finishing eleventh overall and fourth in GT-A. In Sunday’s rain-soaked race, he would finish in 15th position overall and fourth again in GT-A.   “It was a good weekend for me, and I think we have a good opportunity to fight for the GT-A championship,” said Fuentes. “The team and I learned a lot from each other. The first race is the most difficult because you have many circumstances that make it complicated – new team, new car, new championship, and in this case, difficult weather conditions. But getting two fourth place finishes is good for my hopes in the GT-A championship. Thanks to everyone at Scuderia Corsa for the unstoppable effort in helping me get up to speed with the Ferrari.”   Hedlund finished Saturday’s race in 15th position and 14th position in Sunday’s wet race.   “We had a challenging weekend in Austin, but with the huge influx of teams and drivers we knew the level of competition would go up this year,” said Hedlund. “Scuderia Corsa was able to provide me with an excellent car and we were able to have two clean races in difficult conditions. I am looking forward to St. Petersburg – and warmer weather!”   Ende, also making his first start with Scuderia Corsa, would have a troubled weekend. Eliminated at the start of the Saturday’s race by a spinning car, Ende would be forced to start from last in Sunday’s wet race. After advancing 15 positions in the opening stages, he was hit again by another car after executing a pass for position. Two further contacts meant Ende would finish in 26th position.   “After struggling in practice and qualifying, Scuderia Corsa put a strong car together for me in both races,” said Ende. “We had a really good shot at bringing home a solid result in the rain, so getting turned around three times working through the field got pretty frustrating.”   “I’m pleased with our 2015 debut in the Pirelli World Challenge,” said Giacomo Mattioli, Scuderia Corsa team owner. “All of our drivers drove well under difficult conditions today. I believe the Ferrari will be a strong contender in both the GT and the GT-A classes.”   The Pirelli World Challenge races from Circuit of the Americas will be broadcast on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 AM ET.   Rounds three and four of the Pirelli World Challenge will be March 27-29 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Florida. Both races will be broadcast live on world-challengetv.com, and will be broadcast on Sunday, April 5 at 5:00 PM ET.53bf9fb6-c0f1-41c5-94b2-6161e7165392 47679de5-0c0b-487f-a092-c9216df67d1e <>