24H Series: Late clash costs win at barcelona

The final round of 24H Series Esports got underway at the weekend with the 12 Hours of Barcelona, a stern endurance test in mixed class that tests mind and machine.

The event got off to an excellent start qualifying up near the front, where Dino Lombardi was able to settle into a nice rhythm and work together with the MSI Esports Porsche to best manage the gap to those behind, and navigate the tricky traffic.

Yannick Lapchin took over and as the race went on, it seemed likely that eventually there would be an issue with traffic. Managing the risk without losing too much time is a tricky business at the best of times, and this was a perfect case in point.

Amongst the race, many drivers would be involved in an incident, or a close call. For us, we would earn a small penalty and have a drama when it came to serving it, meaning further lost time. Through some strong driving through the field, and managing the ever present tyre strategy, we brought ourselves within striking distance of the lead, before disaster struck.

The BS+ Competition BMW would lose control in front of Dino, and upon rejoining the track mid-slide, the BMW would just slightly tag our Porsche and pushing Dino into an improbable position. Ultimately it was impossible for Dino to arrest the speed, and the Porsche hit the inside wall causing significant damage and subsequent speed for the remaining hours and fifteen minutes.

At this point we knew the race was over, and had to settle for the best result possible and hoping that the car would hold on for the finish. As it happens, the car eventually would overheat on the final lap, however we had done enough to cross the line in fourth place despite the failure.

04.03.2023, 24H SERIES ESPORTS, Round 6, Barcelona, #43, Altus Esports Porsche 911 GT3 R: Aaron Vazquezz, Carlos Fenollosa, Dino Lombardi, Tristan Iglesias, William Chadwick, Yannick Lapchin, iRacing

The long and the short of it

Overall it was a disappointing end to what was a promising race. The championship had been a bumpy ride however with new recruits Matteo Ugolotti and Dino Lombardi shining in the late season push, we have every right of being excited ahead of next season, where we were able to guarantee our place thanks to our Top 5 championship position.