Season 2020: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe & Various Rallyes

GTM Motorsport Racing Season Calendar & Results

Season 2020: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe & Various Rallyes

Time of event	Event name and location	Result	Report
19.-20.01.2020	Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemi, Finland	10.	Report
07.-09.08.2020	Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano Adriatico, Italy	4th & 4th	Report
04.-05.09.2020	Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nürburgring, Germany	3rd & 3rd	Report
09.-11.10.2020	Lamborghini Super Trofeo Barcelona, Spain	2nd & 3rd	Report
20.-24.10.2020	Lamborghini Super Trofeo SPA-Francorchamps, Belgium	2nd & 3rd	Report
13.-15.11.2020	Lamborghini Super Trofeo Paul Ricard, France	3rd & 2nd	Report

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe 2020 final standings 10/10 rounds: PRO-AM-group, top-10:
1. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrew Lewandowski (POL), 147 points
2. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), 102 points
3. Lorenzo Bontempelli (ITA), 81 points
4. Loris Spinelli (ITA) & Gerard van der Horst (NDL), 49 points
5. Bronislav Formanek (CZE), 40 points
6. Damiano Fioravanti (ITA), 37 points
7. Victor Coelho Franzoni da Silva (BRZ), 28 points
8. Olli Kangas (FIN) & Yuki Nemoto (JPN), 26 points
9. Josef Zaruba (CZE), 23 points
10. Vincent Schwatz (DEU) & Franz Konrad (DEU), 22 points

20.1.2020 - Mikko Eskelinen and co-driver Arto Kapanen fullfilled their goals in Arctic Lapland Rally - Despite brake problems the Winter Wonderland rally adventure was a big enjoyment

In season 2003 Mitsubishi Ralliart build total 17 Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Rally Cars. Chassis number 16 is located in Finland and the car is owned by Mikko Eskelinen. At the moment Chassis number 16 is the only one which is in active rallying as Mikko with his co-driver Arto Kapanen competed in 55th edition of Arctic Lapland Rally with ex-works World Rally Car.

In traditional "Winter Rally Grand Prix" Arctic Lapland rally, which included 10 fast-paced and tricky special stages and 201,73 special stage kilometres Eskelinen and Kapanen kept their promoses and finished the Arctic adventure in top-10 position.

Season 2020 got a highly desired start as several Finnish Rally Champion and many who wants to collect the title had upgraded their car into Skoda Fabia R5 EVO. Therefore it wasn't a surprise that top-3 positions in FRC1-group were collected with the new car and in total of top-9 positions were driven with new or old specifications Skoda Fabia R5 rally car.

- Before the event I told that with season 2003 specifications World Rally Car cannot match to a modern R5-group car. But because from season 2008 on I've greatly enjoyed competing in this rally, I couln't be away from it. Therefore our goals were set only for the enjoyment and that is what we surely got, Eskelinen tells.

- My 14th Arctic Lapland Rally was a big adventure as we also collect top-10 position and were fastest non-R5-car in group of FRC1. Five Finnish Rally Championship points among multiple Finnish Rally Champions and young new guns is an excellent results for a driver who is nearly turning into senior age, Eskelinen continues.

FRC1-group was won by reigning Finnish Rally Champion Teemu Asunmaa, who dramatically took the winning position in final stage of the rally as leader Emil Lindholm made a mistake and dropped into third position. Overall winner of the rally was Toyota Gazoo Racing manufacturer driver Kalle Rovanperä. Mercedez AMG Fomula-1 driver Valtteri Bottas was 9th fastest in overall classifications.

Mikko Eskelinen doesn't drive in other Finnish Rally Championship events as he now focuses for the international racing season which starts in April.

- For the past 12 seasons I've enjoyed a lot in rallying and in international racing arenas. Therefore season 2020 will be the same as there are some things still to be improve; In season I won Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian Championship series and in season 2019 I collect bronze medal in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series. For me Arctic Lapland Rally has been a traditional season opener and it'll continue to be so also in next year, Eskelinen shared his thoughts.

Season 2020 racing plans will be published in first weeks of Fenruary 2002.

