Mitchell ready for Imola actionposted in WGT20 | 07 | 2020

    SCOTS ENDURANCE RACER Sandy Mitchell finally returns to racing action this weekend when he heads to Italy. The 20-year-old from Forfar will fire up his Lamborghini Huracan Evo GT3 for the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Imola. (Related: Mitchell adds GT World Europe to 2020 schedule)

    And Mitchell, backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Scotch Whisky, knows he faces a number of new challenges as top level European sportscar racing emerges from Covid-19 lockdown.

    “It’s been a long time coming, but it’s great to be heading back into a race weekend,” admitted Mitchell, who will share the Vimetco Extrusion/Asterus Lamborghini, prepared by Barwell Motorsport, with former British Touring Car Championship race winner Rob Collard, and Russian sportscar ace Leo Machitski. (Related: Mitchell returns to British GT with Black Bull)

    “I know there will, understandably, be a number of new procedures and protocols we’ll all need to adhere to to ensure the paddock remains Covid-free. But we’re all committed to going racing again and making sure we keep everybody safe.”

    Mitchell is also ready to step up to his new role in the car as the only PRO driver in the team’s Pro-Am trio, as they head into the season-opening three-hour race contested by a daunting 46-car grid. (Related: Mitchell inducted into BRDC SuperStars)

    “There are certainly a number of firsts coming up this weekend,” he smiled. “It’s my first time carrying the PRO role in the car; it’ll be the first time I’ve shared a race car with Rob and Leo; and the first time I’ve raced at Imola.

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    “Both Rob and Leo have vast experience. Rob’s won 15 BTCC races, and Leo has twice been crowned Am Cup Champion in the ultra-competitive GT3 series in a Barwell car, so we know the combined pace is there.

    “We also know Barwell will once again provide an excellent, fast and reliable car. That package means we should be competitive right out of the box.” (Related: Mitchell Lamborghini World Vice Champion)

    Mitchell, who last year won the prestigious Silver Cup class in the season’s Blue Riband event, the Spa 24-Hours, has also won races in the UK and America. The Scot is also part of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse GT3 Junior Program and a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s elite SuperStars programme. (Related: Mitchell gets Lambo GT3 global role)

    Having previously raced at Monza, home of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, Mitchell is looking forward to testing himself at Imola, the 4.9km anti-clockwise circuit which was the long-time host of the F1 San Marino Grand Prix.

    “With its combination of a fast, flowing layout and vast motorsport heritage, it’s an iconic circuit, and I certainly think it should suit our car,” the Scot explained. “We know we’re going to be in for a tough weekend, but we have the experience and pace to compete at the front. I can’t wait for the racing to start.”

    Related: Mitchell wins Spa 24-Hours Silver Cup

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    Jim McGill

     

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