Heat, Strategy & Survival – GRT Grasser Racing Team Battles Through Misano Sprint Cup

Misano Adriatico, Italy – The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli hosted Round 5 of the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup this weekend, delivering high temperatures, intense track action, and moments of real endurance.
The 4.226 km long circuit, named after MotoGP legend Marco Simoncelli, is known for its 16 corners, fast chicanes, and technical layout, where overtaking is limited, and precision is key.

Adding to the challenge were the extreme weather conditions: clear skies, little wind, and up to 34°C ambient temperature pushed both man and machine to the limit. The track surface reached over 50°C, creating a physical and mental test for all drivers. Especially during Full Course Yellow phases, with reduced airflow in the cockpit, drivers were stretched to their absolute limits – some close to collapsing under the heat stress.

With the GRT Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, in partnership with Mountain Wolf and Liqui Moly, the team showed strong pace during Free Practice and Pre-Qualifying on Friday. But from Saturday onwards, BoP adjustments made life more difficult, particularly against the BMW competitors, who benefitted from the specific track characteristics in Misano.

In Qualifying 1, Jordan Pepper and Luca Engstler put the #63 Lamborghini into P10 overall, setting the team up for a solid starting position on Saturday.

Race 1 saw both drivers pushing hard, navigating through the hot and tight midfield pack to secure a strong P8 finish overall.

On Sunday, the challenges continued. Qualifying 2 placed the team in P17 overall, forcing the crew into comeback mode for Race 2. Just 15 minutes after the race start, a dramatic incident unfolded involving the #1 GRT –Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini, shared by Georgi Donchev and Christian Engelhart.

Donchev was hit from the side by a BMW in the high-speed section in sector 3, resulting in a heavy crash into the barriers. The impact ruptured the fuel tank, causing a massive fireball and explosion.

Miraculously, Donchev escaped with only minor burns to his hand, but the incident led to a Red Flag and a 1.5-hour delay for barrier repairs. It was one of the most dramatic moments of the season so far, leaving the entire paddock in shock.

After the restart – with 44:44 minutes remaining, the #63 Lamborghini fought back to P11 overall and P7 in class, wrapping up a weekend that tested every element of endurance, resilience, and teamwork. Overall still a weekend where we managed bringing home a few important Sprint Cup points.

The next round of the GT World Challenge Sprint Cup will take place at Magny-Cours in France.
There, Jordan Pepper, Luca Engstler, and the entire GRT Grasser Racing Team will look to restart the hunt for points and begin their comeback in the Sprint Cup standings.

Sprint racing is about fighting through the toughest conditions and the Wolf pack is ready for the next round.

Photos: © SRO Motorsports Group / Gruppe C Photography