Xosé Estrada
Premium
R.I.P.
Man, 44 is young
, what happened to him?
Man, 44 is young
, what happened to him?
- Status
Knut Omdal Tveito
Premium
Thanks for sharing Hans. Great cars! I can't understand much of the commentators, but the engine sound is good:good:
First place car from Coronel racing second car is Junior Strous (from Indycar lights )
Dutch super car Challenge in 30 min i believe.
I go every year to this event. Couldnt go this year. Shame with the nice weather and all.
Schedule.
http://www.dutchpowerpack.nl/2011_digitale_programmabladen/paasraces/pdf_pages/pg_0003.pdf
I go every year to this event. Couldnt go this year. Shame with the nice weather and all.
Schedule.
http://www.dutchpowerpack.nl/2011_digitale_programmabladen/paasraces/pdf_pages/pg_0003.pdf
Knut Omdal Tveito
Premium
Really nice grid in this race. A lot of interesting cars:good:
Thats what i call a busy pits.
The Avon Tyres British GT Championship roared into life in the traditional season opener on Easter Weekend at Oulton Park with a bigger grid compared to last years, with new cars from Aston Martin, Lotus, Mercedes and Audi and Ferrari saw a more varied grid than previous years. New rules and regulations came into play also, with both races been on the Race Day this year.
Photo: Race 1 start was clean and the pack made it through turn 1 safely and in one piece.
Race 1, saw the Ferrari 458 on pole on its debut, with driver Michael Lyons at the wheel for the start of the race initially leading away from the rest of the field. The other 458 in the field, run by MTech, suffered gearbox trouble in qualifying and lined up at the back, alongside another car suffering problems throughout the weekend, #44 KTM X-Bow which brought an early halt to the mornings warm up.
Just behind the leading Ferrari at the start, the #1 Porsche of defending champion David Ashburne was slowly falling away with the Mercedes SLS driven by the 2009 Champions, the Jones's brothers (moving away from the Ascari for this year) under pressue from Mike Guasch in the leading United Autosports Audi R8. With the #2 Trackspeed Porsche of Gregor Fisken catching them both, and the Aston Martin driven by Andrew Howard catching the Trackspeed car.
Phil Burton in the Predator CCTV Ferrari 430 was chasing down the Speedwords Corvette of Ron Johnson, eventually passing into Cascades for 11th spot. The Corvette later been passed by the recovering Duncan Cameron in the new MTech Ferrari 458.
Most teams choose to change within a few minutes of the pit window opening. After the pits, Richard Westbrook took the lead, with Matt Bell in the Audi chasing them down. The battle for 3rd hotted up, with the Mercedes holding up the #2 Porsche, with Jonathon Adam, now in the Aston Martin, closing them down.
The race settled down after the pit stops, but as the race drew to a close, and the minutes ticking down, the fight was still on, as Bell reels in the leader, Simonsen (taking over from Lester) in the #3 Ferrari gets past Bateman (taking over from Cameron) in the Ferrari 458. The #5 car dropping to 6th after its early lead. And Jonathon Adam (taking over from Howard) gets past Jones for the final podium spot. The Mercedes falling a further place as Simonsen makes more progress to take 4th.
More incidents for the Jones's brothers, as a tangle with Tim Bridgman in the Trackspeed Porsche at Lodge left Bridgman with a puncture, leading to his retirement. The Mercedes surviving and finished in 5th.
Simonsen was still closing, but the chequered flag came just at the right moment for a couple of the teams. Westbrook and Ashburn took the top spot, just ahead of the Guash/Bell Audi.
Photo: Simonsen almost takes a podium in Race 1
"The Audi had the edge at the finish and it wasn’t pretty through the final laps," Westbrook said. "We've got work to do but David did a great job in his stint and we're delighted to start the year with a win and some good points"
With the Aston Martin, the engine let go in big plume of white smoke as it came across the line, leaving Adam to park up on the exit of Old Hall. With a new engine needed, the Aston wouldn't be appearing in race 2.
"The car was getting slower in a straight line and the noise from the engine was getting worse," he said. "Then as I crossed the line, it just let go in a cloud of smoke. That's disappointing for us, but at the same time, it's great to start the year on the podium as there are circuits coming up that will be better suited to the car."
