Patrese to Sub for Franco in Conquest Ferrari at Laguna Seca

Photo: Conquest Racing

Lorenzo Patrese will sub for Manny Franco at the wheel of Conquest Racing’s GTD entry for next weekend’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Patrese, the son of Riccardo Patrese, will make his first sprint round start with the Eric Bachelart-led team, aboard the No. 34 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo alongside Albert Costa.

The 20-year-old FIA Silver-rated Italian driver has been part of the team’s Michelin Endurance Cup lineup this year.

Franco is unavailable for the first two-hour and 40-minute race of the season for personal reasons.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to race at such a legendary track,” said Patrese.  “I’m excited to get started and very happy to be back with the team sooner than expected.

“Albert and I make a strong pairing for this race, and I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”

Conquest is coming off its first podium finish of the season in last weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where Franco and Costa scored a third place class result.

Bachelart added: “With Manny unavailable for Laguna Seca, I am pleased that Lorenzo will step in for the sprint race, and we will look to build on our podium result at Long Beach with another strong weekend.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John