Mercedes Dominates 2013 Superstars World Opener at Monza
Vitantonio Liuzzi leads a Mercedes 1-2 for Romeo Ferraris at Monza, with the C63 AMG Coupé sweeping the podium in both Superstars International Series races.
The 2013 Superstars International Series kicked off at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, where Mercedes-AMG Romeo Ferraris delivered a commanding performance. With over 30,000 fans in attendance, the opening weekend set the stage for a season that promised close competition and high drama. Mercedes teams, particularly Romeo Ferraris and Roma Racing Team, set the early pace and left rivals trailing in their wake.
Mercedes Dominates Monza Season Opener
Liuzzi and Biagi Lead the Charge for Mercedes
Vitantonio Liuzzi, a former Formula One driver, started the weekend strongly by securing pole position for the first race. Driving the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé prepared by Romeo Ferraris, Liuzzi controlled the opening race from start to finish. His team-mate Thomas Biagi kept close throughout, finishing just 0.589 seconds behind. Luigi Ferrara, newly signed to Roma Racing Team and also piloting a C63 AMG Coupé, completed the podium. This result marked a clean sweep for Mercedes, with all three podium spots occupied by the powerful German cars.
The C63 AMG Coupé, producing around 550hp, proved well-suited to Monza’s high-speed layout. The car’s straight-line speed and balance gave Mercedes teams a clear advantage, with rivals unable to match their pace over the race distance. The first race set the tone for what would become a dominant weekend for the marque.
Race Two: Biagi’s Charge Through the Field
The second race provided more excitement as Thomas Biagi started from the fourth row. Undeterred, Biagi made swift progress through the field, eventually overtaking Andrea Bacci of CAAL Racing, who was also driving a Mercedes, to move into second place. Liuzzi maintained his composure at the front, securing his second win of the weekend. Ferrara once again took third, repeating his podium finish and confirming the strength of the Mercedes package at Monza.
These results meant that Mercedes-AMG Romeo Ferraris locked out the top two positions in both races, while Roma Racing Team’s investment in the C63 AMG Coupé paid immediate dividends with Ferrara’s double podium. The consistent performance from all Mercedes-powered teams highlighted the effectiveness of their pre-season development and teamwork.
Setbacks for Rivals and Notable Absences
While Mercedes celebrated their success, not all teams enjoyed a smooth weekend. The reigning Superstars champion, Johan Kristoffersson, suffered a major setback when his Petri Corse Porsche developed engine problems. This technical failure forced Kristoffersson to withdraw from the event, leaving him unable to defend his title at the season opener. His absence was keenly felt, as he had been expected to challenge the Mercedes teams at the front.
Early Advantage for Mercedes Teams
The strong showing at Monza gives Mercedes-powered teams an early lead in the 2013 Superstars International Series. The Romeo Ferraris squad, benefitting from close collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, demonstrated that their off-season efforts had resulted in a highly competitive package. Team manager Nico Caldarola’s decision to bring Luigi Ferrara into Roma Racing Team also paid off, as Ferrara’s performances added another Mercedes to the front of the field.
With the C63 AMG Coupé’s performance on full display, attention now turns to whether rival manufacturers and teams can close the gap in the coming rounds. The Monza opener has set a high bar, and the rest of the field will need to respond quickly to prevent Mercedes from building an unassailable lead.
Podium Results: Monza 2013 Superstars International Series
| Position | Driver | Team | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Race 1 & 2) | Vitantonio Liuzzi | Mercedes-AMG Romeo Ferraris | Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé |
| 2nd (Race 1 & 2) | Thomas Biagi | Mercedes-AMG Romeo Ferraris | Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé |
| 3rd (Race 1 & 2) | Luigi Ferrara | Roma Racing Team | Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé |
What Lies Ahead in the Superstars Season
The next rounds of the Superstars International Series will reveal whether competitors can challenge the early dominance shown by Mercedes at Monza. Teams and drivers will be looking to analyse data, improve reliability, and develop their cars to match the pace of the C63 AMG Coupé. For now, Mercedes teams enjoy a strong start, but the season remains long and unpredictable.
What works
- Mercedes teams demonstrated strong pace and reliability
- C63 AMG Coupé dominated both races and all podiums
- Large crowd turnout reflected the popularity of the event
What does not
- Reigning champion Kristoffersson sidelined by technical issues
- Rival teams struggled to match Mercedes’ performance
