Championships are not decided until the end of the season, but the foundations for success are laid long before the final round. In fact, some of the most important work takes place before the racing has even started, during long days of testing.
The season ahead is crucial for Matisse Lismont. The young Belgian has joined Team WRT, one of the most successful operations in global motorsport, to compete in GT World Challenge Europe. This is an opportunity to hone his skills and demonstrate his ability in the fiercely competitive Silver Cup class.
To ensure he is fully prepared, Lismont has undertaken a busy testing programme at a variety of tracks. He has been at Magny-Cours, Misano, Monza, Nürburgring, Portimão and Zandvoort, completing seven days of testing behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO that he will pilot this year.
"Portimão is new on the calendar and it was the first time that I had been there," said Matisse. "This was important for the whole team and I am pleased we were able to do the preparation work. We don't go back there until October, but what we learned will be super helpful.
"I have raced at the other circuits, but it is still important to gather as much data as possible. We have to be fully prepared for the race weekends, because there is no time to make mistakes. This championship is extremely competitive, and if you are missing one detail it can make a huge difference."
One of the most important aspects of pre-season testing is forming new working relationships. This year, Lismont will join forces with two new teammates, Ignacio Montenegro and Amaury Cordeel. Lismont and Montenegro will share a car in the Sprint Cup, while Cordeel will join their line-up in the Endurance Cup.
Both are new to GT racing, though they have experience of high-level motorsport. Cordeel is the oldest, though he is just 23, and has competed extensively in FIA Formula 2. Montenegro is 21, a few months older than Lismont, and has tasted success in touring cars.
"For sure there are some areas where I need to take the lead, because I have driven in GT3 a lot over the past few years," says Matisse. "However, Ignacio and Amaury are very experienced at a high level. They have adapted quickly and will bring their own knowledge, which can help us move forward. I am excited to finally work with them at a race weekend."
The last on-track engagement before the season begins will take place at Circuit Paul Ricard. The French track hosts the GT World Challenge Europe Prologue on 8/9 April, which is quickly followed by the opening six-hour race on Saturday 11 April.
"We know that GT World Challenge Europe is super competitive, and that we can't guarantee success," Matisse concluded. "But everyone at the team has worked really hard to be prepared. Now it's time to see what we can achieve on the circuit."
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