It did not take long for teenage sensation Carlo Tamburini to turns heads after a winning Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli debut. The LP Racing driver made history in France, claiming the Maserati GT2’s maiden series victory.
The Italian is one of the newest additions to the ever-growing Fanatec GT2 grid, forming an exciting Pro-Am partnership with Leonardo Gorini at title-winning outfit, LP Racing.
A double pole position showed what they were capable of during the opening event at Circuit Paul Ricard. Tamburini brought the #1 Maserati GT2 home for victory in the first race, and was unlucky not to double up in a thrilling second encounter.
The 19-year-old comes off the back of a strong season competing in the Italian GT Championship, notching up Pro-Am GT3 Sprint wins at Mugello and Monza.
We caught up with Tamburini in the first of this year’s ‘Driver Focus’ features:
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So Carlo, what are your ultimate goals for 2024 in the Fanatec GT2 European Series?
“I know how much of a winning team LP Racing is, and the whole crew always performs at a high level. The Maserati Corse GT2 car is a spaceship, it is really enjoyable to drive and share with Leonardo, who is top of the class when it comes to Bronze drivers. I'm also competitive and believe that hard work pays off so, considering the whole package, we'll strive to fight at the top of the pack for the whole season.”
The opening round at Circuit Paul Ricard almost ended with two wins for yourself, alongside pole position - how would you summarise the weekend from your perspective?
“I didn't know what to expect until Friday, as it was also my first time on that track. We took advantage of the paid test to understand what to improve, and before qualifying we found ourselves in a really good window. We pushed hard and the balance of the Maserati was great, and that's how we got two pole positions.
“Race one was all about keeping the lead without making mistakes. We felt the pressure from the KTM, and the first race of a new season is always thrilling, but we managed to bring it home and spray champagne from the top step of the podium.
“In race two, because of the pit stop time handicap following our win, we knew it was going to be tough. This time I took the start and tried to save tyres as much as possible to help Leo recover the lost seconds near the end of the race. Our strategy worked quite well since he was fighting for victory until the last lap when unlucky contact ruined our chances. Still plenty of positives to take away!”
How does it feel to have scored the first-ever GT2 victory for Maserati?
“It's a big honour to be racing the first-ever Maserati GT2 chassis, and I know how important it is for Maserati and Ycom to win. The car was super quick also thanks to team, so Leo and I knew that everyone who worked on this project since the start deserved the win. I’m glad it was us who pulled it off."
You're adapting to a new race car this season. How has the Maserati GT2 machine been to drive?
“The feeling is already quite nice, the engine position and the carbon fibre chassis allow it to feel like a proper racing car and not like an adapted road-going vehicle. It has lots of power but less downforce compared to a GT3, so sometimes you have to fight a bit more when driving on the limit, which is something I enjoy. Looking forward to a full season in it!”
How much do you enjoy the competition against a mix of Pro and Am drivers?
“It's a fantastic formula. It catches the spirit of GT racing and allows everyone to battle against quick but fair competitors. There is always the possibility of a big surprise, so the results aren't predictable until the chequered flag.”
You team up with Leonardo Gorini for the first time this year and already have one win under your belt. Is it safe to say you are already enjoying a good relationship and are both learning from each other's experiences?
“Of course, since our first day together we shared the big desire to win and work hard to improve ourselves, which is what we've already been doing. He wants to be as close as possible to Pro drivers and has already a few years under his belt in GT racing, so it's great to share the tent with him.”
What are the highlights of your racing career so far?
“I have quite a few important motorsport memories, such as my debut in car racing after a few years in karting driving a F4 in Misano. Then, winning overall in Imola in TCR Italy, it was only my second race following a few weekends in single-seaters the year before and it came against some pro drivers while I was just 17.
“Last year it was great to compete in Italian GT with the M4 GT3, just after the first two racing weekends I finished third overall in Monza and it felt incredible to grab my maiden GT Podium. Last but not least last month's weekend at Paul Ricard, scoring pole position and winning on my debut weekend outside of Italy was unreal!”
What are the circuits you most enjoy?
“I always loved Imola because of its flow and ups and downs. Spa seems a bit like a bigger version of it, so I can't wait to drive there next month. Monza is always a special place to race at too, and I'm curious to see what GT2 cars' top speeds will look like this year.”
Tamburini will next be in action for his home round at Misano for Round Two of the Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli over the weekend of 18/19 May. Follow all of the action live via GT World on YouTube and at the Fanatec GT2 website.