It's all about Porsche…if you're an owner of a Porsche,or a big enthusiast of Porsche Cars, Porsche Motorsports, Porsche Design, Porsche History, or a member of a Porsche Club….join me on focusing just about PORSCHE!!
The end of the 2012 ALMS season is marked with the ten hours of Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. To celebrate the close of the season, Porsche shows the Art of Speed – the racing moments you may have missed from the historic event.
Stuttgart. With the artistically designed wall calendar “Mega City”, Porsche offers twelve good reasons to look forward to the future now.
Form, colour and technology combine in the official Porsche Calendar 2013 to create a unique symbiosis, promising unusual Porsche moments throughout the year.
Porsche Calendar: Mega City 2013
Month for month, the multiple award-winning Porsche Calendar 2013 in the format 59 times 55.5 centimetres guarantees an exciting year. “Mega City” displays the full sporting spectrum of the Porsche range – in a completely unexpected setting. Rather than design graphics, this year’s Porsche Calendar features striking perspectives based on realistically photographed vehicles, shown against a futuristic Mega City backdrop.
Porsche Calendar: May 2013
Contrasts in harmony: the colours of the automobiles are reflected in the tones of their surroundings, creating a harmonious whole.
Porsche Calendar: June 2013
There is also an overview page presenting all the calendar motifs, together with information on the individual vehicles.
Porsche Calendar: January 2013
This year, too, the official Porsche Calendar comes with an exclusive, 40 millimetre diameter collector’s medal showing the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (Type 991) on the front and the calendar motto with the number of the year, 2013, on the reverse side.
The official Porsche Calendar with the medal costs 39 Euro and is available as of now in Porsche Centres worldwide, and on the Internet at http://www.porsche.com/shop.
Porsche pilots narrowly miss podium at season final
Stuttgart. At the Petit Le Mans, the final round of the American Le Mans Series season on the storied Road Atlanta circuit, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Long (USA) and Patrick Pilet (France) narrowly missed out on a podium placing after becoming faultlessly entangled in an accident.
But despite an additional stop-and-go penalty, they finished the 1,000 mile race on the challenging course in the U.S. state of Georgia fifth in the GT class at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports.
“I tried to overtake a Ferrari and was right up next to him when he suddenly turned in and forced me onto the grass,” said Joerg Bergmeister.
“I don’t understand why it should have been my fault and why I was punished for it. But the race director decided it should be so and therefore ruined our race.”
“To lose the vice-championship in this manner is of course bitter,” said Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “The teams and drivers battled hard but it simply wasn’t enough.”
Patrick Pilet added, “We put in a super fight for the podium but toward the end the car became very difficult to drive.”
Patrick Long, who won in Lime Rock this season and came second at three races with Joerg Bergmeister, is now looking ahead to the next season.
“At the last six races we earned the most points of anyone. That makes me very optimistic for the future. We could easily have brought home a podium result today. The penalty handed to Joerg cost us the victory. The whole team then tried everything and used a great strategy to keep us in contention, but after the accident the car was no longer fast enough. Still, it was a good season for us.”
In the 911 GT3 RSR entry of Falken Tire, Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany)
and his teammates Bryan Sellers (USA)
and Martin Ragginger (Austria) scored sixth place.
“We can be pleased with this result today,” said Henzler. “Our pit stops were good, we came in at exactly the right time, but we just couldn’t hold the pace of the front-runner. Falken will now use the winter break to develop the tyres further and I’m certain that we will have made great strides forward at the season-opener in Sebring next year.”
Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany), who drove the second Flying Lizard Porsche
with Seth Neiman (USA)
and Nick Tandy (Great Britain), took the flag in seventh and said,
“Our pace was good in the race, much better than in qualifying. After an off which cost us a lot of time we managed to fight our way up again. My first full season in the American Le Mans Series was a great experience, not least because of the pole position in Elkhart Lake.”
Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) supported regular pilots Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) in the cockpit of Paul Miller Racing’s 911 GT3 RSR. He commented on the team’s tenth position,
“Several times we had to pit earlier to change the tyres and that cost us time. So for us it was all about getting the car to the finish line in one piece. The work with the team was a really interesting experience for me.”
At his debut in the American Le Mans Series, Kuba Giermaziak (Poland), who normally contests the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, clinched victory in the GTC class. He won withHenrique Cisneros (Mexico) and Mario Farnbacher (Germany) at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The Petit Le Mans was also the season final of the European Le Mans Series.
In the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by the IMSA Performance Matmut squad, Frenchmen Nicolas Armindo, Raymond Narac and Anthony Pons won the GTE Am class and secured overall victory in the European counterpart to the American Le Mans Series.
Porsche’s Head of Motorsport Hartmut Kristen commented,
“To contest a ten hour race without making any mistakes in the fight for the title is no easy feat. You can only congratulate the team on this performance.”