Race One Results:
1. David Ashburn/Richard Westbrook (Trackspeed Porsche 997), 36 laps
2. Mike Guasch/Matt Bell (United Autosports Audi R8), +1.528s
3.Andrew Howard/Jonathan Adam (Beechdean Motorsport Aston Martin DBRS9), +28.961s
4. Hector Lester/Allan Simonsen (Rosso Verde Ferrari 430), +29.362s
5. David Jones/Godfrey Jones (Preci Spark Mercedes AMG SLS), +41.753s
6. Michael Lyons/Charles Bateman (Scuderia Vittoria Ferrari 458), +43.353s
7. Duncan Cameron/Matt Griffin (Mtech Ferrari 458), +1m03.783s
8. Jim Geddie/Glynn Geddie (CRS Racing Ferrari 430), +1m06.043s
9. Iain Dockerill/Steven Kane (Chad Racing Ferrari 430), +1 lap
10. Phil Burton/Adam Wilcox (Predator CCTV Racing Ferrari 430), +1 lap
Race 2 was alot more lively, with 2 safety cars in the early stages, allowing the Race 1 pole sitter, Michael Lyons, to make progress through the field, after a qualifying infringement left the car at the back of the grid.
Westbrook held onto the lead into Old Hall at the start, but further back the KTM of Belshaw and Clutton spun causing a safety car without even a lap completed. The lengthy safety car period allowed Tom Bridgman who was caught up with the safety car and almost a lap down on the leaders, to catch up with the back of field after been let past by the safety car by the untraditional and somewhat controversial method cutting the circuit at the Foster's circuit. This resulted in the team manager been summoned to Race Control, however, steering rack problems forced unscheduled stops for the #2 Porsche later on in the race. The car eventually finishing 5th but the race stewards demoted them to 10th as a result of his corner cutting.
The safety car was deployed a few short laps later when an accident claimed 2 Ginetta's at Druids, with the Scuderia Vittoria Ginetta G50 and Andrew Jordan's Team LNT Ginetta G55. Some teams utilised this safety car to make their driver changes, with some fairing better than others, especially with the new pit stop success penalties from race 1 finishing positions.
As the race resumed, the Rosso Verde Ferrari - now in the hands of Hector Lester - retained second position, ahead of the Trackspeed Porsches of David Ashburn and Gregor Fisken. David Jones' Preci Spark Mercedes held fifth place.
In what became effectively a 30 minute sprint race, Bateman surged into the distance but a battle raged behind for the remaining podium positions.
The Mercedes was involved in further battles, this time with race 1 winner Ashburn for 2nd place, with Guasch in the Audi charging through the feld.
Photo: The Mercedes drivers were kept very busy in both races.
Ashburn passing David Jones for 4th, with Fisken the next target for the #1 Porsche. Fisken then effectively becoming a tail gunner for Ashburn from the mighty Mercedes. However, the #1 Porsche fell down the order after a 1 second stop/go penalty for not taking the right amount of success time at the pit stop. He rejoined in 6th, but worked his way forward to finish in 4th. Gaining places when Duncan Camerons charge came to a halt, literally, while running 5th on exiting the first chicane and after Tim Bridgman decided to take a trip across the grass.
In the closing minutes, the top 4 cars now spread out, with Michael Lyons and Charles Bateman closing in on their first ever British GT victory which they duly took after 36 laps, and after starting at the back of the grid.
"It's great to get a win after we had just one day of testing before this weekend. Me and Charles are quite even on pace and we’ve got to be among the favourites after this weekend."
Photo: Race 2 winning Ferrari after starting from the back of the grid.
The Jones' were very pleased with their result, despite finishing over 21 seconds behind the winning Ferrari.
"We didn't think this would be the strongest circuit for the car," David's brother, Godfrey, said. "Oulton Park is a very tight and twisty circuit so to get a second and a fifth place finish is a good result. There are circuits that will suit the Mercedes more, so we're very pleased"
The United Autosports Audi of Guasch and Bell, made their way back through the field after a late pit stop left them 14th, with Guasch performing a great job after taking over from Mike Bell, which earned him the Sunoco Driver of the Day award.
