Mugello, Italy (22 March 2026):
Belgian driver Maxim Dirickx is the early points leader of the 2026 Prototype Cup Europe, after a highly successful weekend at Mugello in Italy which delivered two podiums – including a sterling win during the opening race of the category’s new epoch.
Dirickx, driving for the Aust Motorsport team in the No.3 Ligier JS P325, was in brilliant form as he converted second on the grid in Saturday morning’s race to victory, then grabbed the lead straight away in today’s second contest before going on to finish in third place.
Team Virage’s Theo Micouris, who shared the No.74 Ligier with team-mate Dominique Bastien in race one, was entered as a sole driver for Sunday’s contest. Having qualified the car on the race two pole position, the British racer slipped back behind Dirickx initially but grabbed the lead back on the seventh racing lap and went on to dominate after the mid-race pit-stops.
Maxim Dirickx – Race One Winner:
“At the start it was a bit difficult, I was struggling a bit. I stayed calm, I knew the pace was there, I made the best out of it and won so I’m really happy. It was a bit stressful, with dirty air and all [behind Tobias Bille Clausen], but I knew I was a bit quicker so I was just waiting for the right opportunity and then just went for it and made it stick.”