Final results 55th Arctic Lapland Rally 2020: FRC1-group, top-3:
1. Kalle Rovanperä & Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Yaris WRC, 1:38:02,8
2. Teemu Asunmaa & Jani Salo, Skoda Fabia R5 Evo, +3:27,6sec
3. Eerik Pietarinen & Miikka Anttila, Skoda Fabia R5 Evo, +4:15,9sec
4. Emil Lindholm & Mikael Korhonen, Skoda Fabia R5 Evo, +4:38,9sec
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9. Valtteri Bottas & Timo Rautiainen, Citroën DS3 WRC, +9:54,1sec
10. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, +10:22,8sec

9.8.2020 - Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen two times 4th fastest in Misano - Competition for 2nd position was concluded in final corner of the race

Season 2020 of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Racing series got underway in italian circuit of Misano Adriatico as 23 competitors measured their skills in intense summer heat. Flying Finns Mikko Eskelinen and his team mate Elias Niskanen accomplished two times 4th highest Championship points and is in 4th position in overall standings as there are still eight rounds to go.

First race of the season was driven in pitch black night conditions. In heavy darkness the Finns were't able to challenge their rivals and were forced to satisfy for 4th highest Championshio points. In 2nd race, which was driven on Sunday midday Mikko and Elias had a huge competition for podium positions as at the end of the race the car which was driven by Loris Spinelli and Gerard van der Horst had a small mistake which dropped them just in front of Finns. As Eskelinen was able to catch van der Horst, also Damiano Fioravanti was able to catch Eskelinen. After 50 minutes of intense racing Eskelinen made his move in the final corner of the race. However at the same time Fioravanti made his move and was able to pass Eskelinen. Therefore Finns were left again to 4th position.

Third Finn of the series, Olli Kangas, suffered a puncture and in 6th lap had to retire the event.

- We were too cautious at first race and therefore we decided to improve our pace for the second race as I started it from 10th position in overall classifications. For whole of my stint I was able to match my speed against fellow competitors and delivered the car to Mikko in 3rd position in PRO-AM group which he was able to defend until final corner of the race. Even we were left without trophies we're still very happy for the start of the highly competitive season, Elias Niskanen tells.

- Young Finn Elias Niskanen made a superb debut as he had a trouble-free stints and therefore gave a show of his talents which was also seen in Lamborghini Squadra Corse as they had chosen him to be a part of their Junior Program. Even we lost the podiums in very narrow margin, the results were very promising and therefore we believe that we will be more competitive in forthcoming events. Lets' hope that the Europe will stay safe in this era of pandemia and therefore we could drive for the whole season as planned, Eskelinen continues.

Next two rounds of Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series are to be driven in first weekend of September in traditional german circuit of Nurburgring. Saksan perinteikkäällä Nurburgringin GP-radalla.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano 2020, 1st race, 8.8.2020, PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Karol Batz (POL) & Andrzej Lewandowski (POL), 31 laps
2. Loris Spinelli (ITA) & Gerard Van der Horst (NDL), +32,255 sec
3. Damiano Fioravanti (ITA) & Lorenzo Bontempelli (ITA), +39,274 sec
4. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +1:09,247 sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano 2020, 2nd race, 9.8.2020, PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Karol Batz (POL) & Andrzej Lewandowski (POL), 31 kierrosta
2. Loris Spinelli (ITA) & Gerard Van der Horst (NDL), +49,124sek
3. Damiano Fioravanti (ITA) & Lorenzo Bontempelli (ITA), +49,566sek
4. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +49,923sek

6.9.2020 - Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen two times on Podium at Nurburgring - Finns entered into battle of medals in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series

In first weekend of September 2020 the second weekend of International Lamborghini Super Trofeo racing series was driven in traditional German circuit of Nurburgring. In two 50 minute events Finns Mikko Eskelinen and Elias Niskanen made superb job and collect two podiums in very intense and tricky races.

In first event Finns were 2,921 seconds faster than 4th fastest fellow competitors and in second event they celebrated the podium with very narrow 0,475 gap to their best rivals for the bronze medal positions. Unyielding performances brought first-ever GT-podium positions for Elias Niskanen, while for Mikko Eskelinen, who is driving for the sixth year in a row and has achieved several international motorsport championships in his career, the podiums were numbers 41 and 42.

In both events, the Finnish duo avoided all problems and achieved their goals with a successful competition strategy. A month ago in the previous round, which was driven in italian circuit of Misano, Niskanen and Eskelinen were twice fourth fastest as now they improved their positions with one position. Although neither Elias, Mikko nor any other competitor could do anything for the two fastest car classes in the PRO-AM class, the Finns celebrated the podium like winners of the races.

