The drama continued long after the chequered flag had fallen. Mičánek Motorsport powered by Buggyra secured its second European title at Monza, with Jakub Knoll and Renaud Kuppens crowned AM champions. The pair finished second in the race, keeping their main championship rival behind them.
Although the team celebrated the title on the pit wall and the podium, the result remained uncertain behind the scenes for another two hours. “At the start of the race, Renaud overtook a rival during the formation lap when the other driver suddenly slowed down. He then tried to give the position back, but the rival didn’t respond and stayed behind him. The incident was investigated for a long time, but race control eventually confirmed that there was nothing more we could have done. Had we received a penalty, we would have dropped to fourth place and lost the title,” explains team manager Jiří Mičánek, describing the dramatic battle behind the scenes.
There was no shortage of drama on the track either. Following technical problems on Saturday that left Knoll and Kuppens unclassified, the Czech-Belgian pairing went into the race with just a two-point championship lead. Rain began falling right at the start, with several drivers crashing or sliding off the wet circuit. The safety car remained on track for much of the opening stint. “In my opinion, it was unnecessary, especially at the beginning. We lost a lot of time when we could have been building an important lead,” says a frustrated Renaud Kuppens. During the driver change, the mechanics also switched tyres, leaving Jakub Knoll to complete the second stint on wets. He had to fend off rivals from his own class, including Stephan Lemeret, his main championship challenger.
Ultimately, the team’s second Lamborghini Huracán played a crucial role in defending Knoll’s position. Anthony Pretorius, already confirmed as European champion, stayed behind Knoll’s car until the finish, covering his back. “I’m glad I could help Kuba and Rupi win the title this way. I just tried to keep the others behind me and give Kuba the chance to hold his position,” says Pretorius, who eventually finished fifth. “On the one hand, it gave me peace of mind. On the other, I felt the pressure because the team had created these conditions for me, and I knew I couldn’t let them down,” explains Jakub Knoll.
Formánek and Pretorius ultimately finished seventh in the Pro-Am class. “This was perhaps our most demanding race weekend in several years. The number of challenges was incredible – an engine change, a problem with the replacement engine, rain, tyre changes, team strategy. The fact that we managed to overcome all of that and finish with two titles shows just how strong and well-coordinated we are. And also how well this team works together on a personal level,” concludes Jiří Mičánek.
The team, however, has little time to celebrate. On Saturday and Sunday, the European season finale will be followed by the World Final, where Mičánek Motorsport powered by Buggyra’s crews will take on the best drivers from all three continental Lamborghini Super Trofeo series.
