The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza hosted the final round of the 2024 Italian GT Endurance Championship. As in previous rounds of the championship, Alex Fontana was participating in the race together with the two AF Academy drivers Matej Knez and Patrick Hofmann, at the wheel of the Porsche 911 Cup 992 #292 entered by the Centri Porsche Ticino team in the second division of the GT Cup AM.
The Swiss driver took the first of the three qualifying sessions provided for by the championship format and, thanks to a time of 2:00.886, achieved 4th place in the GT Cup category, as well as the best time in his own division. The sum of Hofmann’s and Knez’s times allowed the team to confirm its second consecutive front row in the class with the 2nd fastest time.
The start was taken by German driver Hofmann, who found himself having to cope with a slightly damp circuit with little grip. The AF Academy driver managed to retain the crew’s 1st place despite several neutralisation phases and as many restarts. Knez also displayed excellent pace and was able to hand over the wheel of the Porsche 992 to Fontana still leading in the class standings. The Swiss driver then went on to set a race pace that was unmatched by his rivals, not only maintaining the lead but also climbing to 20th overall.
The Swiss driver took the first of the three qualifying sessions provided for by the championship format and, thanks to a time of 2:00.886, achieved 4th place in the GT Cup category, as well as the best time in his own division. The sum of Hofmann’s and Knez’s times allowed the team to confirm its second consecutive front row in the class with the 2nd fastest time.
The start was taken by German driver Hofmann, who found himself having to cope with a slightly damp circuit with little grip. The AF Academy driver managed to retain the crew’s 1st place despite several neutralisation phases and as many restarts. Knez also displayed excellent pace and was able to hand over the wheel of the Porsche 992 to Fontana still leading in the class standings. The Swiss driver then went on to set a race pace that was unmatched by his rivals, not only maintaining the lead but also climbing to 20th overall.
Moreover, thanks to a safety car in the middle phase of the race, the Centri Porsche Ticino team was able to gain a lap on all its rivals in the GT Cup AM second division, making the management of the final part of the race much easier. Alex Fontana took the chequered and victory on the Brianza circuit, only narrowly missing out on the championship title.
Alex Fontana
Alex Fontana
“It’s fantastic to see the AF Academy drivers improving race by race. We have continuously improved the team’s performance and finished the championship with two victories and two pole positions at important circuits such as Imola and Monza. I can only thank both the Centri Porsche Ticino team for the enormous support they have given us throughout the season and my teammates Matej and Patrick, whom I congratulate on their commitment and progress this year.”