- Our goal was to minimize the mistakes we made in Misano and otherwise to avoid problems and drama. As we were able to keep the third positions during the whole race until chequered flag, it can be said that we did our best performance of our careers in both races. I was able to keep my position and as Mikko made one of the smoothest and fastest performance of his long career we could two times beat our rival italian team drivers. I'm very happy for my as well as my team mate performance and Leipert Motorsport support which delivered me my first-ever podium positions in GT-cars. It really taste like victories, Elias Niskanen tells.

- Once again Elias showed why he's a Lamborghini Squadra Corse Junior Program driver as he did perfectly the job we had expected from him. He had a great start for the first corner and otherwise he, again, did not make a single mistake during the weekend. I'm very happy also for my own performance and therefore this weekend gave us the self-confidence we really needed as we're now just one point behind our worst rivals in bronze medal battle, Mikko Eskelinen continues.

Overall winners in first race of Nürburgring were british Dean Stoneman and his italian team mate Kikko Galbiati. In second race winners were danish Kevin Rosselin and his italian team mate Alberto di Folco. In PRO-AM group polish Karol Basz and his fellow countryman Andrej Lewandowski leads the series after four races. Italian Loris Spinelli and dutch team mate Gerard van der Horst is in second position. Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen are just one point behind third position which is currently held by italian Damiano Fioravanti and Lorenzo Bontempelli.

Next two rounds are to be driven in second weekend of October at the spanish circuit of Barcelona.

Final Results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nürburgring, 1st race:
1. Dean Stoneman (GBR) & Kikko Galbiati (ITA), 21 laps
2. Raul Guzman (MEX) & Milos Pavlovic (SRB), +4,014sec
3. Kevin Rossel (DEN) & Alberto di Folco (ITA), +11,934sec
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10. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +22,623sec (PRO-AM 3.)

Final Results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nürburgring, 2nd race:
1. Kevin Rossel (DEN) & Alberto di Folco (ITA), 25 laps
2. Dorian Boccolacci (ITA) & Kevin Gilardoni (ITA), +4,779sec
3. Raul Guzman (MEX) & Milos Pavlovic (SRB), +5,195sec
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9. Elias Niskanen (FIN)& Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +58,038sec (PRO-AM 3.)

11.10.2020 - Finns collect podiums from Lamborghini Super Trofeo Barcelona - Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen entered into medal positions in PRO-AM group

Third racing weekend of Lamborghini Super Trofeo season 2020 was driven in second weekend of October at circuit of Barcelona Catalunya. Flying Finns Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen collect their season best result as they challenged the demanding conditions by finishing the event two times wth podium positions; In first race they were 2nd and in second race 3rd fastest which gave the duo enough Championship points to climb into bronze position in group of PRO-AM standings.

Sky opened just a moment before Saturdays race got underway and rain set slippery conditions for the drivers as they started to compete on 4,65kms tarmac surface. Conditions were so tricky that in warm-up lap two cars slided off-road and therefore for the first 10 minutes competitors drove behind safety car.

Eventually when the race got underway, Eskelinen was able to pass one of his fellow rival and delivered the car to Niskanen in silver position of PRO-AM group. In his driving turn Elias Niskanen made again superb job and defended the position so that Finns celebrated their season 2020 best result on podium.

After Saturdays tyre lottery and very slippery conditions the drivers faced dry conditions on Sundays' race. Even Mikko and Elias did their best, they had no chance to challenge series leading Polish drivers Karol Basz and his team maet Andrew Lewandowski or italian Lorenzo Bomtempelli who competed with brazilian star driver Victor Coelho Franzoni da Silvan. Still third highest Championship points were very welcomed because now Finns are in battle for PRO-AM medal positions.

- It really was not easy to compete with 620bhp RWD car on wet conditions as I had never-ever driven on such tricky weather with GT-car. Even so we managed the situation and collect absolutely maximum amount of points we could have hoped for. I'm very happy for our performance as we have delivered the car to finish in all six rounds we have driven so far. Therefore 3rd position in PRO-AM group is well earned, Elias Niskanen tells.

- Exactly a year ago my team mate Elias Niskanen had his first-ever test with 620bhp Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO here in Barcelona. In that test I saw the talent and knew that he will be very competitive. Now I'm very proud of him as he did maximum job on wet surface in his first-ever wet condition GT-race. I know it's not easy at all to jump into wet conditions with zero kilometres of experience on competition with wet conditions. Therefore 24 points of 30 possible is more than we had expected and therefore we already look forward for the next Belgium round.

In first race another Finn Patrick Kujala and his british team mate Dean Stoneman finished first. However they suffered three seconds penalty because causing a collision during the race and therefore they were dropped into third position. Race was won by french Dorian Boccolacci and his italian team mate Kevin Gilardoni.

