Rinaldi Racing is taking on an exciting challenge. On 25 July, the team will compete in the traditional “Total 24 Hours of Spa”.

With Marco Seefried, Norbert Siedler, Rinat Salikhov, and Stef Vancampenhoudt, a strong quartet of drivers will take the wheel of the fast Ferrari 458 Italia from Rinaldi Racing at the endurance classic in Belgium. The race twice around the clock on the 7.004-meter circuit forms the highlight of the Blancpain Endurance Series.

At the world’s biggest GT3 race on the demanding mountain and valley track in the Ardennes, around 60 participants will start in three different classes. “We are in the middle of the preparations for the season’s highlight and the entire team is already eagerly awaiting the start,” reports team boss Michele Rinaldi, adding: “For us, the start is something very special, because the best GT teams compete here and over a distance of 24 hours.” Rinaldi Racing has already shone throughout the Blancpain GT Series season with the Ferrari 458 Italia. In the Sprint Series races and also in the endurance races of the Endurance Series, the team from Mendig has already recorded strong podium successes and collected valuable points. “Of course we want to fight for podium places in the PRO-AM class at Spa as well, that’s quite clear,” Rinaldi is combative. “In the past, we have repeatedly shown how good our performance is. In Spa, however, the first priority is to reach the finish line.”

“Our top driver line-up is the basis for a successful race,” knows Marco Seefried. Together with Norbert Siedler and Rinat Salikhov, the GT pro will start with Stef Vancampenhoudt for the first time. For the Belgian, who is taking the wheel for the Ferrari team for the first time this season, the race in Spa is a home game. “We are delighted that Stef is supporting us in this important race,” said the team boss. “I have known him for some time. With his stints in the former FIA GT Championship and as an instructor, he brings a lot of experience to the team, not least through his participations in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Together with him, Marco, Norbert, and Rinat, we are perfectly positioned.”

The founding fathers of the legendary race were Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem. Only one year after the baptism of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race was held for the first time as early as 1924. From 1953 to 1981, the “Spa 24 Hours” were part of the Sports Car World Championship. For a few years now, the classic has been part of the popular Blancpain Endurance Series, to the delight of all fans.

For all sports car fans, a live stream and live timing are available on the internet at http://www.blancpain-gt-series.com/live. Eurosport broadcasts parts of the season highlight and summaries live on TV. The race starts on Saturday, 25 July at 4:30 p.m. and runs over a distance of 24 hours.