Grey skies again over the south of France on the second day of racing in the first round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe, but the 296 Challenge cars and their drivers were able to show all their qualities on the track in two fascinating contests that remained uncertain until the end. We listened to the winners and their emotions after the podium ceremony.

A perfect return to the Prancing Horse single-marque series for Sergio Paulet (Ineco – Reparto Corse RAM) who, after his second pole position, also secured a second victory: “A truly extraordinary round,” he says, “in which we really worked well. I hope to improve even more and I can’t wait for the next round at the Mugello Circuit”.

Sergio Paulet, Trofeo Pirelli winner

Michael Verhagen also celebrated for the second time during the race weekend on the top step of the podium. “Thanks to everyone, I’m really happy. It was a difficult race in which I also made a small mistake,” he says, “and I’m sorry I touched Del Favero, to whom I apologise. With the penalty I had to push even harder and I’m happy I managed to finish first”.

Michael Verhagen, Trofeo Pirelli Am winner

For Eric Cheung (Formula Racing) the Paul Ricard round represents an extraordinary return after his absence from the Ferrari Challenge during the 2025 sporting season. The Canadian driver recounts the emotions of getting back into the 296 Challenge: “It has been an extraordinary weekend,” he says, “and I have to thank everyone for the support, from the team to the mechanics. And a special thanks to my wife”.

Eric Cheung, Coppa Shell winner

A pair of wins in Coppa Shell Am for Lukas Azzato (Kessel Racing), making his debut in the series, who in addition to expressing his joy for the successes, underlines “the beauty of the Ferrari Challenge and thanks to the entire Kessel Racing team”.

Lukas Azzato, Coppa Shell Am winner