Italian GT, Mugello - Preview
The Cup Class Flies Solo

Since the Cup field is still a little bit thin, it will race once again with the Maserati one make Trofeo; but on such a long track that shouldn't be a problem for the title contenders.

At the top of the points-standings, it's still to be seen if the threatening words of Matteo Malucelli, spoken during Race 2 at Vallelunga, were tactical or genuine. He and Pierleoni are on top with their “old” Ferrari F430, but it should be hard to keep the Lamborghini Gallardos of Sanna-Stancheris and Livio-Piccini behind on a fast track like Mugello. The time penalties, however, arising from the Lambos' good result at Vallelunga, should be a great equalizer.

Not yet out of the title chase are the two Porsche pairs of Fornaroli-Mastronardi and Passuti-Gagliardini, both with very thin time penalties to contend with and on a good track for the GT3 version of the Porsche. This weekend the 2010 Champion Marco Mapelli will race, still in a Vittoria Competizioni Ferrari F430, with his teammate still to be assigned; but, at present, no other major new entries have been reported.

The two races will be on Sunday, but - barring total disaster or unexpected luck - the title will be decided at the final round at Monza in mid-October.

Gabriele Tosi