Italian GT, Imola - Qualifying Report
Ingolstadt Sweeps Pole

The Audi R8s of Audi Sport Italia team took both pole positions for the two races of the Italian GT Championship round at Imola.

In qualifyng one Capello set the best time, six tenths faster than the other car of Bonanomi. Third and with quite a surprise was not the Autorlando 997 of Cordoni, which was only fourth overall well over than three seconds slower than the Audi; instead the third spot was taken by the Corvette of  Di Benedetto.

Then from fifth onwards it was the GT Cup grid, with an all-Lamborghini front row, Piccini from Sanna, then Iacone third in the first of the Porsches - much closer than in the earlier rounds; signs that the much “loved” BOP finally works? Fourth was the “old” 430 of Pierleoni, then again three Porsches of Passuti, Baccani and Fornaroli.

The GT4 was again a Ginetta reign - pole for Zanini, then Cappelletti and Saggese.

Qualifying for race two was a surprise at the top, with Ruberti only managing to set the second best time, almost half a second slower than Sonvico who took the second pole for Audi team. Third was the second car of Cicognani, then two GT Cup cars, with another pole for the Gallardo of Stancheris. This was followed closely by Malucelli in his 430 Ferrari. GT4 was a Ginetta 1-2 for Lasagni and Belotti, while third in class was the Cayman of Donaviti.

Race one would take place later that afternoon, under a clear sky and with temperatures of almost 30°C, while heavy rain was expected for race two on Sunday morning.

Gabriele Tosi