Kessel Racing’s #74 Ferrari started GTWC Europe Race 1 in Valencia from overall pole after Dennis Marschall topped Qualifying 1. Marschall made a clean getaway, survived the chaotic opening laps, and built a gap of almost four seconds before the pit window. He controlled the pace at the front and handed the car to teammate Dustin Blattner, who rejoined still leading.
As the second half of the GTWC Europe Race 1 in Valencia unfolded, Blattner came under pressure from the faster Pro and Gold Cup contenders. The #69 Ferrari, the #63 Lamborghini, and the #58 McLaren all closed in and eventually moved ahead, pushing the Bronze Cup entry out of overall contention. Blattner kept the car steady to the finish and brought it home in thirteenth place overall. Despite dropping back, the #74 Ferrari secured a clear Bronze Cup victory and proved to be one of the most impressive performers of the race, having led strongly against higher-class rivals.
Blattner credits Marschall’s pace and focuses on consistency at Valencia
Blattner came away from the GTWC Europe Race 1 in Valencia satisfied with the team’s performance. He said he was pleased with the victory and emphasised how much of the result came down to his teammate, pointing to the pole lap and strong opening stint that set up the race. When he took over, his goal was to keep the car safe and steady. However, he did admit to struggling with the track limits. The measured approach paid off for Blattner and Marschall, securing class victory in the GTWC Europe Race 1 in Valencia and rewarding the team’s effort.
“Yeah, thank you. I mean, I’m happy that we got first place. And I would say most of the success is to Dennis with his mega qualifying as well as drive. That gave us quite an advantage for me to get in the car. And then just, yeah, let some of the faster cars by and just match track limits, which I think were the most difficult part with this track.”
Blattner hopes to carry momentum from Race 1 into Sunday’s battle
Looking ahead to the GTWC Europe Race 2 in Valencia, Blattner struck a balance between caution and optimism. When asked what he could take from the first race, he admitted that it was difficult to tell but made it clear that the team would use the lessons learned to their advantage. For Blattner, the focus now shifts to building on the momentum of the class win, staying consistent in qualifying, and giving Kessel Racing the best chance to fight at the front of the Bronze Cup once again.
“I mean, it’s tough to say, to be honest, but hopefully, I can take the experience from today and have a good qualifying and hopefully put us in a good position for tomorrow.”
