Peter Guelinckx made his Fanatec GT2 European Series debut in 2021 as a complete newcomer to racing. Three years on and the Belgian driver is a multiple race winner with a plethora of podiums to his credit, all earned in the PK Carsport Audi.
With the structure of the Pro-Am class allowing a professional driver to partner an amateur, Guelinckx flourished under the tutelage of seven-time Belcar champion Bert Longin. Together they achieved eight podiums and a trio of race victories on their way to finishing as runners-up in the 2021 Pro-Am title fight, then followed that with third overall last year.
For 2023, Guelinckx is back on the Fanatec GT2 grid with a new teammate – Bert’s son Stienes, the reigning Pro-Am champion. It’s proving to be another winning combination, with the #1 PK Carsport Audi duo already amassing two race wins and a second-place finish to lie third at the mid-season mark.
We caught up with Peter as he prepares for the fourth-round championship battles in Portimão.
Peter, it’s great to have you back in the series for a third season. What keeps bringing you back to the Fanatec GT2 European Series?
“I just love coming back to this championship. The series has plenty of beautiful and quick cars, and the level keeps on increasing. For gentlemen drivers it’s great that we can share a car with a Pro driver, and the running cost – considering this is an international championship – is quite attractive as well.”
What kind of racing experience did you have prior to joining the series?
“None at all. This is my third season of racing. I barely did any track days before that.”
Since joining the series in its inaugural year, you’ve notched up an impressive record of results. How are you finding the level of competition this season compared to previous years?
“Every year the level of the drivers – both Pro and Am – increases. That becomes quite clear when you have a closer look at the lap times and the way the teams manage to fully use the potential of the cars. But the sporting attitude, the friendship between competitors remains the same.”
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You have a new teammate in Stienes Longin this term, having raced with Stienes’ father, Bert, for the past two years. How quickly did you gel as a new driver partnership?
“I share cars with both Bert Longin and his son Stienes. Together we have won national championships and important endurance races. Pairing up with Stienes felt quite natural. Through Bert’s coaching, I learned the basic skills of racing, to which I can add Stienes’ youthful aggression and incredible speed. It’s a dream combination, and as a team, we’re having lots of fun.”
With two race wins already on the board, you currently lie third in the Pro-Am standings. You’ve had your fair share of misfortune too, at Monza and Dijon. Has it been a bit of a roller-coaster so far?
“Absolutely. Lady Luck hasn’t been on our side, but that could change quickly. It’s all part of racing.”
We’ve got a completely new circuit to the GT2 calendar for our next round. How are looking forward to, and preparing for Portimão?
“Apart from the fact that it is a great track and a wonderful region, I have fond memories of Portimão. It’s the track where I had my first track experience with Bert.”
What’s your ultimate goal or dream result for this season?
“Becoming champion, without a doubt! There is only one place that counts…”
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