July 27, 2026
MUGELLO, ITALY
Rafael Duran signed off the first half of his 2026 campaign in style this weekend at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, converting strong pace into a double Pro-Am podium at Round 3 of the Campionato Italiano Gran Turismo Sprint alongside teammate David Perel in the #50 Spirit of Race Ferrari 296 GT3.
The Tuscan circuit hosted the midpoint of the Italian GT season with more than 160 drivers on track across six races, and the #50 crew arrived with clear intent following a run of improving form. From the opening sessions the Ferrari looked at home on Mugello's flowing, high-speed layout, and the pairing translated that into results across both races of the weekend.
Race 1 on Saturday set the tone. Perel delivered a superb opening stint before handing over to Duran, with the #50 running strongly throughout to take P2 in the Pro-Am class - the perfect way to open the weekend and a result that rewarded a clean, well-executed afternoon by both drivers and the crew behind them.
Race 2 on Sunday delivered more of the same. In a hard-fought contest that ran right down to the closing laps, Duran and Perel once again worked their way onto the Pro-Am rostrum, taking P3 in class to complete a double-podium weekend and cap the first half of the season with another trophy for the cabinet.
"P2 at Mugello - what a great way to start the weekend," said Duran following Race 1. "Huge thanks to David for a great drive and to the whole Spirit of Race team for all the hard work."
After sealing the second podium on Sunday, he added: "Double podium at Mugello! Another trophy for the collection and a great way to wrap up the first half of the season. Huge thanks again to David and the whole Spirit of Race team for the incredible work this weekend. Time to rest and recharge for what's coming. Grazie Mugello!"
The double-podium haul rounds out a strong stretch of results for Duran and provides significant momentum heading into the summer break. With the trophies from Mugello added to a season that has already delivered Silver Cup victory at the 24 Hours of Spa, the Spanish-American driver will now take a well-earned rest before the second half of the campaign gets underway.
Race Results - AF Corse #51:
About Rafael Duran
Born to a Spanish mother and an American father, Rafael Duran grew up surrounded by international motorsport culture. He is part of the Ferrari Corsa Clienti and progressed through the Ferrari Driver Academy, competing in the Ferrari Challenge before stepping up to endurance racing in 2024. Rafael is currently active across multiple international GT championships, marking a decisive step toward a professional career in top-tier GT racing.
About Spirit of Racing
Spirit of Racing is the gentleman-driver programme operated by AF Corse, one of the most successful Ferrari customer teams in international motorsport. With a strong presence across the Italian GT Championship and other premier GT series, Spirit of Race combines AF Corse's technical expertise with a passion for developing driver talent at the highest level of GT competition
