This will be the ninth Fanatec GT Europe event at Misano, which ties Brands Hatch as the most-visited Sprint Cup circuit. It is the only track that has been ever-present on the calendar since 2015. Thinking of joining us at the Adriatic coast? Here are five reasons to make the trip.
1. A RECORD-BREAKING GRID
Misano will see a new record set for the Fanatec GT Sprint Cup, with an incredible 42 cars contesting the second round of the season.
The grid has been boosted by the addition of the Bronze Cup class, which was absent from the opener at Brands Hatch due to space limitations.
The 42-car entry list smashes the previous benchmark of 38 cars, which was set at the same venue in 2016.
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2. SUN, SEA AND GT3
If you enjoy the idea of combining GT3 racing with a beach holiday on the Adriatic, this is your best bet.
Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli – which is named in honour of the late MotoGP ace – is located just 3 kilometres from Misano Adriatico, a popular resort town that overlooks the ocean.
The local restaurants specialise in seafood, so you can watch cars on-track during the day and enjoy some frutti di mare in the evening.
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3. A FRESH CHALLENGE FOR THE MISANO MASTERS
In recent season, Misano has been dominated by Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts, who have taken five successive wins for Team WRT.
But those victories came with Audi. WRT is now affiliated with BMW, so we're guaranteed to see either a new team or brand on the top step of the podium.
There is no doubt that Vanthoor and Weerts have the capacity to win again, but their rivals will be more hopeful than ever of toppling the Belgian duo this time around.
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4. ITALIAN INTEREST
Valentino Rossi is a big draw at every circuit, but Misano is something special. The Doctor's hometown is just 15 kilometres away, making this his local track.
But he's by no means the only Italian star. Lamborghini hails from nearby Sant'Agata Bolognese, while rival marque Ferrari has a passionate set of fans wherever it goes.
There are plenty of Italian drivers, too including championship leader Mattia Drudi, Silver Cup star Lorenzo Patrese, and GT racing legend Andrea Bertolini. There are also 10 cars competing under the Italian flag, so local fans will have plenty to cheer for this weekend.
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5. STELLAR SUPPORT
The Fanatec GT Europe action will be complemented by six support categories. They include two familiar favourites: the GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club and the Clio Cup Series.
There’s also something a bit different. A grid combining the domestic Supersport and GT4 Italy series will run a pair of 30-minute races, while the FFSA F4 French Championship makes its first appearance of the season alongside Fanatec GT Europe.
Finally, the Porsche Club will run a series of time trials during the weekend, so expect to see plenty of impressive equipment from the Stuttgart brand. All told there’s more than five hours of racing action in addition to Fanatec GT Europe to look forward to at Misano.
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