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Scuderia Corsa Post-Belle Isle Report
Scuderia Corsa No. 63
Alessandro Balzan
Christina Nielsen
Chevrolet Sports Car Classic Presented By Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers
Ferrari
On the challenging roads of Detroit's Belle Isle, Scuderia Corsa claimed its third consecutive podium in the IMSA SportsCar Championship's GT-Daytona class on Saturday afternoon.
Christina Nielsen and Alessandro Balzan teamed on Saturday afternoon to go from their starting position of eight to third by the time the checkered flag flew, growing their lead in the GT-D driver and team championship to eight points. Nielsen rose to the challenge of starting the race on a circuit where passing opportunities are minimal and mistakes are punished by the concrete walls that surround the 2.35-mile temporary circuit, and put the Ferrari in contention for a podium.
"Scuderia Corsa gave us a great car today, and my teammate Alessandro did a great job to take the car to the podium," said Nielsen. "I had a good start, took a position on the first lap and battled forward. We lost a little bit in the pits but we are still very happy with the result. It was a pleasure driving the Ferrari today, and I can't wait to be back in it at Watkins Glen. We extended the points lead and got our third podium in a row, so I'm pretty happy!"
Battling with some of the best GT drivers in the world in the race's closing stages, Balzan made a pass on a restart after a full course caution that put the Ferrari onto the podium for the third consecutive time.
"First, I have to say a big thanks to the team," said Balzan. "Yesterday a Prototype Challenge car spun and collected Christina during the first free practice, and the team repaired the car and got us back on track for a few laps before the practice ended so we didn't miss the entire session. I think we got the best result that we could have gotten today. Christina put in a great stint - she had speed, she didn't make any mistakes and gave me the car in a perfect position. I am having a lot of fun, because the team is working so well. And for the championship, today was a really great result because we now have a bigger lead."
In four visits to the Belle Isle circuit, Giacomo Mattioli's team has captured a win and two podiums. And with this podium, his team is the established championship leader after the first four races of the year.
"I'm proud of our team today," said Mattioli. "Everyone worked very hard this weekend. From the drivers to the crew it was a great effort by all and a fantastic result with our podium finish in Detroit. Christina drove an incredible stint and I'm very happy to see her and Alessandro on the podium for the third consecutive time. Leaving Motor City with an extended championship lead is a special feeling and put us in a great position for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen."
The next race for the IMSA SportsCar Championship will be the Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen on July 1-3 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York.
Read full article on Press Room IMSA
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