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Result
GT class
1. Sharp/van Overbeek/Vilander (USA/USA/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 375 laps
2. Magnussen/Garcia/Taylor (DK/E/USA), Chevrolet Corvette, 375
3. J. Müller/Auberlen/Summerton (D/USA/USA), BMW E92 M3, 374
4. D. Müller/Alzen/Summerton (D/D/USA), BMW E92 M3, 373
5. Bergmeister/Long/Pilet (D/USA/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 373
6. Henzler/Sellers/Ragginger (D/USA/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 372
7. Holzer/Neiman/Tandy (D/USA/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 369
10. Maassen/Miller/Lietz (D/USA/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 367
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately:
GT class:
American Le Mans Series (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This most popular class among car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECAFLM 09.
The race
The Petit Le Mans is a highlight of the race series featuring the fastest sports cars in the world. The race on the 4.087 kilometre Road Atlanta circuit near Braselton, one of the most storied and challenging race tracks in the United States, has been contested since 1999.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The Porsche drivers
In the cockpit of Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long team up with their factory pilot colleague Patrick Pilet (France). In the Falken Tire entry, Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) shares driving duties with Bryan Sellers (USA) and Martin Ragginger (Austria). Driving the sister Flying Lizard-Porsche is Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany) with teammates Seth Neiman (USA) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain). The sixth Porsche works driver in Petit Le Mans is Richard Lietz (Austria) who helms the 911 GT3 RSR of Paul Miller Racing with Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA).
The vehicle
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is the top model of Porsche Motorsport’s range of customer race cars. For the 2012 racing season, the vehicle received extensive modifications and has featured a new front splitter and an adapted rear wing since the race in Laguna Seca.
Porsche successes
With nine GT victories since 1999, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer at Road Atlanta. Joerg Bergmeister set the benchmark with five wins in a row from 2003 to 2007. With the Porsche RS Spyder sports prototype, Porsche celebrated three straight victories in the LMP2 class from 2006 to 2008.
The schedule
The race takes off on Saturday, 20 October, at 11.30 hrs local time (17.30 hrs CEST) and runs for maximum ten hours. The event is shown on http://www.americanlemans.com/live. The GT qualifying can be seen live on Friday from 20.20 hours on http://www.porsche.com/alms-live.
Quotes before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport: “The traditional Petit Le Mans marks the end of an extremely exciting season where we witnessed particularly tough fights in the GT class. With 40 sports cars lining up for the final round on Road Atlanta the final will certainly be another highlight.”
Joerg Bergmeister: “Petit Le Mans is a memorable finish to the season. We want to win the vice championship but to do this we have to finish in front of our competitors – and that is no easy task.”
Patrick Long: “Road Atlanta is a fantastic track. It’s a real challenge for all drivers. Of course we are hoping to be just as competitive as we were at the last races. If we manage this then anything is possible.”
Patrick Pilet: “A 1,000 mile race is always something very special. It’s a huge challenge but a heap of fun.”
Wolf Henzler: “Petit Le Mans is a very special race. At the start shortly before midday it’s usually very warm and then at dusk it turns noticeably cooler. The temperature difference makes the tyre choice more difficult.”
Marco Holzer: “Road Atlanta is a fascinating race track. I hope we can maintain our top form from the last race in Virginia. That would be a great end to the racing year.”
Richard Lietz: “I’m looking forward to contesting such a classic event. I will do everything I can to help my teammates finish the season successfully.”
The American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The field is divided into five classes: GT, GTC, LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC. All classes start together but are classified separately.
A portrait of Magnus Walker, the rebel Porsche customizer who turned a hobby into an obsession, and an obsession into a successful business.
,,,a sample of Magnus Walkers Porsche collection (photos by Magnus, collage created by dede seward)
From a workshop in downtown Los Angeles, Magnus obsessively harvests fragments from donor 911s, grafting them onto vintage frames to create one-of kind automobiles with the spirit of Ferdinand Porsche but an ethos entirely his own.
Inside the garage of Magnus Walker. Photo by: Magnus Walker
A few more Porsche 911s owned by Magnus Walker. Photo by: Magnus Walker
ABOUT Magnus Walker:
My love affair with PORSCHE began as a 10 year old kid, and a trip to the 1977 LONDON motor show.
That is where I laid my eyes upon a 77-930 Martini TURBO! As a kid growing up in SHEFFIELD-ENGLAND Porches were not a common sight. Sure I had the TURBO poster on my wall, lusted after one, and even wrote a letter to the Porsche factory!
Hey… They even wrote back! Saying words to the affect “give us a call back when you are older”.
Fast forward a few years, and in 1986 at the age of 19 I moved to America and started a new life in LOS ANGELES..
At the age of 25 in 1992 I acquired my first 911, now almost 20 years later and over 40 -911 cars later I am living my PORSCHE dream.
I have done some club racing and instructing with the POC throughout the past 10 years. Over the past few years I have been expanding my 64-73 early car collection and have been building quite a few “sports purpose” R -ST inspired streetable track type cars.
