First Stage of Blancpain Race Weekends at Monza

In 13 to 15 April, 2012, in Monza, Italy, has launched the first stage of the car racing Blancpain Race Weekends.
The National Autodrome Monza (Italian Autodromo Nazionale di Monza) - a speedway, located near the town of Monza in Italy, north of Milan. As one of the oldest racetracks of the world, it has a rich history with elements of legendary.

The track is best known for holding the Italian Grand Prix Formula 1, and is notable for the fact that pilots pass it on high, in general, speed, due to the long straight sections. It is the fast track today of "Formula 1", on it is set records for top speed and speed on the circle. It is believed that this route is more demanding on the aerodynamic qualities of the machine and engine power, rather than to the skill of the rider.
Racing series Blancpain Race Weekends is organized by the Royal Belgian automobile clubs and SRO Group (the company Stephen Ratel), for racing category GT3 and GT4.

To participate in the races have filed 56 sports cars from such manufacturers as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Dodge, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, Chevrolet, Jeanette, Nissan, Ford, BMW, Alpina, Lotus and McLaren, and 159 drivers. In the races there are competed 17 machines of the brand Lamborghini LP560-4, demonstrating an increased interest on the part of drivers and stakeholders to the races. Bad weather - heavy rain and low temperatures - not weaken the will of participants to victory in the 5793-meter track.
The Italian rider, and 9-time world champion Valentino Rossi, debuted in GT racing, fighting for first place on the car Ferrari 458 Italia.
Format of racing is also liked by former F1 driver Karl Vendlinger (AUT) and Mark Blundell (GBR). Contestants have once again demonstrated the high class and professionalism.

The first honorable place team was won by Bas Leinders (BEL) / Maxime Martin (BEL) / Markus Palttala (FIN), who participated in the BMW Z4. Second place was taken by Marco Bonamoni (ITA) / Edward Sandström (SWE) / Laurens Vanthoor (BEL) on a sporty car Audi R8 LMS. And the third place went to team Koen Wauters (BEL) / Anthony Kumpen (BEL) / Karl Wendlinger (AUT), on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3.
In 2012, a series of Blancpain Endurance Series will take place on the European circuit: 6 weekends and a 3-hour race on Sunday. Marc Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, will again take part in the next race at Silverstone on 2-3 June 2012 on a car Lamborghini Gallardo LP600 +.
Official website of Blancpain watches.