Bad luck after a top qualifying result

Fabio Scherer’s team was third on the grid in Monza at his home race in the ELMS. But when Fabio took over the car with the #43, the dream of a podium place was unfortunately already shattered.

The starting position for Fabio Scherer and his team Inter Europol Competition was excellent at the third round of the European Le Mans Series in Monza. Third place on the grid was the best qualifying result so far for Scherer & Co. in the Oreca LMP2. But unfortunately, the prospect of their first podium finish in 2022 was dashed on the very first metres. Scherer’s team-mate, David Heinemeier Hansson, was hit from behind at the start and pushed into the car in front of him. As a result, the #43 car suffered damage to the underbody.

“That was not David’s fault,” says Scherer. “But of course it’s annoying when you start from second row and then in the end you only finish eleventh because of a collision like that.”

Scherer drove the middle stint and, like driver number 3, Pietro Fittipaldi, unfortunately found that the car was very difficult to control with the damaged car.

“That was a difficult race for me. I took over the car and was desperate to make up a few positions. We only changed two tyres at the pit stop, but the main problem was the damage caused by the contact at the start. And this got worse and worse. Unfortunately, we also got a drive-through penalty, which finally ruined our race completely. It is a great pity. Because we had a really fast car. And under normal circumstances, I’m sure we could have fought for a place on the podium.”

For Scherer, who is supported by STOBAG and ATS Banding System, the season continues after a longer summer break from 26-28 August with the fourth race in Barcelona (E).