Balzan: Conquest Using “All the Tools” to Improve 296 GT3

Photo: Fabian Lagunas/SRO

Alessandro Balzan feels like Conquest Racing is using “all the tools” it has to make steady improvements with the Ferrari 296 GT3 package although have continued to face Balance of Performance-related struggles with the new-for-2023 contender.

The Italian and co-driver Manny Franco sit fifth in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS Pro class points standings entering this weekend’s double-header at Road America, following an up-and-down season.

While highlighted by podium runs at Sonoma Raceway and NOLA Motorsports Park, the team lost its primary car in an accident at Circuit of The Americas in May, which led to a replacement chassis being brought in at Virginia International Raceway.

“We started off great last year with the debut at Sebring with the [Ferrari] 488 and we had a podium in our very first outing in GT3,” Balzan told Sportscar365.

“In the winter we tested a lot. The new 296 GT3, we were one of the very few teams that were able to receive the car pretty early.

“We had some great results, with podiums at Sonoma and NOLA was great. COTA was very heartbreaking for us; we totaled our car.

“I think at VIR we were struggling a little bit to have the balance with the brand-new chassis.

“This is a track that I think the car can be very competitive but we need to be able to at least match the other cars’ top speed.”

Thursday’s test sessions at Road America saw the Ferrari struggle on acceleration and top speed, two points that Balzan said has largely been the case for most of the season.

He cites not only SRO Motorsports Group’s Balance of Performance but the general conservative approach a number of sanctioning bodies have taken with new GT3 cars this year.

“A little bit everywhere in the world, the 296 has been really struggling with acceleration and top speed,” Balzan said.

“It’s not because the car is not capable of, it’s the strategy of the new cars are from the championship organizers.

“It’s the same issue with other brands with new cars. It’s funny to see the old car is quicker than the new car. It’s pretty interesting.

“I’m still having fun to drive. It’s great to be back to a full season. We’re trying to do our best and work on what we have.”

Despite the performance deficit, Balzan has praised the work done by the Eric Bachelart-led crew.

“I’m very happy because everyone on the team is giving 110 percent,” he said. “I think we’re using all the tools we have right now.

“At one point there are some things you cannot control and you just have to deal with them.

“It’s part of the business and game. I’ve never been in a situation like this before but I think we’re really trying our best and we are trying to use all of the resources and equipment we have.”

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