The #69 Ferrari, driven by Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham, impressed in Valencia by securing the first overall win for a Gold Cup entry in the 2025 GTWC Europe Sprint Cup. In a chaotic Race 1 marked by early crashes and multiple safety car periods, the Emil Frey Racing and Verstappen.com duo of Vermeulen and Lulham delivered an exceptional performance that not only won them their class but also the race outright.
Clean start sets the tone
The tone for the race was set in the opening stint by Thierry Vermeulen, who had to recover after a challenging qualifying session saw him start P10 on the grid, though as the second car in the Gold Cup. Nevertheless, he executed a controlled and calculated drive, climbing eight places and navigating through the opening lap chaos that eliminated several championship contenders.
“It was good. I made it a bit difficult for myself with the quali, but we had a really clean first stint,” said Vermeulen. “I mean, [I] stayed out of trouble the first time. Then the restart, [I] got by the McLaren. Then, we knew that we were strong in the second half, so tried to stay as close as I could to the other Gold Car, and that’s exactly what they did.”
Not only did Vermeulen hold his nerve during the opening stint, but he also smartly positioned the car for the second half of the race. As the pit window opened and chaos continued elsewhere on the track, the Emil Frey crew delivered a decisive pit stop that handed the lead over to Chris Lulham. While pleased with his own performance, Vermeulen was quick to praise the team for their strong efforts.
“The team came through with the pit stop and massive smiles. That’s what we all did it for, also with Verstappen.com Racing. Massive thanks to them, the whole Emil Frey Racing crew. First win of the season for them as well, and they really deserve it, everyone in the team.”
Lulham controls the race to the finish
Once in the car, Lulham showed remarkable composure under pressure. He emerged from the pits at the front of the pack, fended off challengers, and then extended his lead during the final stint — all while navigating a Full Course Yellow and late-race restarts.
“Yeah, absolutely. I don’t really know what to say,” Lulham said after the race. “I mean, the team pulled through with a quick pit stop to take the lead in the Gold Cup, but also overall. And then I had to deal with the Full Course Yellow, but everything was good. The car was really amazing, and I was able to extend the gap even a little bit. I couldn’t be happier.”
When asked if his performance in Valencia could be considered a career-defining moment, Lulhum replied, “I hope so, yeah.”
Indeed, Lulham held his lead through the final laps, even as a charging Jordan Pepper in the #63 Lamborghini challenged for second place. In the end, Lulham crossed the line over nine seconds ahead of the field, cementing a landmark result for the Gold Cup class.
Team spirit and execution make the difference
While many top contenders faltered in the opening chaos — including the Sprint Cup leaders in the #32 BMW and the #59 McLaren — the #69 Ferrari stayed cool and focused. Their combined effort showcased the perfect blend of tactical nous, technical execution, and raw pace.
It was more than just a standout day for the drivers — it was a highlight for the entire Emil Frey Racing outfit, who secured their first overall Sprint Cup win of the season with a performance that resonated across the paddock.
Eyes on Race 2: “The first 50% is done”
However, though the #69 crew enjoyed the spotlight after Race 1, their attention quickly turned to the Sprint Cup finale’s second race in Valencia. Vermeulen hinted at improvements to come and a renewed push for another strong result.
“Yeah, exactly. The first 50% is done. I think we’ve got a good car underneath us. We know where to learn from my qualifying, and then we’ll apply that tomorrow, and I’m feeling very confident. But for now, we enjoyed the moment.”
After such a commanding and historic victory, the #69 Ferrari has not only added their names to the record books but also thrown down the gauntlet for Race 2.
