Brendon Leitch continues to lead the 2023 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe series after a difficult fifth round in Italy over the weekend. The German-based Southlander salvaged a sixth place in the first and improved to come home second in the final 50-minute race at the Vallelunga Circuit, Campagnano di Roma, Italy.
“It was an interesting weekend,” commented Leitch. “In the end, we salvaged a half-decent result after the first lap incident, which hasn’t helped my championship lead.”
Having started well from the third row on the one-make series grid, Leitch was hit from behind and dropped down to 21st position requiring a come-from-behind performance over the next 50 minutes of racing.
“I looked up into the rear camera and saw him coming,” said Leitch. “I had already got passed him, and he then made a mistake at turn 7 and gave me a shunt. It then didn’t help that I spun a second time with water on the track. In the end, we were super lucky to get the most out of it and finish in sixth, as it could have been worse.
“Qualifying was interesting. Before, in practice, we were quickest, but then as more rubber got laid on the circuit and the track developed, our times slipped back. We made an adjustment for the first race, which worked, then another for the last race and that made a big difference.”
Again, starting from the third row, Leitch moved his #86 Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 up to third in the final outing and held the position until he was able to move into second on the last lap, finishing the round with a 2.5-point lead in the series.
The fifth round was held after the opening event at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola) in Italy was cancelled back in May, hence the double round at Vallelunga. The final sixth round also takes place this week in Vallelunga in the lead-up to the Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals this weekend.
The World Finals bring together competitors from three different Super Trofeo competitions – Europe, the US and Asia. All three series host their final rounds at Vallelunga this week.
“I’m pretty confident heading into the last round,” said Leitch. If it comes down to driver ability, then we will be fine. Anything can happen in this sport, although I will do what I have to do to win and leave nothing on the table. I’m excited about the changes that we have made to the car and can’t wait to see the difference.”
Practice gets underway for Round 6 on Tuesday and Wednesday before two qualifying sessions and two 50-minute races on Thursday and Friday, with the World Finals underway over Saturday and Sunday.
Words & Images: Supplied
