7 questions to... Gianluigi Guide

1. Let’s start from the great result of the last race: how much does this podium weigh for you? Is this a turning point in your season?

It is doubtful that it was a great satisfaction to have reached the first podium in the Italian championship ACI GT3. Some episodes have objectively favored me, but the races are so. I think I had a good constancy, and that helped me achieve the result. Whether it's a turning point is a little early to say, we're just at the second race; it certainly motivates you to do better and better. I am very sorry for my teammate, Calendini, hit by a lot of bad luck, but I am sure he will be back soon; He is a very talented driver and speed.

2. How long have you been practicing simracing and how was the route that led you to the first podium in the Italian GT3 Sprint 2026 ACI Esport Championship?

I have practiced SimRacing occasionally since 2020 (hindering a short period in the earlier years), but only in the last two years with a discreet constancy, which is then essential to obtain satisfactory results. The experience gained on track motorcycle probably helped me to have a faster learning curve in SimRacing, in how many basic principles are the same (understand the right trajectories, detachment points, track behaviour, etc.). For a long time I chose to run without a team, I felt that belonging to a team would have made me commitments that I was not sure I could maintain. However, over time - and thanks to EMI (Joe McLaren) - I realized that being part of a team is fundamental to improve, especially if, as in my case (I have been in the Tempo team for a few months), you are lucky to belong to a team made of nice people, prepared and available - as well as fast - who share information, setup and advice to everyone, avoiding any useless internal antagonism. I'm sure other teams have the same characteristics.

3. If I had to analyze you as a pilot, what do you think are your main strengths on the track? And what are you working on to improve?

Hard to say my strengths and weaknesses; However, analyzing the last races and the victory in the FMP championship of last year, I could say that the constancy in the race is a strong point, combined with a proper balance between aggression in the surprises/defense and prudence in understanding when it is not the case of sinking the foot. A weak point is sometimes the performance in qualifying: unfortunately not always up to my best times (net of traffic and other). On this point, the team and I are trying to work on it.

4. How much did the team work in this result? Was there a specific aspect – setup, preparation, strategy – that made the difference?

Team work is always important to achieve good results. In this specific case, in particular with teammates Calendini and Martyr, we trained together - grinding several laps both in qualifying and racing order - and we shared information/setup. Starting from my setup used earlier and thanks to the comparison with the other drivers, I managed to optimize the race setup better; this -at the same strategy- has decidedly allowed to have a very constant step in the face of a relatively low tyre consumption, helping to maintain a safety distance from pursuers. Also the job of the spotter (Torchio), in suggesting when pushing and when not, others to help me in the management of the car and strategy, was very important for the final result.

5. The level of the championship is very high, especially in the top positions. After this podium, does something change in your goals for the next races?

Yes, the level is really high. There are talented drivers who stop the chronometer on short-sighted times. These drivers are a stimulus to do better and better. About the goals after the podium, do not change much. As said, a podium gives motivation, but each race is standing.

6. The first race did not go as you hoped, but with the possibility of discard everything remains open. What kind of constancy will you need to point to an important position in the final ranking? Have you given yourself a concrete goal?

Well yes, in the first race both me and Calendini had a lot of bad luck at the first corner. In my case, then, the damage to the front, combined with a small mistake, then made me finish the race in advance. Too bad because in the tests I had a good race pass. It happens but, as said, each race is in itself standing: it resets and looks to the next. About the championship, the reject race helps but, to bet on top 10, you will not be able to make other mistakes as several drivers are already ahead with the score. The level is high and they are all -justly- very fierce. Constancy in obtaining discreet results will eventually reward. Obviously another podium would help but it will be very hard to get it.

7. The next round takes us to Watkins Glen International, a technical and fascinating circuit. What feelings does this track give you and where do you think you can make a difference?

Technical track with fast strokes, mixed with medium/low travel curves. The presence of the walls near the track also makes everything even more difficult. The qualification is important because, especially for Ferraris, Glen generally offers sporadic opportunities for overtaking. In the race, it is essential not to miss the “Inner Loop” curve sequence, where Ferraris, which tend not to digest well the disconnected and high ropes, can be a little more at risk, especially with more liters of gasoline. As it is important to go out well from curve 1 not to expose yourself to the faster car attack in the next uphill stretch. In this track the BOP of +2kg does not favor Ferrari but is however much less penalizing than that of SPA, where it was at +24kg. However, there remains the engine difference some cars can benefit from right in the Back Straight. The difference I believe is done at the Inner Loop, where you will have to balance speed/prudence throughout the long race. Not to be underestimated also the cuts (and therefore the DT), especially at 8 and 10, where it is easy to put out two wheels. Ultimately, you will have to stay very focused throughout the race and take advantage of any opportunity for surprises.