FIA GT – Round 4 Oschersleben, Germany
The fourth round of the FIA GT-championship is being held this coming weekend at the German Oschersleben circuit. Not only will various GT1s and GT2s be on hand on this German track, but the GT3s will once again be doing battle and this for their third meeting of the season. "After Silverstone and Monza this will be our third double", Rudi Penders confirmed.
"And where the GT3s excelled at Silverstone and we experienced problems with our GT2 cars, precisely the reverse happened at Monza, and our firm intention is now to score on all fronts.
On top of that immediately after this the count-down starts for the 24 Hours of Spa and for us this race should be one the highpoints of the season. Let’s just say that Oschersleben is a target in its own right, but in addition it will also be a dress rehearsal for Spa in just over one month’s time.."
Oschersleben is the fourth round of the FIA GT-championship and after two races on Italian soil, the major GT teams are this time heading off for Germany. "This obviously adds a touch of colour to the race seeing that for Porsche this is quite naturally an event on home ground", Rudi Penders continues.
"And a German victory with our Belgian input would not only be greatly appreciated but in addition of major importance in the championship. We need to do everything within our powers to keep the points difference as low as possible, especially remembering that there are double points to be scored at Spa. And finally Oschersleben will offer us a final opportunity to optimise our race strategy as also the pitstops, as both these elements are of crucial importance in a 24 hours race."
Presently Collard-Westbrook and Palttala-Forsten are respectively fourth and ninth in the drivers’ intermediate rankings, whilst ProSpeed Competition is defending a handsome third place in the team championship.
The GT3s are also back on the scene and the battle in Germany could be even fiercer than on previous occasions. "The Balance of Performance has been adapted and one of our major competitors has in fact been allocated a fair amount of additional weight", Stéphane Lémeret explains the situation.
"The Porsche is somewhat heavier, roughly ten kilograms, but we’re allowed to race with a wider air intake and as such should be able to come out on a high. The Oschersleben circuit should suit the car, so all in all we hold all the trump cards with which to make this a positive weekend and achieve an excellent result."
David Loix, Stéphane Lémeret’s team mate is presently in fifth place in the championship and achieving a good score at Oschersleben, would keep him in close contact with the top players.
Franz Lamot and Rudi Penders are both back at the wheel of the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S and Franz Lamot is highly motivated to confirm his top form as proven at Monza.
"I’m pretty honest when I say that we’re still lacking something in qualifying, which basically means that we still haven’t really shown our all, but under race conditions everything is perfect and I’m looking to carry this same line on through. I would be delighted should we achieve a top-10 place on Sunday midday, and scoring a point would be an excellent outcome for us", a modest Franz Lamot commented.
Timing Oschersleben:
Saturday 5th July:
09.00 – 10.20 FIA GT Championship Free Practice 1 80’
10.30 – 11.20 FIA GT3 European Championship Qualifying Practice 20’/10’/20’
12.25 – 13.45 FIA GT Championship Pre-Qualifying Session 80’
15.00 – 16.00 FIA GT3 European Championship Race 1 60’
17.15 – 17.50 FIA GT Championship Qualifying Practice 15’/5’/15’
Sunday 6th July
09.00 – 09.30 FIA GT Championship Warm Up 30’
11.00 – 12.00 FIA GT3 European Championship Race 2 60’
12.10 – 12.30 Pit Walk & VIP Laps
12.40 FIA GT Championship Pitlane open
13.15 – 15.15 FIA GT Championship Race 120’
- J. Van Laere - photos ProSpeed
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