Michele Rinaldi’s team runs two Duqueine D08 in the 2022 Prototype Cup Germany. The team principal sums up the season so far and reveals what he likes about LMP3 racing and the series.

In Rinaldi Racing, the Prototype Cup Germany welcomed an internationally renowned team to its field. The team from Mendig near the Nürburgring fields a Duqueine D08 for Oscar Tunjo (26/COL) and Mateo Villagomez (20/ECU), and also looks after a second car for Leonard Weiss (24/Monschau) and Torsten Kratz (51/Mönchengladbach, both WTM Racing). As team principal Michele Rinaldi explains, the team feels right at home in the series, which was only launched this season: “The race format is ideal for two drivers. Each one gets his time at the wheel and gets to experience a race start. The series is obviously in its early stages, but it is on the right track.”

From a sporting perspective, things have worked out well so far for Rinaldi Racing in the Prototype Cup Germany. Weiss/Kratz made it onto the podium twice at the first attempt, courtesy of second and third place at the opening round at Spa-Francorchamps. The South American pairing of Tunjo/ Villagomez backed this up with a podium at each of the race weekends at the Nürburgring and the DEKRA Lausitzring. “We were thrilled that the #33 made it onto the podium at the Nürburgring,” says team principal Rinaldi, referring to the highlight of the season so far. “It was the first time in an LMP3 car for both drivers, and actually the first time at the Nürburgring for one of them.”

Rinaldi-Racing has been involved in motorsport since 2010, since when it has run GT3 cars – initially Porsche and later Ferrari – in various European championships. In 2021, the team lined up at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours with a Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. The move to LMP3 racing had come the previous year.

“After years of running Ferrari GT3 cars in the field of customer racing, we were looking for an alternative for our customers to take part in more affordable and attractive motorsport,” says Rinaldi, describing the reasons behind the move to the prototype segment. “We opted for LMP3 racing, because the cars are faster, more thoroughbred race cars, more cost-effective and, above all, all the cars are the same. Furthermore, LMP3 racing is, in the broadest sense, tailor-made for Amateur/Bronze drivers.”

The Prototype Cup Germany, which was established in 2022, was just right for the team from Mendig. As well as outings in the Michelin Le Mans Cup and the Asian Le Mans Series, the outfit expanded its LMP3 programme to include the Germany-based series. “We wanted to run our LMP3 cars in multiple series. When Creventic and the ADAC launched the Prototype Cup Germany, it suited us nicely. LMP3 cars are not yet so familiar, particularly in Germany. This gave us the opportunity to go racing on our doorstep,” says Rinaldi, referring to the new championship.

Rinaldi Racing is looking to put on another great show when the Hockenheimring hosts the season finale from 21st to 23rd October. “We would love to still be in contention for the championship, but our focus is on the Trophy and Junior competitions,” says the team principal, indicating the strategy for Weiss/Kratz at the circuit near Heidelberg. “This is still the first season in an LMP3 car for our two South American drivers. Their goal is to learn as much as possible, but also to achieve good results.”

The 2023 season in the Prototype Cup Germany already plays a role in the plans of Rinaldi Racing. “Together with WTM Racing, we will try to promote the series, so that LMP3 hits the ground running in Germany. I would love to see more cars on the grid next year,” says a positive Michele Rinaldi.