The excursion to the Circuit Paul Ricard ended with a bad setback for Mario Farnbacher. Technical issues prevented the 25-year-old and his brother Dominik from achieving further podium finishes. The driver duo had to retire early from both races.
The young driver from Ansbach began the fifth round of the International GT Open with high hopes. Started from 21st position, his brother got off well and improved to 18th position after just a few laps. However, technical problems with the steering gear forced the Farnbacher squad into the pit before race halftime. And before Mario Farnbacher could take the wheel, the family team had to retire early from the race.
Unfortunately, Sunday’s race didn’t take a better course for the Franconian. After a difficult qualifying session, Mario Farnbacher started the race from 14th position. Quickly finding a good pace, he confidently manoeuvred his way through the field, but again a technical issue thwarted his plans and forced the Lexus driver to park his RC-F GT3 early.
“We travelled to France as championship leader and didn’t have a chance to defend our topposition”, recalled a disappointed Farnbacher. “To retire early in both races is a bad setback for the team. However, we will use the time until the next race to analyse and solve our problems.”
Mario Farnbacher is at the wheel again in the U.S. from June 30th until July 2nd. Competing in the next round of the North American Endurance Cup in Watkins Glen, the German will be at the wheel for the AMG-Team Riley Motorsports again.
