Emil Frey Racing: Farewell Jaguar victory
TITLE WITH OUTSTANDING MODEL In the final round of the Blancpain GT Endurance Cup in Barcelona, Emil Frey Jaguar Racing took class victory and the Silver Cup title. The final round, however, was disappointing for the two Lexus from Safenwil. For the last time, the Swiss team was allowed to race its Safenwil-developed Emil Frey Jaguar in a Blancpain GT [...]
For the last time, the Swiss team was allowed to enter its Emil Frey Jaguar, developed in Safenwil, in a Blancpain GT Series race. Alex Fontana, Adrian Zaugg and Mikael Grenier once again showed the claws of this unique feline predator.
The Swiss-Canadian trio finished fourth overall behind two AMG Mercedes GT3s and a Ferrari 488 GT3 after the final three-hour race of the Blancpain GT Series on the GP circuit in Barcelona.
Emil Frey Jaguar Racing thus won the Silver Cup classification in the race and in the Endurance Cup with its three drivers and as a team. Only drivers without Gold or Platinum status are allowed to race in the Silver Cup.
Since the winning Mercedes from Black Falcon was subsequently disqualified for an infraction (tape on the air box), Emil Frey Jaguar even moved up to third overall in the provisional classification. Since Black Falcon appealed, this will have to be decided at the green table.
Last leading laps of the Jaguar
In the second half of the race, the Emil Frey Jaguar team even managed to lead three laps thanks to a fortunately timed refueling stop during a safety car phase.
The team boss, who had the opportunity to drive the Jaguar himself several times, was correspondingly delighted.
Lorenz Frey: "That was a very emotional day. This car, which was designed in Safenwil, has been with us for many years and has shaped our history. It's great that we were able to prove its strong performance once again. Winning the Silver Cup classification is a great gift for everyone in the team who has been involved in the project for years."
Failure of both Lexus teams
The season finale with the two Lexus RC F GT3s was less pleasing. After problems with the oil pump, the engine of one of the Japanese cars had to be changed after qualifying.
In the race, another engine failure ended the chase for points. The second car, in 17th position, had to retire with a defective exhaust.
Despite the zero lap at the 24 Hours of Spa in July, where one Lexus crashed during the night and the second survived the distance in 13th position, Emil Frey Lexus Racing was still at the top of the standings thanks to its victory in the preceding 1000-kilometer race at Paul Ricard.
Competitiveness proven
As a result of the double retirement in the final race, the Swiss team slipped to third place in the Endurance Cup. Despite this disappointment, the team boss draws a positive conclusion.
Lorenz Frey: "Over the whole season, the Lexus shone with its reliability. We had a great podium at Silverstone and a fantastic win at Paul Ricard. This brought us close to winning the team title in the Endurance Cup. We showed that we are competitive and will now prepare even more meticulously over the winter for the coming season."