1. Michael Lyons/Charles Bateman (Scuderia Vittoria Ferrari 458), 36 laps
2. David Jones/Godfrey Jones (Preci Spark Mercedes AMG SLS), +21.633s
3. Mike Guasch/Matt Bell (United Autosports Audi R8), +30.411s
4. David Ashburn/Richard Westbrook (Trackspeed Porsche 997), +36.125s
5. Gregor Fisken/Tim Bridgman (Trackspeed Porsche 997), +45.222s
6. Jim Geddie/Glynn Geddie (CRS Racing Ferrari 430), +50.527s
7. Andrew Tate/Alex Mortimer (CRS Racing Ferrari 430), +1m06.906s
8. Hector Lester/Allan Simonsen (Rosso Verde Ferrari 430), +1m12.725s
9. Phil Burton/Adam Wilcox (Predator CCTV Racing Ferrari 430), +1m19.535s
10. Julian Draper/Freddie Hetherington (Century Motorsport Ginetta G50), +1m23.238s
Photo: Race 1 start was clean and the pack made it through turn 1 safely and in one piece.
Race 1, saw the Ferrari 458 on pole on its debut, with driver Michael Lyons at the wheel for the start of the race initially leading away from the rest of the field. The other 458 in the field, run by MTech, suffered gearbox trouble in qualifying and lined up at the back, alongside another car suffering problems throughout the weekend, #44 KTM X-Bow which brought an early halt to the mornings warm up.
Just behind the leading Ferrari at the start, the #1 Porsche of defending champion David Ashburne was slowly falling away with the Mercedes SLS driven by the 2009 Champions, the Jones's brothers (moving away from the Ascari for this year) under pressue from Mike Guasch in the leading United Autosports Audi R8. With the #2 Trackspeed Porsche of Gregor Fisken catching them both, and the Aston Martin driven by Andrew Howard catching the Trackspeed car.
Phil Burton in the Predator CCTV Ferrari 430 was chasing down the Speedwords Corvette of Ron Johnson, eventually passing into Cascades for 11th spot. The Corvette later been passed by the recovering Duncan Cameron in the new MTech Ferrari 458.
Most teams choose to change within a few minutes of the pit window opening. After the pits, Richard Westbrook took the lead, with Matt Bell in the Audi chasing them down. The battle for 3rd hotted up, with the Mercedes holding up the #2 Porsche, with Jonathon Adam, now in the Aston Martin, closing them down.
The race settled down after the pit stops, but as the race drew to a close, and the minutes ticking down, the fight was still on, as Bell reels in the leader, Simonsen (taking over from Lester) in the #3 Ferrari gets past Bateman (taking over from Cameron) in the Ferrari 458. The #5 car dropping to 6th after its early lead. And Jonathon Adam (taking over from Howard) gets past Jones for the final podium spot. The Mercedes falling a further place as Simonsen makes more progress to take 4th.
More incidents for the Jones's brothers, as a tangle with Tim Bridgman in the Trackspeed Porsche at Lodge left Bridgman with a puncture, leading to his retirement. The Mercedes surviving and finished in 5th.
Simonsen was still closing, but the chequered flag came just at the right moment for a couple of the teams. Westbrook and Ashburn took the top spot, just ahead of the Guash/Bell Audi.
Photo: Simonsen almost takes a podium in Race 1
"The Audi had the edge at the finish and it wasn’t pretty through the final laps," Westbrook said. "We've got work to do but David did a great job in his stint and we're delighted to start the year with a win and some good points"
With the Aston Martin, the engine let go in big plume of white smoke as it came across the line, leaving Adam to park up on the exit of Old Hall. With a new engine needed, the Aston wouldn't be appearing in race 2.
"The car was getting slower in a straight line and the noise from the engine was getting worse," he said. "Then as I crossed the line, it just let go in a cloud of smoke. That's disappointing for us, but at the same time, it's great to start the year on the podium as there are circuits coming up that will be better suited to the car."
