Previewing the Grid: Pilot Line-Up Set for SGP Varese
Credit @Stfrad31
The FAI Sailplane Grand Prix returns to the spectacular skies of Varese, Italy, where an elite, highly international roster of pilots is preparing to battle for podium finishes. While the initial entry list featured 18 contenders, the withdrawal of Finland's Pasi Pulkkinen consolidates the field to a fiercely competitive 17-glider grid.
Representing seven different nations, the line-up is a showcase of both veteran race experience and cutting-edge sailplane technology. With a strong home-turf advantage defended by local Italian competitors like Ugo Pavesi and Luca Castelli, the visiting pilots will have to leverage every ounce of their tactical prowess.
As we look ahead to the starting grid, several key pilots and their aircraft stand out as ones to watch in Varese:
David Bauder (Germany) – Ventus 3TS
Entering the competition as one of the highest-ranked pilots in the field, Germany’s David Bauder brings exceptional precision to Varese. Piloting the state-of-the-art Ventus 3TS, Bauder will be looking to capitalize on the exceptional high-speed cruise performance of the Schempp-Hirth design. His 6th Place (with 20 points) during the 12th FAI SGP World Final makes him a strong favorite for the podium.
Jon Gatfield (Great Britain) – AS33Es
Flying the flag for the United Kingdom, Jon Gatfield arrives as a serious contender on the international stage. Taking the controls of the Schleicher AS33Es, Gatfield is well-equipped to handle the dynamic sub-Alpine conditions Varese is famous for. He knows the area, and he competed in several SGPs. The AS33’s agility in thermals paired with Gatfield's competitive drive will make him a formidable presence on the tracking screens. He is also very appreciated by the fans for his joy and kindness.
Luka Žnidaršič (Slovenia) – JS3 FES
Slovenia’s Luka Žnidaršič brings a profound technical synergy to the grid that no other pilot possesses. Competing in a newly designed Jonker Sailplanes JS3 FES, Žnidaršič is not merely flying a glider equipped with a Front Electric Sustainer: he is the visionary engineer and founder of LZ Design, the company that invented the FES technology. Watching Žnidaršič push the limits of a high-performance 18-meter ship seamlessly integrated with his own groundbreaking propulsion system will be a major highlight of the event.
Arne Martin Güettler (Norway) – JS3 RES
Adding to the Scandinavian representation, Arne Martin Güettler brings his Nordic racing experience to the complex Italian terrain. Flying the JS3 RES (Retractable Electric Sustainer), Güettler's campaign highlights the growing dominance of electric sustainer systems in modern Grand Prix racing. His adaptability will be crucial as he navigates the demanding ridges and valleys of the region. Arne Martin is also bringing is stron experience in SGP as 2nd FAI Virtual SGP World Champion and great experience during St Auban’s finals last year. A true phenomenon.
Aneta Chabora (Poland) – ASG 29
Rounding out our focus is Poland’s Aneta Chabora, who enters the fray in her ASG 29. Deeply embedded in the highest echelons of the gliding community, Chabora brings immense soaring pedigree to the competition, from her experience with Sebastian Kawa and the Polish Team. Expect Aneta to fly with strategic patience and sharp competitive instincts.
With a grid stacked with top-tier talent and the latest generation of 18-meter sailplanes, SGP Varese promises aggressive racing, tactical masterclasses, and an unforgettable spectacle. Stay tuned to sgp.aero for daily briefings, live tracking, and race results as the competition unfolds.
