Alex Tagliani ready to begin Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup in Monza
Since its last outing at the Sprint race in Baku 2014, the Team Zakspeed is celebrating its return to the Blancpain GT Series at Monza.
NASCAR Media
The long-standing German team, which one time raced in Formula 1, starts in the highly competitive PRO class. Behind the wheel of the brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT3 is no other than the Canadian IndyCar and NASCAR Canada driver, Alex Tagliani. This season, Tagliani will be sharing the drive with fellow countryman, Jean-Frédéric Laberge.
For somebody like you who has been in the sport so long, is the season opener still something special?
“I am very excited about this season! It is this curiosity of racing in Europe,” said Tagliani. “The interest of trying new, amazing tracks with a lot of history on it. Zakspeed is part of that too. So for all these reasons it was clear to me that I should push this project. I have been doing some open-wheel racing for a long time and the interest of pursuing my career in GT cars is really serious. This is not something I am doing lightly. I want to do well!”
Tagliani to race in Monza, Italy
With his roots being Italian, Monza is the perfect track for Tagliani to celebrate his debut in the Blancpain GT Series.
“Obviously, racing in Monza and jumping out on track for the first time during the tests was really unique and special for me. Monza is a historical track and I got goosebumps just driving around. Ironically enough, I was driving a German car on an Italian track, but nevertheless I am a big fan of Mercedes,” the Canadian added.
Zakspeed races the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time this year, having had a string of success last year with the SLS GT3. Tagliani is aiming to represent the team in the best possible way and showcase his speed and professionalism.
“My goal is to put the Mercedes up front as many times as possible. I think the car is good. I really enjoy driving it and I am really grateful for the opportunity. I am very much in sync with my team-mates and we form a strong trio,” he said
This year will be a proofing ground for both Team Zakspeed and Alex Tagliani and the Canadian is taking his responsibly very seriously. “I really want to establish myself as one of the fastest drivers in the Blancpain GT Series and if I do this, I will end up helping Zakspeed and promoting the Mercedes brand. Then my mission is accomplished,” Tagliani concluded.
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