My builds are starting to gain world wide attention, and a few unique touches such as my grafted R turn signals, louvered deck lids, drilled door handles and attention to detail to name a few are becoming my “signature marks”.
Magnus Walker poses with his 1971 Porsche 911. Photo by Magnus Walker.
Producer / Director: Tamir Moscovici (MOS), Industry Films Line Producer: Dwight Phipps, Industry Films
DP: Anthony Arendt, Partos
Editor: Paul Proulx, Stealing Time
Colourist: Wade Odlum, Alter Ego
Audio House: Pirate Toronto
“The film, a passion project, would never have been funded in the traditional studio system. Through word of mouth, enthusiasts, bloggers and journalist, we have built a global fan base, our fans are passionate, and we don’t want to make them wait any longer.” – Tamir Moscovici
Supplemental,…In association with MOS MEDIA, INDUSTRY FILMS & MAGNUSWALKER911.COM
is proud to announce the release of URBAN OUTLAW. URBAN OUTLAW
will be distributed & released worldwide online via Reelhouse.org.
RELEASE DATE: Oct 15 2012
Since the trailer was released in late May of 2012 it obtained over a 1.2 million click throughs. The initial intent was to submit the film to festivals. Since submitting the film to festivals and competitions the film has won a prestigious Award of Merit from the Best Shorts Competition, for short documentary. The film is schedule to debut in London at the Raindance Film Festival on Sept. 28 2012, and will play in Atlanta and Edmonton shortly there after.
While the film continues to navigate the festival circuit, Tamir & Magnus have decided that limiting the viewership to select cities, with limited seating, would be the wrong choice for the film. . Following Raindance the film will be made available online.
“The film, a passion project, would never have been funded in the traditional studio system. Through word of mouth, enthusiasts, bloggers and journalist, we have built a global fan base, our fans are passionate, and we don’t want to make them wait any longer. “ – Tamir Moscovici
We’ve opted to go with Reelhouse.org, a new platform for film audiences. Knowing that we were going to release the film globally we wanted a platform that could create a theatrical experience that was intimate. Reelhouse is more then a micro site, or faceless link for audiences to view.
Through Reelhouse.org viewers can reach out toMagnus Walker and to the filmmaker. In the spirit of Louis C.K., and the filmmakers behind Press Pause Play, this is a new age in filmmaking, let’s cut out the distributors, studios and marketers. Let good film connect with an audience, and let that audience connect with the filmmakers.
If the audience likes the film, they can support the filmmakers. In short, let’s continue down the path of accessible art for the masses.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
Stuttgart. At the debut of the World Endurance Championship in Bahrain, the Felbermayr-Proton Porsche squad celebrated its second GTE Am class victory of the season.
Paolo Ruberti, Team Felbermayr-Proton
With their Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti won the six hour race on the Bahrain International Circuit against strong opposition from Ferrari and Chevrolet.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team JWA-Avila: Paul Daniels, Joel Camathias, Benny Simonsen
After a tough battle in the GTE Pro class, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) pocketed third place, repeating their recent Sao Paulo result.
“It was a difficult race for us. We had to conserve the tyres from the first to the last lap and this made us somewhat slower than the front-runners,” said Richard Lietz after the race which started at 4 p.m. in 40 degree Celsius temperatures and ran mainly in the dark.
“It only became a little cooler in the night and towards the finish the tyres didn’t deteriorate quite as quickly so we could attack.” Marc Lieb added, “We can be pleased with third place. During my first stint I had some problems with conserving the tyres which didn’t work very well and cost me time. Afterwards things ran better. We simply find it hard in such temperatures. We know we have the performance, but not in such extreme heat. We need to work on this. Hopefully it’s a bit cooler at the last two races in Fuji and Shanghai and then we should be back up there again.”
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti
On the 5.407 kilometre Grand Prix circuit in the desert Kingdom, Paolo Ruberti took off from the third grid spot in the GTE Am class. But after a short time he snatched the lead which he and his teammates only relinquished briefly over the course of the race. At the flag they held a one-lap lead over their strongest rivals. The trio started into the maiden season of the new long distance championship with a victory at the twelve hour classic in Sebring, and now clinched their fifth podium result from the sixth race of the year.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
“The whole team is very pleased with this win,” said Paolo Ruberti. “It wasn’t an easy race under such extreme temperatures but we did our very best. Now we’re looking forward to the race in Fuji.”
