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Negri and Schreibman Take Double Podium at Barcelona

AF Corse teamwork delivers backup Ferrari just in time

BARCELONA, Spain (26 Oct. 2021) – Ozz Negri and Jay Schreibman came home with a pair of runner-up finishes in the Am class in last weekend’s final round of the International GT Open series at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Negri joined Schreibman at the wheel of the No. 51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 in both one-hour races on the famed Formula 1 circuit.

However, the weekend didn’t get off as planned when the primary car had an issue that required it to go behind the wall for the remainder of the event. But, despite the setback, Negri, Schreibman and AF Corse rose to the occasion.

“We had a tough day on Friday,” the veteran endurance racer admitted. “Jay crashed and damaged the car beyond repair. Fortunately, AF Corse was able to bring another car from Italy, and we went straight into the race. In my entire career, I think this was the first time I drove a car for the first time in the actual race!”

Saturday’s race marked the first time Ozz actually drove the new car, and his first track time of the weekend. He and Schreibman completed 36 laps to finish second in the Am category.

“The team did an incredible job – out of this world,” Negri said following the race. “They brought in their spare car from Italy, and it arrived only 30 minutes prior to qualifying. We didn’t have a chance to do absolutely anything to the car, only tires and fuel, and Jay did three laps in qualifying. Then Jay did a fantastic job in the race, never put a foot wrong and gained a few positions. He gave me the car in one piece, and it was an interesting race, having never driven the car before. We finished on the podium in P2, and I’m super proud of the team, the mechanics and Jay.”

On Sunday, Negri started and finished 16th overall, again taking second in Am.

“It was a totally different race,” Negri said. “We had some problems in qualifying, but it was fine in the race. I was behind the eventual winner and stayed with him throughout my entire stint. I was much quicker in the corners, but the Mercedes had the legs on the straights, so I was never in position to pass. Also, both of the Mercedes drivers are local and know the track well, so I didn’t want to take any chances. There was also an Audi in the class that was strong, but both Jay and I were quicker than their two drivers.

“We had another P2 and the team was happy,” Negri added. “We’ll keep improving with Jay; he’s very enthusiastic and very willing to work. I’m very happy with this championship. It’s perfect for an amateur pairing, and they welcome you with open arms. I probably wouldn’t be racing today if it wasn’t for AF Corse and the Ferrari. They came back from Friday’s incident and had the new car ready and it was fast in the race.

“It was fun,” he said. “I’m 57 and I still enjoy driving. I’ll get to go back home with two trophies, and more importantly, Jay is super happy.”

Prior to racing sports cars, Negri competed in Indy Lights plus British and Mexican Formula 3. He won the 1998 Indy Lights Panamericana title.