Race One Results:
1. David Ashburn/Richard Westbrook (Trackspeed Porsche 997), 36 laps
2. Mike Guasch/Matt Bell (United Autosports Audi R8), +1.528s
3.Andrew Howard/Jonathan Adam (Beechdean Motorsport Aston Martin DBRS9), +28.961s
4. Hector Lester/Allan Simonsen (Rosso Verde Ferrari 430), +29.362s
5. David Jones/Godfrey Jones (Preci Spark Mercedes AMG SLS), +41.753s
6. Michael Lyons/Charles Bateman (Scuderia Vittoria Ferrari 458), +43.353s
7. Duncan Cameron/Matt Griffin (Mtech Ferrari 458), +1m03.783s
8. Jim Geddie/Glynn Geddie (CRS Racing Ferrari 430), +1m06.043s
9. Iain Dockerill/Steven Kane (Chad Racing Ferrari 430), +1 lap
10. Phil Burton/Adam Wilcox (Predator CCTV Racing Ferrari 430), +1 lap
Race 2 was alot more lively, with 2 safety cars in the early stages, allowing the Race 1 pole sitter, Michael Lyons, to make progress through the field, after a qualifying infringement left the car at the back of the grid.
Westbrook held onto the lead into Old Hall at the start, but further back the KTM of Belshaw and Clutton spun causing a safety car without even a lap completed. The lengthy safety car period allowed Tom Bridgman who was caught up with the safety car and almost a lap down on the leaders, to catch up with the back of field after been let past by the safety car by the untraditional and somewhat controversial method cutting the circuit at the Foster's circuit. This resulted in the team manager been summoned to Race Control, however, steering rack problems forced unscheduled stops for the #2 Porsche later on in the race. The car eventually finishing 5th but the race stewards demoted them to 10th as a result of his corner cutting.
The safety car was deployed a few short laps later when an accident claimed 2 Ginetta's at Druids, with the Scuderia Vittoria Ginetta G50 and Andrew Jordan's Team LNT Ginetta G55. Some teams utilised this safety car to make their driver changes, with some fairing better than others, especially with the new pit stop success penalties from race 1 finishing positions.
As the race resumed, the Rosso Verde Ferrari - now in the hands of Hector Lester - retained second position, ahead of the Trackspeed Porsches of David Ashburn and Gregor Fisken. David Jones' Preci Spark Mercedes held fifth place.
In what became effectively a 30 minute sprint race, Bateman surged into the distance but a battle raged behind for the remaining podium positions.
The Mercedes was involved in further battles, this time with race 1 winner Ashburn for 2nd place, with Guasch in the Audi charging through the feld.
Photo: The Mercedes drivers were kept very busy in both races.
Ashburn passing David Jones for 4th, with Fisken the next target for the #1 Porsche. Fisken then effectively becoming a tail gunner for Ashburn from the mighty Mercedes. However, the #1 Porsche fell down the order after a 1 second stop/go penalty for not taking the right amount of success time at the pit stop. He rejoined in 6th, but worked his way forward to finish in 4th. Gaining places when Duncan Camerons charge came to a halt, literally, while running 5th on exiting the first chicane and after Tim Bridgman decided to take a trip across the grass.
In the closing minutes, the top 4 cars now spread out, with Michael Lyons and Charles Bateman closing in on their first ever British GT victory which they duly took after 36 laps, and after starting at the back of the grid.
"It's great to get a win after we had just one day of testing before this weekend. Me and Charles are quite even on pace and we’ve got to be among the favourites after this weekend."
Photo: Race 2 winning Ferrari after starting from the back of the grid.
The Jones' were very pleased with their result, despite finishing over 21 seconds behind the winning Ferrari.
"We didn't think this would be the strongest circuit for the car," David's brother, Godfrey, said. "Oulton Park is a very tight and twisty circuit so to get a second and a fifth place finish is a good result. There are circuits that will suit the Mercedes more, so we're very pleased"
The United Autosports Audi of Guasch and Bell, made their way back through the field after a late pit stop left them 14th, with Guasch performing a great job after taking over from Mike Bell, which earned him the Sunoco Driver of the Day award.
