An eventful season with many ups and downs comes to an end for Mario Farnbacher. After a historical victory in Laguna Seca and an impressive third place in Watkins Glen, the 24-year-old finished the Petit Le Mans and some tough duels successfully and was able to bring home first place in the North American Endurance Cup.
Mario Farnbacher started the 2016 IMSA SportsCar Championship season with a new car. Alex Job Racing used a newly developed Porsche 911 GT3 R for the first time and presented the drivers with an unknown challenge. After a brief familiarization phase, Farnbacher quickly set his eye on the front runners and demonstrated his skills in the third race. The young man from Ansbach won his first victory of the season in Laguna Seca and made history. Mario Farnbacher and Alex Riberas were the first duo to win a race with the new Porsche 911 GT3 R and laid the foundation for a successful season.
Despite numerous setbacks during the 2016 season, Mario Farnbacher was able to secure the first place in the North American Endurance Cup. His good results in Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and recently in Petit Le Mans, put him at the top of the U.S. Championship. This means a victory in one of the most important endurance sport championships and also a super start for the coming year.
What was your best personal highlight this season?
“My personal highlight was the Laguna Seca race. We won a start-finish-victory and were the first team to win with the new Porsche. That was amazing and I’ll remember it for a long time.”
What was your biggest setback?
“After a good first half, we fought the last races with several small setbacks. However, I think the race outcome on the Circuit of the Americas was the biggest disappointment, because we lost a secure podium finish.”
Can you describe your 2016 IMSA season in one sentence?
“It was a season full of variety, which began well, but didn’t turn out as we would have liked.”
