Congratulations on winning the championship title in the Blancpain GT Series. What was the key to your success?
Raffaele Marciello: « Thank you. I think the main reason for our success was that we worked very hard for it. During the season, for example, we practised pit stops and driver changes over and over again. We were looking to achieve as consistent a performance as possible throughout the season. There were a lot of races, and consistency is the most important factor. We managed that very well, scoring points in almost every race. Our Mercedes-AMG GT3 also played a part with its solid pace and consistency over what were sometimes very tough races. My heartfelt thanks to the entire AKKA ASP Team and to Mercedes-AMG. »
What was your personal highlight of the season?
Raffaele Marciello: « That’s a difficult one. There were many wonderful moments. Every time we stood on the podium, it was like a reward for all the hard work. Taking the Sprint and Endurance classes together, I think we managed to make eight podium appearances this season. If I had to pick a single standout moment, it would probably be the Nürburgring, where our win clinched the Sprint championship for us. That was the first title and such an emotional occasion. The grand finale in Barcelona when we took the overall title was, of course, the crowning glory. »
Your 2018 season is not over yet. Where are you headed for next, and what objectives are you still trying to fulfil?
Raffaele Marciello: « My objective is to win the Intercontinental GT Challenge as well. We – that is my team-mate Tristan Vautier and I – are in the lead there, but it won’t be easy. The standard of competition is very high, and we have to work very hard to make sure we’re still ahead after the final eight-hour race at the Laguna Seca Raceway. Anyway, we will be giving it everything we’ve got. »
Press release Mercedes-AMG
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