Conquest Racing w/ Ferrari is ready to take to the track once again after bouncing back from a difficult round at COTA. The fourth round of the 2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge Championship will take place at Virginia International Raceway, and will serve as an opportunity for the team to jump back in the car and show off their true fighting spirit. Manny Franco and Alessandro Balzan will be returning to make their case in the Pro Class in hopes of claiming more podium results and making up for prior setbacks. 

Last time out in Austin, a collision with a competitor in Race 1 resulted in the team’s #21 Corsa Horizon Ferrari 296 GT3 suffering significant damage, which subsequently cut their weekend short as the impact left them unable to compete in Race 2. The team has shown tremendous resilience and determination, and have worked extremely hard to build a new chassis and get the car back in top shape ahead of the fourth round. Franco and Balzan are motivated and hungry to return to the podium and secure more important points for their championship charge. 

“I’m looking forward to starting fresh at VIR,” said Alessandro Balzan. “We were left in a very tough spot after what happened at COTA, and I am incredibly proud of the team for rallying together to make sure we’re back in action and ready to go this weekend. I’m excited to get back in the car and to be driving alongside Manny once again, I’m confident we can give Conquest Racing and Corsa Horizon the results we know we’re capable of.”

“We’re focused on the road ahead,” added Manny Franco. “The last round did not play out in our favor, but we can’t change that outcome. I’m grateful for all the support we’ve received, and now we are fully concentrated and committed to getting the job done at VIR. Alessandro and I know what we have to do, and we’re ready to get back to it. I’m eager to see what we’re capable of around here.” 

The 17-turn, 3.27 mile circuit will be a high intensity, fast-paced setting to signify the halfway point of the season. 

The first race of the weekend will take place on Saturday, June 17th, at 3:10 PM ET, with Race 2 following on Sunday, June 18th, at 2:15 PM ET. Both races will be broadcast live on GT World’s YouTube channel.