Ferrari missed out on a podium finish in the final stages of round four of the GT World Challenge – Endurance Cup, held over the weekend at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit. While chasing third place, the number 51 Ferrari 296 GT3 of AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors was forced to pit and retire on the penultimate lap due to a technical issue, finishing at the back of the field.

Of the seven Ferraris entered in the penultimate round of the championship, two others made it to the chequered flag: the number 8 296 GT3 of Kessel Racing, which finished fifth, and the number 52 of AF Corse – Francorchamps, which came home in 11th place. Both competed in the Bronze Cup.

The race, which started with an air temperature of 15°C and finished at 20°C, took place on a dry track under skies that were initially threatening but later cleared to sunshine.

Pro Cup. After setting the third-fastest time in qualifying (upgraded to second following a penalty for a rival), the number 51 Ferrari 296 GT3 started the race with official driver Alessio Rovera immediately competitive and firmly among the frontrunners. Vincent Abril also delivered a solid stint before handing over to fellow official driver Alessandro Pier Guidi with the car in third place. However, during the pit stop, the race was neutralised by a Full Course Yellow, dropping the crew back to seventh. Pier Guidi then mounted a recovery, climbing to contend for fourth place with the podium within reach after a penalty was handed to the car in third. Unfortunately, with two laps to go, the Italian driver had to return to the pits due to a technical issue that ended his race was unable to rejoin and was classified in 46th place.

Unfortunately, with two laps to go, the Italian driver had to pit due to an issue with the car. Unable to rejoin the race, he was eventually classified in 46th place.

The second AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors entry, the number 50 Ferrari piloted by official drivers Arthur Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco, along with Eliseo Donno, was unable to take part in the race after sustaining damage during the morning qualifying session while competing for top positions.

Bronze Cup. Despite starting from pole and leading for much of the three-hour race, the number 74 Ferrari 296 GT3 of Kessel Racing, with Dustin Blattner, Conrad Laursen and Dennis Marschall, was forced to retire after being caught up in an accident following a collision between two cars from another class. Victory would have mathematically secured the title with one race remaining. The finale in Barcelona will now be decisive, with Blattner–Laursen–Marschall still at the top of the standings.

The Swiss team’s second car, the number 8 Ferrari 296 GT3 driven by Nicolò Rosi, Niccolò Schirò, and David Fumanelli, crossed the line in fifth position, but a penalty imposed for an infringement during a Full Course Yellow knocked it out of contention for the podium. Jeff and Louis Machiels, together with Tommaso Mosca, brought the number 52 AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors Ferrari home in 11th place, after contact while running seventh caused them to lose ground. 

The number 93 Ferrari 296 GT3 from Ziggo Sport Tempesta, with Eddie Cheever, Lorenzo Patrese, and Marco Pulcini, failed to finish after collisions at the start caused a puncture and severe damage to the car.

Silver Cup. The number 12 Ferrari 296 GT3 of Rinaldi Racing, with Rafael Duran, David Perel and Fabrizio Crestani, did not participate in the race after one of the drivers fell ill. 

Calendar: The final round of the GT World Challenge – Endurance Cup will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from 10 to 12 October.