Three seasons ago, the Flying Finn Konsta Lappalainen, age of 22, made his debut in GT World Challenge racing series. In season 2022 he collect bronze medal in European Endurance series and now in season 2024 continues as swizz Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3-driver in GT World Challenge Sprint series. Team and car is familiar from season 2023 but co-driver is new as Lappalainen competes with season 2021 DTM Champion, british Ben Green.
– In season 2023 races we made small but crusial mistakes which cost us medal position in the highly competitive racing series. Now in season 2024 edition we must have learnt our lessions and therefore I strongly believe that me and Ben Green are very competiive duo. Furthermore as we all know the five circuits from previous seasons, our goals to collect medal positions are realistic, Lappalainen shares his thoughts.
One GT World Challenge Sprint racing weekend includes two practice sessions, qualifying and two one hour races. Two drivers shares the seat and therefore each driver shows his talent in 30 minute stint. In season 2024 the series includes 38 teams which 11 competes in PRO-group.
– A year ago I took the step to compete in PRO-group and immediately noticed that even few seconds too slow pit stop cost us four positions. The cars are very equal compared to each others and therefore the skills of the drivers makes the difference. This is why we need to give maximum every time the car is on the circuit. We cannot rest until the weekend is over. I also know the experience what I have gained in previous seasons has now to be utilized as our goals are set for podiums in each race, Lappalainen continues.
Preparation for the forthcoming season got underway in first weekend of March in series official tests at French circuit of Le Castellet. Endurance series starts in first weekend of April and Sprint series one month later. There is also another Flying Finn competing in the series as Patrick Kujala drives in Bronze category.
GT World Challenge Sprint 2024:
– 04.-05.05.2024: Brands Hatch (Great Britain)
– 17.-19.05.2024: Misano (Italy)
– 19.-21.07.2024: Hockenheim (Germany)
– 23.-25.08.2024: Magny-Cours (France)
– 11.-13.09.2024: Barcelona (Spain)
Konsta Lappalainen best career results:
– 2022: ADAC GT Masters: BRONZE
– 2022: GT World Challenge Europe Endurance: BRONZE
– 2021: GT World Challenge Europe Sprint: 14th
– 2020: Formula-3 Regional Europe: 6th
– 2018: F4 NEZ Championship: CHAMPION
– 2018: Formula Academy Finland: 4th
– 2017: Formula STCC Nordic: SILVER
– 2016: Karting / OK: FINNISH CHAMPION
– 2015: Karting / KFJ: 4th
– 2013: Karting / Mini 60: FINNISH CHAMPION