Highlights of the Bahrain race will be broadcast on Eurosport on 2 October at 00.15 hours. The seventh round of the World Endurance Championship is contested on 14 October in Fuji/Japan.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Results GTE Pro class
1. Fisichella/Vilander (I/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 170 laps
2. Mücke/Turner (D/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 169
3. Lieb/Lietz (D/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 169
4. Bertolini/Beretta (I/MC), Ferrari F458 Italia, 169
GTE Am class
1. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 165 laps
2. Kauffmann/Vickers/Aguas (USA/USA/P), Ferrari F458 Italia, 164
3. Krohn/Jönsson/Rugolo (USA/S/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 162
4. Bornhauser/Canal/Rees (F/F/BRA), Chevrolet Corvette, 157
5. Bourret/Gibon/Belloc (F/F/F), Chevrolet Corvette, 153
Updated 2013 race calendar
The provisional 2013 calendar of the World Endurance Championship was updated again on Saturday and includes the following races:
14.04. Silverstone/Great Britain
04.05. Spa-Francorchamps/Belgium
22/23.06. 24 Hours of Le Mans/France
31.08. Sao Paulo/Brazil
22.09. Austin/USA*
20.10. Fuji/Japan
10.11. Shanghai/China*
30.11. Sakhir/Bahrain
*yet to be confirmed
The World Endurance Championship
Sports prototypes and GT vehicles race in the new World Endurance Championship. They are divided into four classes that start together but are classified separately:
LMGTE Pro class: This class is reserved for slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
LMGTE Am class: Like the LMGTE Pro, but the regulations stipulate that only last year’s cars are eligible and there must be no more than one professional driver per vehicle.
LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms.
LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with around 440 hp and a 900 kilogram minimum weight.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti
Stuttgart. The World Endurance Championship showcases the world’s fastest sports cars in the Gulf region on 29 September. At round six of the new long distance championship in Bahrain, the Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) und Richard Lietz (Austria) are keen to score their second win of the season with their Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti
More reports from qualifying and the race over the course of the weekend.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Porsche pilots set sights on second win of season
The race
The six hour race is contested on the Bahrain International Circuit close to Sakhir. On the 5.407 kilometre track, two Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races are held each year as support to the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Porsche drivers
Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz, the winners of the race in Spa-Francorchamps, share the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the hotly-contested GTE Pro class against strong opposition from Ferrari and Aston Martin. Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti, the winners of the season-opener in Sebring, contest the GTE Am class the 2011 model year Porsche fielded by Felbermayr-Proton.
The vehicle
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is the top model of Porsche Motorsport’s customer racing vehicles. For the 2012 racing season, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR received extensive modifications. Additionally, the race car was fitted with a new front splitter and an adapted rear wing after Le Mans.
The schedule
The six hour race starts on Saturday, 29 September, at 16.00 hrs local time (17.00 CEST). Eurosport 1 shows highlights on 2 October at 00.15 hrs.
Quotes before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport: “Motorsport fans in Bahrain already know and love the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. At the World Endurance Championship, we are now looking forward to showing them some racing action with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – our top model of customer racing vehicles – and to win them over with its performance.”
Marc Lieb: “The track is very flowing and huge fun. The decisive factor will be how well we can set-up the car for the track and the very high temperatures. Our performance in Sao Paulo was very good in the second half of the race. In Bahrain we now have to try to maintain that pace over the entire distance.”
Richard Lietz: “I competed on this circuit in 2006 with the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. It suits our car very well. In the many fast corners our aerodynamics could turn out to be a decisive advantage. I think we have the speed to win. Our minimum goal is to finish on the podium.”
The World Endurance Championship
Sports prototypes and GT vehicles race in four different classes in the World Endurance Championship: LMGTE Pro, LMGTE Am, LMP1 and the LMP2. They start together but are classified separately.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
Richard Lietz, Team Felbermayr-ProtonChristian Ried, Team Felbermayr-Proton
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team JWA-Avila: Paul Daniels, Joel Camathias, Markus Palttala
Producer – Martin Jánský
Driver – Jan Červenka
Photographer – Jan Svoboda
Camera – David Režný
Editor – David Režný
Styling – Martina Knížová
Model – Sandra Marková
Owner of the Porsche is Jan Červenka editor in chief of the Czech Magazines Speed and TopGear
Porsche 918 Spyder-Prototyp auf der Nürburgring-Nordschleife
One year before its production launch, the plug-in hybrid super sports car from Porsche AG is already proving its superlative dynamic performance potential far surpassing all expectations placed in it. Dr. Frank Walliser, overall project leader for the 918 Spyder:
“By turning in a fabulous time of 07:14 minutes, the 918 Spyder prototype has already fully confirmed the viability of its future concept after just a few months on the road.”
Dr. Frank Walliser, Gesamtprojektleiter 918 Spyder
The lap time of the Porsche 918 Spyder prototype is one of the best ever clocked for street-legal vehicles with standard production tyres.
Porsche 918 Spyder-Prototyp auf der Nürburgring-Nordschleife
The course was only available to the development team from Weissach for one lap, and it had to be started from a standstill.
Porsche 918 Spyder-Prototyp auf der Nürburgring-Nordschleife
The plug-in hybrid super sports car with over 795 hp was equipped with production tyres from development partner Michelin as well as the optional “Weissach” package, which integrates modifications that boost driving performance.
Porsche 918 Spyder-Prototyp auf der Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Porsche pilots celebrate second victory at gripping street race
Stutgart. The closed street course of Baltimore is good turf for Porsche. At the second meeting of the American Le Mans Series in the Maryland state city of a million people, Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany) and his teammate Bryan Sellers (USA) repeated their previous year’s victory with a brilliant performance and excellent pit stop strategy.
