Vitantonio Liuzzi and Hiroshi Hamaguchi put in a fine performance for FFF Racing by ACM at Monza at the weekend (30 September – 1 October) to score a strong Pro-Am podium position in the penultimate round of the International GT Open.
Teaming up in the #555 Lamborghini Huracan GT3, the opening race of the weekend saw Liuzzi line up eighth following his strong qualifying run, third in class.
With the rain holding off, the Italian racer made a good start and was one of only a few to actually make the first chicane, many others running down the escape road and re-joining. In the confusion, Liuzzi found himself losing a position, completing the opening lap ninth, chasing the #20 and defending from the #24.
Liuzzi, battling a braking issue, continued to defend his position as the mid-field raced around the ultra high-speed circuit almost nose to tail. The #24 McLaren soon made a dive for position and Liuzzi, pushed off line, lost momentum and a further two positions on the long run to Ascari. Following the driver change, Hamaguchi ran in 15th, gaining a couple of positions over the remainder of his stint to finish 13th, eighth in class.
The second race proved to be more satisfying for the team and drivers. The start saw Hamaguchi pick up one position in what was a dramatic first lap for some of his rivals. Steering clear of the debris, Hamaguchi quickly got into his race rhythm, moving ahead of the #22 and #29 in the opening laps to run 15th.
Hamaguchi set about closing the gap to the #40 car ahead before the pit window opened and he handed over to his teammate.
With just over 30 minutes complete Liuzzi maintained the 14th position, fifth in class but was soon putting in fast laps and closing on those ahead. This soon became 11th – some 15s behind the behind the #8 AF Corse. Liuzzi pushed hard and closed down the deficit before taking the position with less than five minutes remaining with another impressive drive and the teams sixth straight points paying position.
“The team struggled with braking problems in the first race which compromised both drivers badly,” stated FFF Racing Team Owner Sean Fu Songyang. “The issue was resolved for the second round and we showed our competitive pace immediately to record another strong podium finish.”
The final round of the championship takes place at Circuit de Catalunya 28-29 October.