The second appointment of the Italian GT Sprint 2025 is upon us. After an excellent debut at Vallelunga with pole position and podium, Riccardo Ianniello prepares to tackle the prestigious Mugello circuit. In this new episode of "Inside the Helmet," the driver tells us about his expectations, preparation and excitement about returning to the track once again.

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The second round of the Italian GT Sprint takes place at Mugello. What emotions do you feel at the idea of racing on this track?

I'm very happy to be back on track after almost two months. It's always exciting when a race weekend approaches, but Mugello has something special about it. There will certainly be work to do with the team here as well, but we're ready for anything. The wait has been long and I can't wait to get back behind the wheel.

Have you ever raced here before? If so, what memories do you have of that experience?

Yes, I raced here in 2023 in the Italian GT Endurance Championship, and I have good memories of that experience. We finished second in a very hot and difficult race, which gave us great satisfaction. Mugello is a track that tests you in every aspect, but when you manage to get a good result, the satisfaction is doubled.

Every track has its personality. How would you describe the "character" of this circuit and how are you preparing to tame it?

I would define it as a "technical" track in the true sense of the word. It doesn't forgive mistakes and requires absolute precision in every corner. I'm preparing a lot physically, especially for the heat we'll face this weekend. Mugello also tests you physically, so it's important to arrive in the best possible condition.

Is there a specific corner that particularly excites you or that you consider crucial for lap time?

I really like the "Arrabbiata" corners - they're two very fast and complicated turns where you have to be millimetric. They give you a lot of adrenaline because if you make the slightest mistake you can end up in the gravel. It's precisely at these points that you see the difference between one driver and another, and where you can really make a difference in lap time.

Every circuit requires a specific car setup. What will you need to work on most to optimize the car for the next round?

We'll certainly need to work a lot on the car's balance, given that Mugello is a track with corners taken at high speed. Aerodynamic balance will be fundamental to being competitive. It's delicate work because you have to find the right compromise between stability and speed, but I'm confident in the team's work.

What aspect of your driving are you focusing on most in preparation for this weekend?

I'm preparing a lot to drive as cleanly as possible. At Mugello, race pace is everything: you have to maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the race without making mistakes. I'm working a lot on driving fluidity and tire management, because in a sprint race every detail can make a difference.

After your experience with Athletica Cetilar, how do you feel physically and mentally for this race?

Thanks to their help, I'm back on track better than before, both physically and mentally. The rehabilitation process was fundamental not only for recovery, but for growing as an athlete. I feel very charged for this weekend and I know I have behind me a team of professionals who allowed me to arrive here in the best possible conditions.

You come from an excellent result at Vallelunga. How does it feel to arrive at the second round with this awareness?

Together with Vittorio, my teammate, we can achieve a good result. Vallelunga gave us a lot of confidence and showed that we're competitive. Now we have to confirm that level on a different track as well. The awareness of being able to fight for positions that count is certainly a great stimulus.

The level of competition in the Italian GT Sprint is very high. Which opponents worry you most?

Yes, the level is really high, but no particular opponent worries me. We certainly must never let our guard down because every crew can be dangerous at the right moment. That's why we'll be ready for any condition that awaits us. The important thing is to focus on ourselves and always give our best.

Is there a particular message you'd like to send to those who support you this season?

Thanks to all the people who make this dream possible. The support I receive is incredible and gives me extra energy every time I get on track. We'll give our best as we always have on every track and in every condition we find ourselves facing. We'll fight for every position and never give up, because I know that behind me there's a group of people who believe in this project as much as I do.

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The Mugello weekend promises to be exciting. Riccardo and the team are ready to battle in what looks to be one of the most competitive rounds of the season. The appointment is for this weekend on the Tuscan circuit, where the young driver will try to repeat the success of Vallelunga.