Spectators lining the Inner Harbour track were treated to a thrilling two hour race in the series featuring the world’s fastest sports cars and witnessed the maiden victory for the Falken Tire squad with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
“To win such a great race for the second time in a row is simply fantastic,” said Wolf Henzler.
“Our team’s strategy was perfect. We came into the pits when we saw that we could go from there to finish the race and didn’t wait for a safety car phase. That was exactly the right decision.” Matthias Müller, the CEO of Porsche AG, who experienced his first American Le Mans Series race live in Baltimore, said, “I’ve rarely experienced such an exciting two hours.
The safety car came out already in the first lap. I headed to the pit wall to share the excitement with the Porsche teams. The competition in the ALMS is impressive. Congratulations to Wolf Henzler and Bryan Sellers on their tremendous victory. Our iconic sports car, the Porsche 911, has once again proven its speed and reliability.”
At the wheel of the #17 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Wolf Henzler headed into race from sixth and immediately became stuck in traffic at the first turn caused by a collision involving several cars.
“I really had no idea where I could go. There were cars left, right and centre,” he explained. “I was lucky that no one hit me. Somehow I finally found a free line and even managed to make up two places.”
For a while he watched the tough fights for positions on the narrow and tricky circuit ahead, but later made his move to take the lead. Henzler’s teammate Bryan Sellers lost several places while in the pits but fought his way back to the front in the first hour of racing. Despite coming under attack, he managed to fend off his pursuers to the flag.
“We weren’t always as fast as the Chevrolets and Ferraris,” he said, “but we were fast enough where it counted so that no one could overtake us.”
Underlining how strongly-supported and fiercely-contested the GT class of the American Le Mans Series is was apparent in the fact that the cars on the first four places hailed from four different manufacturers. This performance density also impressed Matthias Müller.
The Chairman of the Board at Porsche AG received a particularly insightful look behind the scenes of this exciting and for the fans fascinating race. During the formation lap before the start and in the first caution phase he sat in the passenger seat of the safety car – a Porsche Panamera Turbo.
Rounding off Porsche’s strong showing at the eighth race of the season in Baltimore, Joerg Bergmeister (Germany)
But the Lime Rock winners did not escape the first corner melee entirely unscathed. Patrick Long received a rear end shunt which resulted in slight damage to the car. In the race, the American drove in an uncommon double stint when he replaced Seth Neiman at short notice in the second Flying Lizard cockpit, after the team owner and regular pilot injured his arm during the morning’s practice.
Because of the short-term reshuffle of driver pairings, the regulations stipulated that his works driver colleague Marco Holzer (Germany) had to start from the pit lane.
Despite this, with a breathtaking chase, they brought their car over the finish line in seventh. In the cockpit of Paul Miller Racing’s 911 GT3 RSR, Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) were at times running in the lead, but concluded the race in ninth.
“That was not our day. The shunt that Patrick got in the first corner was so hard that not only was our rear suspension damaged, but even the radio was ripped from its mounting. During a caution phase, Patrick had to repair it. There was not a lot we could do today,” said Joerg Bergmeister. While he took over the #45 Porsche, Patrick Long replaced Marco Holzer in the number 44 vehicle.
“After sustaining tyre damage in the early phase we had to make an extra pit stop. When you consider where we were sitting when we rejoined the race and that we were only twelfth at the beginning, then seventh place is a solid result,” he said. “I tried to drive a fair race and not risk too much. After all, I don’t normally drive this car in the championship. That was a strong team effort this weekend.”
Marco Holzer added, “The Porsche was well balanced and fast. When I handed it to Patrick we were running in the same lap as the leaders of the GT class and Patrick even managed to overtake several vehicles towards the end.”
Victory in the GTC class went to Porsche works driver Patrick Pilet (France), who started for the first time in the American Le Mans Series with a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, which he shared with Al Carter (USA).
“What a great race. It’s unbelievable how fast the GTC cars are on such a narrow street course like the one here in Baltimore,” Pilet said. “I took over the car in second place and quickly managed to slip into the lead. Afterwards I concentrated on holding our position and preserving the tyres because I was aware that it would get really tough again towards the end. I’ve had such a great weekend.”
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Round nine of the American Le Mans Series is contested on 15 September on the Virginia International Raceway in Alton in the US state of Virginia.
Result GT class
1. Henzler/Sellers (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 67 laps
2. Gavin/Milner (GB/USA), Chevrolet Corvette, 67
3. Sharp/van Overbeek (USA/USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, 67
4. D. Müller/Joey Hand (D/USA), BMW E92 M3, 67
5. Bergmeister/Long (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 67
6. Magnussen/Garcia (DK/E), Chevrolet Corvette, 67
7. Holzer/Long (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 67
9. Maassen/Miller (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 66
Teams
1. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 145 points
2. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 121
3. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 104
4. Extreme Speed Motorsports, Ferrari, 86
5. Team Falken Tire, Porsche, 65
6. Paul Miller Racing, Porsche, 45
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms.
LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight.
LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
Stuttgart. At the street race of the American Le Mans Series in Baltimore in US state of Maryland,
Porsche works drivers Patrick Long (USA) and Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) start from the fourth grid spot of the strong GT field at the wheel of Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Their factory driver colleague Wolf Henzler (Germany) posted the seventh quickest time in hot summer temperatures on the circuit around the Inner Harbour, where an extra chicane made of tyre stacks was added for the qualifying session. With Bryan Sellers (USA),
Henzler won last year’s debut race in Baltimore in front of a record crowd of 150,000 spectators in the cockpit of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Falken Tire.
“By and large we are very happy with our starting position,” said Patrick Long.
“In qualifying it was ultimately about the question of whether you drive over the kerbs and take a big risk, or avoid the kerbs and are safer but a little slower. Since we had very little time to train because of the back and forth about the additional chicane we went for the second option.
We found a good set-up for tomorrow’s race.” Wolf Henzler added, “Seventh on the grid is not really what we expected from the qualifying, but I couldn’t go any faster. We will definitely be stronger in the race.”
Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) tackle Saturday’s race from position eight on the grid with their 911 run by Paul Miller Racing.
Taking up round eight of the race series featuring the world’s fastest sports cars from twelfth is Seth Neiman (USA), who shares driving duties in the second Flying Lizard Porsche with Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany), pole-sitter at the previous race in Elkhart Lake.
“We’ve further improved the car since this morning. Unfortunately I didn’t get much of a chance to drive and so I had to familiarise myself with the circuit during qualifying,” said Sascha Maassen. “Still, we have a good race strategy and we’re feeling confident that we can bring home a good result tomorrow.”
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The race in Baltimore starts on Saturday, 1 September, at 16.30 hrs local time (22.30 hrs CEST) and is broadcast live on the internet on http://www.americanlemans.com/live.
Qualifying result
GT class
1. Oliver Gavin (GB), Chevrolet Corvette, 1:29.95 minutes
2. Bill Auberlen (USA), BMW E92 M3, + 0.38 seconds
3. Jan Magnussen (DK), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.47
4. Patrick Long (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.72
5. Dirk Müller (D), BMW E92 M3, + 0.89
6. Scott Sharp (USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.32
7. Wolf Henzler (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.47
8. Sascha Maassen (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2.16
12. Seth Neiman (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 10.62
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms.
LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight.
LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), René Rast (D), Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Stuttgart. Time penalties for half of the field – that is an exception in Germany’s fastest one make race series. Still it happened at the 13th race of the season on the challenging former Grand Prix circuit of Zandvoort.
And one of the beneficiaries was René Rast. Driving for the Team Deutsche Post by tolimit he did not cross the finish line as the winner but was classified as first.
Hans Bernd Kamps, René Rast Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
With his fifth victory of the season, Rast has extended his series lead to twelve points over his closest rival with four races left on the calendar.
Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), René Rast (D), Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Second place went to Jeroen Bleekemolen from the Netherlands at his guest appearance for Attempto Racing.
Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
And scoring third place, Sean Edwards (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) earned more crucial points towards his diminishing chance in the title race.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
For the double champion of the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Carrera Cup champion of 2008, René Rast, this result was quietly satisfying: The seasoned campaigner made a mistake during yesterday’s race at the end of the safety car phase and lost certain victory because of the subsequent penalty.
Today, Rast only saw the flag in third after a rather uneventful race. But because the first two, Norbert Siedler (Austria, Konrad Motorsport) and Nicki Thiim (Denmark, Hermes Attempto Racing), were given a 30-second time penalty due to driving too fast under the yellow flag, Rast was handed his fifth victory of the season.
Jeroen Bleekemolen gladly accepted the surprise gift of second place. As a guest starter, however, his job was first and foremost to stock up the points’ account for the Attempto squad – and he certainly did this well.
Start Rennen 2: Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
For Sean Edwards, third place was a positive outcome for a race that started badly. After taking off into the sprint from third on the grid, the Briton was shunted and was running only in seventh after the first lap. On the narrow track on the North Sea coast, overtaking is difficult enough anyway, but rain early this morning complicated the situation even more. Because away the racing line the track was damp and at times wet.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Feisty Edwards managed to slip past guest starter Jeroen Mul (Netherlands, Team Bleekemolen), but he had no chance against Jeroen Bleekemolen at his home round.
Norbert Siedler (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Fourth and fifth place went to two pilots, Norbert Siedler und Nicki Thiim, who fought a gripping duel at the front over the entire race distance: Heading into race 13 from pole position, the Dane immediately moved into the lead, while the Austrian only started from fifth place, but quickly tucked in behind Thiim.
Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Afterwards, Siedler stuck to Thiim’s bumper over two-thirds of the race distance – until he finally nabbed him in the 15th lap. Jaap van Lagen (Netherlands, FE Racing by Land-Motorsport) was another driver to be stripped of his fourth place after driving too fast under yellow.
Michael Christensen (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Porsche Junior Michael Christensen took home seventh position from Sunday’s race. The 21-year-old headed into the race from ninth, made up two places early on and with plenty of space behind and in front of him, drove a lonely race to the flag.
Behind him in eighth and ninth respectively came two Dutch guest pilots competing for Team Bleekemolen, Jeroen Mul and Sebastiaan Bleekemolen. Clemens Schmid (Austria, SWITCH IT Lechner Racing) grabbed the last top ten spot, while the second Porsche Junior Klaus Bachler (Austria, Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) made up three places to finish in eleventh and earn more points as well as gain experience on this demanding circuit.
Tomorrow, on 27 August, news station N24 televises the 30-minute “Porsche Carrera Cup Magazin” at 18.30 hours. And on Sport1, Carrera Cup highlights will be aired on Saturday, 1 September, from 15.00 to 15.30 hours.
René Rast (winner):
“How does the saying go? You learn from your mistakes. What Nicki and Norbert did today, happened to me on the Red Bull Ring. Today I very deliberately slowed down because I thought something like this would happen.
So I won the race today that I threw away yesterday. Points lead extended, team classification extended – a very satisfying day.”
Jeroen Bleekemolen (second):
“My start was not good and I fell back slightly. It was a difficult race today because only the racing line was dry. That was weird with the penalty. The track became faster because it had dried up.
After René and my mishap yesterday where we were handed the time penalty, I was extra careful today. And ironically the two of us finished in first and second.”
Sean Edwards (third):
“I got away well at the start but Norbert forced me to the outside and hit me hard. He said it was wet on the inside, which I don’t understand. But the result is okay and now I’m looking forward to Oschersleben.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche Junior, seventh):
“I didn’t see the yellow flag and I only realised something was up when the green flag came out. I’m happy with my race today. I started from ninth and finished in seventh. I couldn’t have done better.”
Klaus Bachler (Porsche Junior, eleventh):
“I’m really happy with today. Firstly, I drove from 14th on the grid to finish eleventh, secondly I matched the lap times of the front-runners on a drying track, which is particularly pleasing. Unfortunately I didn’t see the yellow flag and I received a penalty. Otherwise I could easily have moved up a few positions.”
Result race 13
1. René Rast (D), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, 35:02.465 minutes
2. Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), Attempto Racing, + 3.198
3. Sean Edwards (GB), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, + 4.544
4. Norbert Siedler (A), Konrad Motorsport, + 27.510
5. Nicki Thiim (DK), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 29.335
6. Jaap van Lagen (NL), FE Racing by Land-Motorsport, + 32.430
7. Michael Christensen (DK), Konrad Motorsport, + 46.511
8. Jeroen Mul (NL), Team Bleekemolen, + 47.358
9. Sebastiaan Bleekemolen (NL), Team Bleekemolen, + 47.358
10. Clemens Schmid (A), SWITCH IT Lechner Racing, + 48.122
11. Klaus Bachler (A), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, + 48.906
Result Amateurs
1. Hoevert Vos (NL), Land-Motorsport, 35:51.507 minutes
2. Christina Nielsen (DK), Farnbacher ESET Racing, + 26.253 seconds
3. Bill Barazetti (D), MRS GT-Racing, + 12.607
Drivers’ standings after 13 of 17 races
1. René Rast (D), 195 points
2. Sean Edwards (GB), 183
3. Nicki Thiim (DK), 140
4. Norbert Siedler (A), 139
5. Kévin Estre (F), 131
Amateur classification
1. Bill Barazetti (D), 202 points
2. Wolf Nathan (NL), 185
3. Harrie Kolen (NL), 165
Rookie classification
1. Kévin Estre (F), 131 Punkte
2. Michael Christensen (DK), 108
3. Philipp Frommenwiler (CH), 88
Team classification:
1. Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, 383 points
2. Hermes Attempto Racing, 274
3. Konrad Motorsport, 249
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Preview for races 14 and 15 in Oschersleben
Now it’s getting serious. In three weeks, on 14 to 16 September, the Carrera Cup Deutschland contests races 14 and 15 in the Motorsport-Arena Oschersleben – and heads onto the finish straight of the season. The 3.696 kilometre Oschersleben circuit is twisty and offers very few chances to overtake.
Nevertheless, spectators last year were treated to some thrilling fights that was characterised by heavier rainfall.
Three drivers battled for honours at the front – the very same drivers who make up the top group this year: René Rast saw the flag in second last year, Nicki Thiim posted pole position and finished the race in third, and Sean Edwards still managed to snatch fifth place despite losing a front splitter.
Following this year’s race in Zandvoort, René Rast travels to the next round topping the points, followed by Sean Edwards and Nicki Thiim.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Stuttgart. At first it looked like a comfortable fifth win of the season for points’ leader René Rast (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) – but then things were turned upside down at race 12 of the Carrera Cup Deutschland in Zandvoort.
