Auby in Superstars field at Kyalami
South African V8 Supercar champion Brandon Auby is a lone representative of the host country among 16 entrants in the final round of the
International Superstars Series for V8 production cars at Kyalami this weekend.
The Italian-based series for 500 bhp, four-door, production-based saloon cars returns to Kyalami for the second year in a row for its
season finale. It will share top billing this weekend with the final round of the WesBank Super Series of national circuit racing
championships.
Race fans can expect a no-holds-barred battle between BMW and Mercedes for top honours in what will be the seventh round of this
international series. Heading the list of entries are current championship leader Thomas Biagi of Italy (Italia BMW M3) and countryman Luigi
Ferrara (CAAL Mercedes C63), who is second and 41 points in arrears with 43 on offer.
The two main contenders will be facing some tough competition for the final event of 2010 from British former Formula 1 driver Johnny
Herbert (Motorzone Chevrolet CR8), who is currently ninth in the championship, and former Superstars champion Max Pigoli (Romeo Ferraris
Mercedes C63), third in the points standings and just nine behind Ferrara.
"After having won the Italian title, doubling-up in the International Superstars Series would bring a fantastic season to the best
possible ending," said Thomas Biagi. "A great way to celebrate my first year in a championship with a different type of philosophy
than endurance racing. My points' advantage coming to South Africa will give me some breathing room, though I know you cannot take anything
for granted. Everybody got a great example of that with the final race of the Formula 1 World Championship. I'll be running on the attack.
I've never been at Kyalami and I'm training with the simulator. I think this kind of racetrack, with its mixed sections, could be really
suitable for our BMWs. On the other hand, I'll be carrying a 60-kg compensation ballast, unlike Ferrara, who'll be running with no extra
weight."
"I'm satisfied with my first season in the Superstars Series," said Luigi Ferrara. "I got a great feeling with the team,
and all the development work we did through the season definitely paid some dividends. I won four races, proving I could be outright
competitive. I know that the tables might be turning in my favour at Kyalami. I've never raced there but I know that the track's main
features, the up and downs and a twisty section, might be more favourable for Audi and BMW. We'll be lining up with a completely rebuilt
engine, and during the latest test held at Magione in Italy the car proved faster than ever on lap times. I'm keeping cool and looking
forward to the race: I'm used to making some good comebacks and I'll do everything I can to fight for the title."
Strong challenges will also come from youngster Ivan Tramontozzi, who replaces Stefano Gabellini in a works Italia BMW M3, by the
father-and-son duo of Federico and Marco Bonamico (sharing a Motorzone Chev Lumina) and by Superstars rookie Riccardo Bossi (Audi RS4).
Auby, who will be at the wheel of a Motorzone Chevrolet alongside Herbert and the Bonamicos, will have home track advantage. His debut
appearance in the Superstars series follows a successful test with the Gregg Murphy Racing Team in an Australian V8 Championship Holden at
the Winton Raceway near Melbourne.
Qualifying for the Superstars series over 30 minutes will take place from 15h00 on Saturday. The first of the two 25-minute plus one lap
races will get under way at 11h45 on Sunday and will be followed by the rolling start for the second race at 15h15.