In second race Kujala and Stoneman were 4th fastest as Boccolacci and Gilardoni were fastest in second race.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Barcelona 2020 Race #1: Saturday 10th October: PRO-AM group, Top-3:
1. Lorenzo Bontempelli & Victor Coelho Franzioni da Silva (BRA), 22 laps
2. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +7,421s
3. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrew Lewandowski (POL), +59,244s

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Barcelona 2020 Race #2: Sunday 11st October: PRO-AM group, Top-3:
1. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrew Lewandowski (POL), 27 laps
2. Lorenzo Bontempelli & Victor Coelho Franzioni da Silva (BRA), +7,467s
3. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +54,952s

24.10.2020 - Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen collect two podium positions at Belgium SPA-Francorchamps - Finns strongly holding silver position in championship standings

Fourth racing weekend of international Lamborghini Super Trofeo racing series was driven in traditional belgium circuit of SPA-Francorchamps. In intense racing weekend the Finnish drivers collect podium positions as Olli Kangas celebrated overall victory in a race which was filled with heavy action. Furthermore Elias Niskanen and his team mate Mikko Eskelinen collect two podium positions in group of Pro-AM. Due superb performance Niskanen and Eskelinen is strongly in silver position in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series standings as there is one more racing weekend to be driven.

In qualifyings Eskelinen and Niskanen suffered technical difficulties as broken suspension spoiled their practice sessions and therefore they were unable to find optimal setups. Therefore the results in qualifyings were also a big disapointment.

However the first race was driven in wet conditions and therefore wrong tyre choises caused problems for many rival teams. As Eskelinen and Niskanen had perfect tyre choice and because they were able to drive a trouble-free event, they eventually collect second highest Championship points in group of Pro-AM. Furthermore third Olli Kangas celebrated his first-ever podium position in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series.

- After practice and qualifying sessions I wouldn't believe us to accomplish podium positions. However as team solved the technical problems, it was then truly a big pleasure to compete on wet surface. Furthermore as we made perfect tyre choice and steadly could drove in our own pace the result was more than we had hoped for, Eskelinen tells.

- I've always liked to drive hard on wet conditions as it is one of my big strength. We encoutered technical problems in practice as well as in qualifyings. However Leipert Motorsport made superb job to solve problems and then me and Mikko decided to show our talent on circuit. Therefore this silver position is dedicated to our hard working mechanics. Furthermore as I was able to make many passes in my own stint I'm very happy for the team, myself as well as my team mate Mikko Eskelinen, Niskanen continued.

In second race, which was driven in Saturday, Lamborghini Junior program driver Elias Niskanen excellently challenged Lamborghini manufacturer drivers until he suffered a collision with fellow driver. In impact the front-right wheel was damaged and therefore Leiper Motorsport team had to change it simultaneously with drivers change. However just moments before Niskanen came to drivers change, a fellow competitor had a crash and therefore safety car was deployd to circuit.

Niskanen and his fellow rival Olli Kangas entered the pits as first cars immediately pit window had opened. Due fast drivers change, Kangas and his japanise team mage Yuki Nemoto were able to return to circuit just after safety car. However as Niskanen and Eskelinen had to change a tyre, they returned the circuit in 11th position in overall classifications.

Few moments later the race was continued and safety car came into pits. However the race was red flagged after first corner because of three drivers encountered a serious crash which also damaged the safety areas of the SPA-Francorchamps circuit. As the race was finished just after drivers change, the race was won by its' Finnish leader Olli Kangas as his team mage Yuki Nemoto was in first position. They also collect highest Championship points in group of Pro-AM. Niskanen and Eskelinen finished the weekend also with another podium position.

- Our goals were set for same kind of result we had collect in first race and we were on that pace until second half of my stint. I made a mistake by braking too late in first corner and heavily hit to my fellow competitor. Front bumber of my car made a contact to front wheel and smoke came out. Fortunately we missed puncture and I was able to come to pits for tyre and drivers change. Then just after the drivers change the race was red flagged and we collect silver position in group of Pro-AM, told Elias Niskanen, who enjoyed a lot for 10 Championship points.

- The Gods of Motorsport were in our favor as our rival Olli Kangas collect a jackpot with overall victory. Furthermore we avoided a puncture just by a little and even I drove only one corner in my own stint before red flag we're more than happy for bronze position and its' 10 Championship points. Silver medal of the series is now reachable, Eskelinen tells.

