Blog
Italian racer Giacomo Ghermandi is back in TCR Eastern Europe, this time with Audi RS3 LMS TCR, and has high hopes for this season. Although he is well aware of the serious competition and hot favorites, Ghermandi doesn’t want to be just another participant in the field.
Giacomo, you have raced in TCR Eastern Europe in the past. What made you come back?
In 2021, I raced in the TCR Eastern Europe, making my debut as a driver in a full season. I was a rookie, and I have great memories of that season. A piece of my heart has remained on these tracks. Now the championship has grown; it’s more competitive, and there are interesting drivers, so I’m happy to come back!
How are you looking forward to this season?
I expect a really close season; the level of the drivers is really interesting! Homola and Semerád are favorites, Steibel will aim high, Čížek will want to confirm the performance of last year! Team Vukovic has the fastest car in the group… and I have listed just a few; they are all drivers who will fight every race for the win and the podium! It’s very exciting!
You’ll be driving the new Audi RS3 LMS. I assume you’ve driven the car before. How does it compare to the Cupra you raced in the past?
There aren’t big differences between the Cupra Leon Competición and the new Audi RS3. The feeling is very similar, and also the lap times: we’re doing well in the tests, but only the track will give the answer!
Your team is officially called Scuderia Ghermandi by Lema Racing. So, in what form does your collaboration with Lema Racing work?
I owe Mirco and Lema Racing the opportunity to race first in TCR EE and then in TCR Europe last year! We have grown a lot together; the team is close-knit, and for this reason, we renewed the partnership this winter. Scuderia Ghermandi takes care of Media, Marketing, Events, and Social management, while Lema Racing works to make the car faster!
You are fully focused on TCR EE, but you are also planning to start in TCR Italy. Can you compare the two championships? The competition, the tracks…?
After TCR Europe, the two most important championships in Europe are TCR EE and TCR Italy; the level is very high in both. Italy has more cars, but it’s a national championship; TCR EE is international and uses Kumho tires, the same as in the TCR Europe. Italy has an important motorsport tradition and the most beautiful tracks in the world, while Eastern Europe has lots of fans and technical and fascinating tracks! I love both!
What are your goals for this season in TCR EE?
We come back a year after my debut… we come with great respect to do our best… but we don’t come just to participate!
