Mario Farnbacher’s International GT Open race weekend in Monza, Italy ended prematurely. After a strong qualifying performance, a collision forced the German from Ansbach and his brother Dominik Farnbacher to leave the race early. Extensive damage to the Lexus RC F GT3 meant missing the Sunday race.
“What a bitter disappointment for the whole team”, said Mario Farnbacher. “We travelled to Monza with high hopes. We had a good race pace and were continuing the upward trend of the last races, but I’m afraid our comprehensive preparation phase didn’t pay off and we’re going home without any points.”
Hopes for championship points were dashed in the Saturday race. Starting from seventh position, the 25-year-old Franconian’s initial performance was very promising and he fought his way to sixth, before handing the Lexus over to his elder brother Dominik. However, the 33-year-old collided with a Mercedes and had to retire.
“Unfortunately, the car was badly damaged in the accident. There’d already been a heavy blow at the start and the collision did the rest. Several components were affected”, reported Mario Farnbacher. “Our crew did everything they could, but repairs on the spot were simply impossible.”
The Lexus driver is hoping for a positive conclusion at the finale of the International GT Open from 28th – 29th October in Barcelona. But beforehand, the Petit Le Mans on 7th October marks the final round of the North American Endurance Cup and the title decision. Farnbacher is among the legendary endurance race’s candidates for an overall win.