Due first and second positions the polish drivers Karol Basz and Andrew Lewandowski secured their European Championship victory as there is still two events to me driven. Eskelinen and Niskanen have also secured either silver or bronze medal as there is still one racing weekend to be driven in French circuit of Paul Ricard.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo SPA-Francorchamps: Friday 23.10.2020, PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrew Lewandowski (POL), 19 laps
2. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +41,644sec
3. Olli Kangas (FIN) & Yuki Nemoto (JPN), +1:50,352sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo SPA-Francorchamps: Saturday 24.10.2020, PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Olli Kangas (FIN) & Yuki Nemoto, 12 laps
2. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrew Lewandowski (POL), +0,744sec
3. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), +3,295sec

15.11.2020 - Finns Elias Niskanen and Mikko Eskelinen collect silver medals in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series - 8/10 podiums were more than they ever expected in the start of the racing season

Two Finnish Racing Champions, Flying Finns Mikko Eskelinen and Elias Niskanen excelently showed their talent behind the steering wheel of 620bhp Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVO car in French circuit of Paul Ricard.

In final racing weekend of Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series Finns collect two PRO-AM group podiums and celebrated silver medal of the highly appreciated racing series. In 10 events they collect 8 podium positions and therefore the silver medal of European Championship series was well earned.

During the season Finns improved their pace from race to another. As they steadly collect Championship points from all 10 events, the gap for bronze position drivers was 21 points. However they lost the victory by 45 points.

For the final weekend Eskelinen and Niskanen entered without major hopes of success as Polish PRO-AM Champions Karol Basz and Andrej Lewandowski had already secured their titles in previous round which was driven in Belgium circuit of SPA-Francorchamps. Therefore Mikko and Elias concentrated only to win their worst rival, italian Lorenzo Bontempelli.

- During this season it has been very clear that pretty much no-one has been able to challenge Champions Basz and Lewandowski. Like in final round of the series they won both races and we were left to drive for silver and bronze positions. This time we lost the victory in drivers change as steering went into locked position and we lost about 12 seconds by solving this junior mistake, Eskelinen told.

- All circuits in season 2021 has been complitely new to me. Therefore I have to be very happy for eight podiums and silver medal. We didn't retire in any event and were able to deliver points from all 10 events. I was also able to show my talent and my pace which seems to be enough to match for top drivers, Niskanen continued.

There was also third Finnish driver competing in French Paul Circuit as Luka Nurmi, age of 16, made excellent debut in international GT-racing series. Luka Nurmi has just won the title of Porsche Sprint Challenge NEZ racing series and now he entered his first-ever GT-race with spanish team mate, who unfortunately spun in the race. Instead Luka Nurmi drove without any mistakes and made very promising lap times on board.

German Leipert Motorsport finished the season with a Championship title as in AM-group another drivers collect the victory.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Paul Ricard 14.11.2020, Saturday, PRO-AM, Top-4
1. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrzej Lewandowski (POL), 24 laps
2. Josef Zaruba (CZE) & Bronislav Formanek (CZE), +28.632sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Elias Niskanen (FIN), +41.734sec
4. Lorenzo Bontempelli (SWI) & Massimo Ciglia (ITA), +52.363sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Paul Ricard 15.11.2020, Sunday, PRO-AM, Top-4
1. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrzej Lewandowski (POL), 24 laps
2. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Elias Niskanen (FIN), +52.602sec
3. Josef Zaruba (CZE) & Bronislav Formanek (CZE), +52.974sec
4. Lorenzo Bontempelli (SWI) & Massimo Ciglia (ITA), +1;25.633sec

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe 2020 final standings 10/10 osakilpailua, PRO-AM-group, top-10
1. Karol Basz (POL) & Andrew Lewandowski (POL), 147 points
2. Elias Niskanen (FIN) & Mikko Eskelinen (FIN), 102 points
3. Lorenzo Bontempelli (ITA), 81 points
4. Loris Spinelli (ITA) & Gerard van der Horst (NDL), 49 points
5. Bronislav Formanek (CZE), 40 points
6. Damiano Fioravanti (ITA), 37 points
7. Victor Coelho Franzoni da Silva (BRZ), 28 points
8. Olli Kangas (FIN) & Yuki Nemoto (JPN), 26 points
9. Josef Zaruba (CZE), 23 points
10. Vincent Schwatz (DEU) & Franz Konrad (DEU), 22 points

Mikko Eskelisen kotisivut on suunnitellut ja toteuttanut MediaGuru Jack Bacon - Digitaalisen median tuotantostudio - www.mediaguru.fi