PB Racing will expand its GT4 European Series commitment this season by fielding two Lotus Emira GT4s for its second season in the championship.
The Italian team celebrated a race win in the Pro-Am class last term with Stefano D’Aste sharing with social media star Alberto Naska. The pair finished seventh in the class points as they developed the Emira GT4 platform as they raced.
For this year the effort will double, with the addition of a second Emira GT4 chassis, and a blend of youth and experience on the driving side.
The established D’Aste will return aboard the lead car, this time partnered by Massimo Abbati. D’Aste brings huge racing experience having competed at the highest levels in touring cars before establishing PB Racing in 2013. Abbati is the reigning Lotus Cup Italy champion – a title he won for the second time with PB Racing, his first coming in 2023. He has previously competed in both the Italian GT Championship and 24H Series.
The second all-new Emira features Maurizio Copetti and Massimiliano Schiavone, who will both make their GT4 Europe debuts this year. Copetti has a long racing career that includes starts in historic single-seaters in BOSS GP with a Dallara T02-Nissan. He has also competed in the EuroV8 Series, X-GT4 Italy and the Lotus Cup. Schiavone also graduates from the Lotus Cup Italy, where he was a race-winner with PB Racing last season. Both Copetti and Schiavone have gained experience in the Emira GT4 with appearances together in X-GT4 Italy.
PB Racing said in a statement: “The expansion to two cars is a clear statement of intent from PB Racing. Growing the line-up not only increases the team’s presence on one of the most competitive GT4 grids in the world but also accelerates the technical development of the Emira. More data on track means a faster learning curve for a car that is still discovering its ultimate pace.
“At the wheel of the first Emira, veteran Stefano D’Aste—a name synonymous with Lotus racing success—will be joined by the fast and reliable Massimo Abbati, Lotus Cup Champion 2025. This pairing brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience, essential for guiding the setup of a new car and navigating the intense battles of the GT4 European Series.
“The second entry will be entrusted to Maurizio Copetti and Massimiliano Schiavone. This duo represents a perfect blend of youth and experience. Both drivers are eager to make their mark on the international stage, aiming to deliver strong performances in what is widely considered the toughest GT4 category.
“PB Racing isn't just showing up to compete; they are building a legacy for the Emira GT4. With a focus on hard work, technical refinement, and a growing team structure, the Italian outfit is ready to prove that while their car might be one of the youngest on the grid, its potential—and the team’s passion—is second to none.”