1. Michael Lyons/Charles Bateman (Scuderia Vittoria Ferrari 458), 36 laps
2. David Jones/Godfrey Jones (Preci Spark Mercedes AMG SLS), +21.633s
3. Mike Guasch/Matt Bell (United Autosports Audi R8), +30.411s
4. David Ashburn/Richard Westbrook (Trackspeed Porsche 997), +36.125s
5. Gregor Fisken/Tim Bridgman (Trackspeed Porsche 997), +45.222s
6. Jim Geddie/Glynn Geddie (CRS Racing Ferrari 430), +50.527s
7. Andrew Tate/Alex Mortimer (CRS Racing Ferrari 430), +1m06.906s
8. Hector Lester/Allan Simonsen (Rosso Verde Ferrari 430), +1m12.725s
9. Phil Burton/Adam Wilcox (Predator CCTV Racing Ferrari 430), +1m19.535s
10. Julian Draper/Freddie Hetherington (Century Motorsport Ginetta G50), +1m23.238s
Bahrain refuses to give up hope of rescheduling GP
Bahrain remains hopeful of rescheduling its postponed 2011 grand prix despite ongoing civil unrest in the country.
Race officials released a statement on Saturday which kept their options open, although it did not commit to a date.
Organisers had been given until 1 May to decide if a race can be staged and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has hinted the deadline could be extended.
But a spokesman for governing body the FIA stated: "As far as we're concerned a decision is still due on Sunday."
The Bahrain Grand Prix had been scheduled to open the 2011 season on 13 March but was called off in February because of anti-government protests.
Bahrain's Crown Prince made the decision to cancel the race, with Ecclestone commenting at the time that it was the right choice.
The Gulf state is still under martial law after a month of protests which Middle East analysts say have been caused by tensions between the ruling Sunni minority and Shia majority.
However, Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed Rashid Alzayani said in the statement that conditions were getting better.
"The situation is evolving all the time; our day-to-day life is gradually improving under the current State of National Safety," he stated.
"We look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula 1 back to Bahrain in the very near future."
No dates were mentioned, however, and there was no specific confirmation that the race could be rescheduled.
A circuit spokesman added: "We are not saying we are hosting it, we are not saying we are not hosting it. We are not saying it is cancelled."
Ecclestone told Reuters that extending the deadline, which is due to expire on Sunday, would give organisers more time to assess the political situation.
"Things can change in a couple of weeks... so you don't know," he commented.
"All of a sudden everything might be peaceful in a month's time and they are happy to run the event and so we are happy to be there.
"We need to wait a little bit to see exactly how progress is made. I suppose we'd be safe by early June or something like that."
The sport's 80-year-old commercial supremo added that he might have to say "bye-bye Bahrain" but a decision was not imminent.
The FIA told BBC Sport, however, that it is not aware of any plans to extend Bahrain's deadline.
"As far as we are concerned a decision is still due on Sunday," an FIA spokesman said.
"Because it's a weekend it may be Monday morning that we announce the decision, but we haven't spoken to Mr Ecclestone about any delay.
"The decision will be a joint one between the FIA, Formula One Management and the Bahrain authorities."
If Bahrain is restored to the 2011 calendar it has been suggested it could become the penultimate race of the season.
Read the Full Story at the Official F1 Site - CLICK HERE
Organisers had been given until 1 May to decide if a race can be staged and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has hinted the deadline could be extended.
But a spokesman for governing body the FIA stated: "As far as we're concerned a decision is still due on Sunday."
The Bahrain Grand Prix had been scheduled to open the 2011 season on 13 March but was called off in February because of anti-government protests.
Bahrain's Crown Prince made the decision to cancel the race, with Ecclestone commenting at the time that it was the right choice.
The Gulf state is still under martial law after a month of protests which Middle East analysts say have been caused by tensions between the ruling Sunni minority and Shia majority.
However, Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed Rashid Alzayani said in the statement that conditions were getting better.
"The situation is evolving all the time; our day-to-day life is gradually improving under the current State of National Safety," he stated.
"We look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula 1 back to Bahrain in the very near future."
No dates were mentioned, however, and there was no specific confirmation that the race could be rescheduled.
A circuit spokesman added: "We are not saying we are hosting it, we are not saying we are not hosting it. We are not saying it is cancelled."
Ecclestone told Reuters that extending the deadline, which is due to expire on Sunday, would give organisers more time to assess the political situation.
"Things can change in a couple of weeks... so you don't know," he commented.
"All of a sudden everything might be peaceful in a month's time and they are happy to run the event and so we are happy to be there.
"We need to wait a little bit to see exactly how progress is made. I suppose we'd be safe by early June or something like that."
