Free practice and pre-qualifying sessions set the pace for the weekend, with close gaps and tight battles throughout the field.
In qualifying, with favourable weather conditions (not always the case in Zandvoort!), Pascal Gibon placed the #53 P2 in the AM class, securing third row (P5) of the Race 1 starting grid. In Q2, Christophe Bourret posted the third fastest time in AM class, placing again the #53 on row 3 (P6 overall) for Race 2.
Race 1 – Third in a row!
The first race of the weekend got underway in sunshine, giving the event a summer holiday vibe by the sea.
But once the lights went out, it was full focus on the track. The pace quickly intensified, and the field began to spread out. Starting P4 overall (P2 AM), Pascal Gibon fought hard to defend his position. Battling with the #115, the Akkodis ASP Team driver lost the position temporarily but took it back a few laps later, remaining in P2 AM.
Stretching his stint to the maximum before the driver change, Gibon even led the race briefly.
Christophe Bourret took over for the second half, rejoining in P3 AM. With the front-runners now well ahead, the fight was on to secure the second step of the podium. In a tightly contested finish, Bourret held on and clinched the third consecutive podium for the #53 (P3 AM).
Race 2 – What a Race! Fourth podium in a row...
Sunday morning brought the second race of the weekend. Due to cool conditions, race control added a second formation lap to help bringing the tires up to temperature.
Christophe Bourret took the start aboard the #53, ready to battle. Choosing to avoid any early-race contact, Bourret wisely gave up two positions.
After 20 minutes of racing, the #53 was running fourth in the AM class, maintaining a solid pace and staying close to its competitors.
At the driver change, Pascal Gibon took the wheel. He immediately put the pressure on the #24 Lamborghini. With 20 minutes to go, Gibon made a decisive move and overtook. He quickly opened a gap, now running P3 AM, and set his sights on the #294 up ahead.
Lap after lap, Gibon consistently posted strong times and began to close in. With five minutes left, the gap dropped below 10 seconds. One minute from the end: 4 seconds. In the final lap, Gibon caught the #294 and made the pass just four corners from the finish line, crossing the line in second place.
In the AM championship standings, the French duo now is second overall with 69 points. Akkodis ASP Team is also second in the Teams’ standings.
The next round of the GT2 European Series will take place in Belgium at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, as part of the legendary 24 Hours of Spa weekend (June 26–29).