MARLBOROUGH College student Alessandro Latif makes the short journey across the English Channel to the Netherlands to contest the latest rounds of the Blancpain Sprint Series next weekend (July 5-6).

Latif drives his Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMS ultra along with Marc Basseng not only bidding for further Pro-Am class glory but gunning for his first top-eight finish of the season.

The seven-week break in the European-based series saw the 18-year-old Londoner make his Le Mans 24 Hour race debut as well as sitting his A-Level examinations.

“I can't wait to get back in the Audi,” confirmed Latif. “The last few weeks have been very busy what with my A-Level exams and making my Le Mans debut. Obviously not getting behind the wheel in the actual race was very frustrating.

“The fact that the next race is at Zandvoort is putting a smile on my face. I love the track. Full of fast corners with lots of elevation changes. And most importantly there is no margin for error.

“This combines to make Zandvoort a big challenge. I tested the Audi there earlier this year but have never previously raced in the Netherlands.”

The Circuit Park Zandvoort is an 11-corner, 2.51-mile track located in the dunes right on the North Sea coastline. Inaugurated in 1948, the track was used for Formula One races until 1985.

Alessandro continued: “I’ve fitted in very well with the Phoenix team and also with Marc so getting back together with them is fantastic. Phoenix will arrive at Zandvoort on a high having recently won the Nürburgring 24 Hours so the atmosphere will be great in the team.

“Being back in the Audi R8 LMS ultra gives me great pleasure as I feel very much in my zone when I am in it.”

Practice is staged on Friday with the Qualifying Race on Saturday and the one-hour long Main Race on Sunday.

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