The sport's 80-year-old commercial supremo added that he might have to say "bye-bye Bahrain" but a decision was not imminent.
The FIA told BBC Sport, however, that it is not aware of any plans to extend Bahrain's deadline.
"As far as we are concerned a decision is still due on Sunday," an FIA spokesman said.
"Because it's a weekend it may be Monday morning that we announce the decision, but we haven't spoken to Mr Ecclestone about any delay.
"The decision will be a joint one between the FIA, Formula One Management and the Bahrain authorities."
If Bahrain is restored to the 2011 calendar it has been suggested it could become the penultimate race of the season.
Read the Full Story at the Official F1 Site - CLICK HERE
Massive crash, Porsche Carrera Cup Italia 2011 at Imola
Love the Ferrari, such an excellent car!
James Johnson
The Weatherman
And thats why they should of left the Chicane before the Start/Finish line... That wouldnt of happened otherwise.
Erik Tveit
I can haz cookie?
But then it would be like no straight. This could happen to any start/finish.
And I suggested this track for WTM next year
James Johnson
The Weatherman
Yes but there is no room in that section of the track and the speed they get too before they even reach where the old Chicane was is pretty high as it was. There has been already 2 other major accidents on that section since it has been remade.
Erik Tveit
I can haz cookie?
That stupid left kink..
These two examples are from starting positions, nothing to do with speed and (or) corners in question.
James Johnson
The Weatherman
If you had noticed i spoke about track space and speed and all 3 crashes are focused in the same section of track.
The third round of the 2011 FIA GT1 world championship takes place at the Algarve, Portugal, this weekend. The spectacular Portimao circuit, a favourite with drivers due to its undulating nature and blend of challenging high and low speed corners, hosts GT1 for the second time and you can follow all the action live here at RaceDepartment all weekend long.
On Saturday you can watch the Qualifying Race and Sunday the Championship Race live on high quality internet streams. Don't miss a minute of the Battle of the Brands.
Broadcasting Time Schedule:
Saturday May 7, 2011
Qualifying Race 15:15 - 16.15 GMT
Sunday May 8, 2011
Championship Race 13:15 - 14:15 GMT
Click this link to watch all the action via our FIA GT1 Player, kindly provided to us by the SRO.
On Saturday you can watch the Qualifying Race and Sunday the Championship Race live on high quality internet streams. Don't miss a minute of the Battle of the Brands.
Broadcasting Time Schedule:
Saturday May 7, 2011
Qualifying Race 15:15 - 16.15 GMT
Sunday May 8, 2011
Championship Race 13:15 - 14:15 GMT
Click this link to watch all the action via our FIA GT1 Player, kindly provided to us by the SRO.
- Status
Latest News
-
2024 Formula One Brazilian Grand PrixAfter arguably the most controversial race weekend of the season so far, Formula One turns to...- Connor Minniss
- Updated:
- 4 min read
-
NASCAR 25 Dev Diary Shows First In-Engine Glimpse, Laser-Scanned Tracks ConfirmediRacing and Monster Games are developing the upcoming NASCAR 25 and have just released their...- Luca Munro
- Updated:
- 2 min read
-
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown Players Over Due Financial CompensationTest Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown (TDUSC) has completed yet another maintenance period, and...
- Connor Minniss
- Updated:
- 2 min read
-
List Of Licensed Sim Racing Steering WheelsFrom 1:1 scale GT wheels to Formula One replicas, the world of licensed wheel rims in sim racing...
- Connor Minniss
- Updated:
- 5 min read
-
WATCH: What's new with BavarianSimTec?The high-end sim racing hardware market continues to grow, and one of the most advanced...- Yannik Haustein
- Updated:
- 1 min read
-
Short Track Racing In West Germany: Meet Gelsenkirchen's Almaring for Assetto CorsaWho doesn't love obscure track mods? The Almaring in Gelsenkirchen for Assetto Corsa is firmly...
- Yannik Haustein
- Updated:
- 3 min read
-
The Infamous Iowa Speedway Debuts With Style In Assetto CorsaWho's up for some short oval action? Iowa Speedway is now available as an Assetto Corsa mod...
- Connor Minniss
- Updated:
- 4 min read