July 29, 2024: A race weekend full of summer vibes: the third round of the 2024 Alfa Revival Cup lived up to expectations. At the Autodromo Nazionale dell’Umbria “Mario Umberto Borzacchini,” the spectacular Alfa Romeo touring and grand touring cars roared onto the track: GTAm, Giulia Super, Giulia Sprint GTA, GT Veloce 2000, and the Alfetta GTV 2000.
The action began with Saturday morning’s free practice sessions, showcasing the skills of the cars and drivers. Unfortunately, Edoardo Caponi and Fabrizio Sabatini’s Jolly Car Squadra Corse GTAm number 81 did not take part in the race due to a mechanical problem.
The 30-minute qualifying session in the late afternoon was full of excitement. Halfway through the stint, Giacomo Barri, partnering with Emilio Petrone, clocked a time of 1’21.364, taking pole position. Lukas Stojetz, teaming with Bernhard Laber, set the second-fastest time, with their GTAm number 69 starting in second place, just under a second behind. Davide Bertinelli took the third-fastest time, trailing the German duo by less than two-tenths. Massimo Guerra and Giovanni Serio, in their Giulia GTA, followed with the fourth-fastest time. A grid set for action, as drivers chased valuable points for the standings.
High noon: green light at 12:00 on Sunday. The competition was intense throughout the 60 minutes, with braking, overtakes and dramatic moments. Emilio Petrone in the GTAm number 50 got off to a strong start, followed closely by Lukas Stojetz. On the second lap, Stojetz overtook Petrone, who was then passed by Bertinelli.
On the seventh lap, Bertinelli overtook Lukas Stojetz, with Marco Guerra, teamed with Emanuele Benedini, moving up from fourth to third. Unfortunately, Massimo Guerra and Giovanni Serio of the Carrera Team were forced to retire due to an engine issue. On the tenth lap, Benedetto Cardillo of the OKP Alfa Delta Racing Team also retired. As per the regulations, the pit stop window opened at the 20th minute, allowing driver changes. The shuffle in positions inevitably began. At the 30th minute, Lukas Stojetz reclaimed the lead and, using the full pit lane window, opted for an overcut strategy to hand over to Laber near the close, gaining precious seconds. Meanwhile, Bertinelli retook the lead. Emilio Petrone handed over to the young Giacomo Barri, re-entering in ninth position, over half a minute from the race lead. Ten minutes from the end, Fausto Amendolagine of Scuderia Capannone Garage retired due to a mechanical issue.
A scorching finale mirrored the temperature on the Umbrian asphalt: Giacomo Barri (OKP Alfa Delta Racing Team) began his comeback, closing the gap by a second per lap, finishing just a tenth behind Bertinelli on the final lap. The two GTAm cars crossed the finish line in a photo finish. Bertinelli claimed victory by a whisker. Third place went to Laber and Stojetz of the OKP Alfa Delta Racing Team. An extra lap might have brought an even more thrilling duel. Davide Bertinelli earned valuable points for the overall and class standings, setting the fastest race lap with a time of 1’22.883.
Christian Ondrak and Massimo Bortolami delivered a stellar performance with the Giulia Sprint GTA of the OKP Alfa Delta Racing Team finishing fourth overall and winning the I GR.5 1600 class.
Umberto Caucci made his Alfa Revival Cup debut with Scuderia Capannone Garage, teaming up with Marco Milla in the Giulia Super. Fabrizio Zamuner also made his first appearance of the 2024 season alongside Swiss driver Peter Bachofen of the OKP Alfa Delta Racing Team. These new and returning drivers highlight the liveliness of the series.
As for the classes, these are the winners:
Class F TC 1600: Marco Guerra – Emanuele Benedini, Carrera Team, Giulia Sprint GTA
Class G2 TC 2000: Davide Bertinelli, GTAm
Class H1 TC 1600: Marco Milla – Umberto Caucci, Scuderia Capannone Garage, Giulia Super
Class H1 T 2000: Fausto Amendolagine, Scuderia Capannone Garage, GT Veloce 2000
Class I TC 2000: Gianluca Bardelli, Scuderia Capannone Garage, Alfetta GTV 2000
Class I GR.5 1600: Christian Ondrak – Massimo Bortolami, OKP Alfa Delta Racing Team, Giulia Sprint GTA
The weekend at the Umbria circuit ended in a celebratory atmosphere with the awards ceremony on the podium. The next event will be in Vallelunga: Round 4 will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024. The Alfa Revival Cup is appreciated for its friendly atmosphere, and its competitive yet relaxed and fair spirit. All this is made possible once again by the excellent organization of Canossa Events.
