Gianni Morbidelli: “Winning the title was a team effort”

Gianni Morbidelli’s title winning season and his rivalry with the Mercedes squad thrilled the Superstars fans throughout the year. The Audi Sport Italia driver finally made it back to the top of the International Superstars Series after clinching the title in 2009, back then at the wheel of a BMW M3 E90.

Despite the season not being officially finished, with the last event of the series to take place in Franciacorta to crown the Italian Champion in two weeks, Morbidelli has taken some time to review his season.
“2013 started in a very difficult way for us. Brno and Slovakiaring were especially tough as I had a couple of DNFs, so my Mercedes rivals were able to catch up and open a gap”, said the Italian to TouringCarTimes.

With an impressive score of six race wins and a total of ten podiums, the Audi Sport Italia driver was able to raise his game back up to the top.
“We kept each other motivated, especially because we knew the car had a huge potential. We started scoring several wins and I was able to get to the Imola weekend tied on points with my closest rival, Thomas Biagi.”

The weekend at Imola, on the bank of the Santerno river, was crucial for Morbidelli’s eventual win.
“We had one of the most spectacular duels of the season and I managed to score several points in Imola, eventually getting to Vallelunga with a 33-points margin over Biagi. I was then able to manage that advantage and clinch the title with a podium in Race 1.”

Morbidelli hailed Vallelunga as the perfect set for his own fairytale to come to its happy ending.
“Celebrating such a major accomplishment as winning the International Superstars Series in front of so many people in Vallelunga was definitely exciting.”

The former F1 driver thanked his team for this year’s success in the Superstars series.
“I want to point out that this result has come thanks to the team’s support. Everything worked perfectly also thanks to the friendship that keeps us together. In the end, that turned out to be a game-changer.”

Morbidelli is eager to have fun as he tries to clinch the Italian title as well in Franciacorta, where he gets four points behind championship leader Vitantonio Liuzzi and his Mercedes.
“The Italian title would be the icing on the cake and we’re surely going for it, but having fun will be the main focus.”

Despite winning the title, the champion’s future is still yet to be decided.
“Strangely, this is the most difficult moment, when the lights go off and you have to work harder than ever for the following season. I still don’t know what 2014 will bring for me. I’m evaluating several options. Now I want to have some fun playing golf. It’s a sport I’ve been practicing for a long time as it really helps me out in terms of concentration, something that can be pivotal in motor racing. Then… we’ll see”.