Free practice sessions allowed the drivers to get their bearings on the demanding 7 km (and 19 turns). During a damp session with track temperatures around 20°C, the French pair showed solid pace, placing within the Top 5.
Qualifying took place on a still-wet track. Conditions were manageable in Q1, but deteriorated rapidly in Q2. In tricky conditions, the #53 Akkodis ASP Team Mercedes-AMG GT2, driven by Gibon and Bourret, posted a consistent performance to claim P9 across both sessions.
Race 1 – Five in a Row!
Unlike practice, Race 1 started on a partially dry track, with damp patches in some sectors. After two reconnaissance laps, the field was unleashed. Pascal Gibon got off to a flying start, quickly gaining two positions, then a third. Running P3 in AM (P6 overall), he showed strong pace and continued to push, climbing to second in class.
Less than 10 minutes into the race, light rain began to fall on parts of the circuit, making grip increasingly unpredictable. Gibon stayed calm and composed, maintaining a strong pace and staying in close contact with his rivals.
At mid-race, the mandatory driver change brought Christophe Bourret into the car. Rejoining in P3 AM, he faced a slippery track. Bourret avoided mistakes and brought the #53 home third in class — the duo’s fifth podium in five races.
Race 2 – So Close to Victory!
Saturday morning brought new conditions: dry track and 19°C air temperature. Christophe Bourret took the start and gained a position almost immediately, slotting into P3 AM. He settled into a steady pace, then closed the gap to the #24 Lamborghini ahead. Applying pressure, he made a decisive move to claim second place in class.
After a clean pit stop, Pascal Gibon rejoined in P2, just behind the #1 Maserati. But with 24 minutes to go, the Maserati was forced to pit again, handing the lead to the #53 Mercedes-AMG.
A fierce battle started between Gibon and the #789 KTM. Locked in a tense duel for over 20 minutes, Gibon defended brilliantly, holding off relentless attacks. With the race near in the bag, drama struck in the penultimate lap — the KTM found a way through, and the win slipped away.
Crossing the line P2 in AM, the duo extended their incredible run: six races, six podiums. Gibon and Bourret remain second in the provisional standings.
Victory is getting closer… Could Misano finally be the turning point? We’ll find out on July 19–20.