When the race was stopped after eight laps due to torrential rain, Rast’s teammate Sean Edwards was announced as winner.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
This marked the fourth win of the season for the Briton. Nicki
Nicki Thiim (DK)
Thiim was as thrilled with his surprising second place (Denmark, Hermes Attempto Racing) as Jaap van Lagen (FE Racing by Land-Motorsport) was about securing the last podium spot at his home round.
Jaap van Lagen (NL)
What had happened? Both the leader René Rast as well as second-placed guest driver Jeroen Bleekemolen (Netherlands, Attempto Racing) were handed a drive-through penalty which was then changed to a 30-second penalty.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
The pair had accelerated too early at the end of the safety car phase that was initiated when Dutchman Harrie Kolen (Land-Motorsport) flew off the track in lap three.
For points’ leader Rast (Germany), the consequences were not too dire: Because the race was red-flagged before 75 percent of the 14-lap sprint had been run, only half the amount of points were awarded. Nevertheless, this win puts title rival Edwards close on his opponent’s bumper.
For two-time winner this season and pole-sitter for Sunday’s race, Nicki Thiim’s second position has given him an extra boost in the overall standings. The Dane now ranks fourth and sits just three points shy of third place, currently occupied by his French teammate Kévin Estre. The reigning champion of the French Carrera Cup and points’ leader of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup saw the flag on the North Sea coast as fourth.
Austria’s Clemens Schmid (SWITCH IT Lechner Racing) regarded his seventh grid spot in qualifying as a good omen for some long-awaited progress.
Clemens Schmid (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
So he was all the more delighted to repeat his Norisring result and see the flag in fifth.
Jeroen Mul (NL)
Sixth and seventh position went to Jeroen Mul and Sebastiaan Bleekemolen,
Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
two guest drivers from the Netherlands competing for Team Bleekemolen.
Clemens Schmid (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
For Porsche Junior Klaus Bachler (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit), the day ended rather positively with eighth at Saturday’s race. After qualifying in 13th, the Austrian was disappointed. But now he and other drivers behind him profit from the fact that guest drivers are not eligible to earn points and the points-earning regular pilots move up.
Klaus Bachler (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Philipp Eng (Austria, MRS GT-Racing) and Hoevert Vos (Land-Motorsport) round off the top ten. Finishing in tenth overall, the Dutchman celebrated his fifth win of the season in the amateur classification.
Philipp Eng (A)
Rank 20 was the result of the second Porsche Junior Michael Christensen after a bungled race. Driving for the Konrad Motorsport squad, the Dane had taken up the race from ninth on the grid, but made a misjudgement while overtaking, spun and rejoined the race at the back of the field.
Race 13 of the season takes off tomorrow at 9.30 hrs and can be viewed in high quality live on the official Porsche website (www.porsche.com) – with editorial clips prior to the actual live-streaming, live-timing and a commentary in German and English.
As always, on the Monday after the race weekend (27 August), news station N24 televises the 30-minute “Porsche Carrera Cup Magazin” at 18.30 hours. And on Sport1, Carrera Cup highlights will be aired on Saturday, 1 September, from 15.00 to 15.30 hours.
Sean Edwards (winner):
“That was the craziest race of my life. When the safety car phase came to an end I was surprised that René and Jeroen were so early on the throttle. It would have been better for me if the safety car had been deployed again and we could have finished the race. But nevermind. The main thing is that I’m now closer to René in the drivers’ classification.”
Sean Edwards (GB)
Nicki Thiim (second):
“In the first half of the season I experienced a lot of bad luck, now it plagues the others. After my win on the Nürburgring everything’s going smoothly. Tomorrow I start from pole position and I aim to win.”
Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Jaap van Lagen (third):
“My start was okay, I started and finished on fifth. At the end of the safety car phase I drove really carefully. I didn’t want to make any mistakes. It’s a shame that the race was stopped. A change to wet tyres would have given the spectators a great show! Now we only receive half the points and that’s a pity.”
Jaap van Lagen (NL) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Klaus Bachler (Porsche Junior, eighth):
“My starting position was nothing to rave about, so I tried to do better in the race. Because of all the incidents I finished in eighth which is better than I had expected. It was crazy when the rain set in. I told myself to take it easy. What a shame they halted the race, it would have been great fun.”
Klaus Bachler (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Michael Christensen (Porsche Junior, 20th):
“My start was okay and I was able to match the pace in the first laps. When I tried to overtake Jeroen Mul he closed the door on me. We touched and I spun. The mistake was mine. I had to let the entire field go past – and that was an awful feeling. Then the rain started and I was the first driver to pit for wet tyres. Unfortunately, the race was red-flagged a few seconds later.”
Michael Christensen (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 07 Zandvoort 2012
Result race 12
1. Sean Edwards (GB), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, 15:14.551 minutes
2. Nicki Thiim (DK), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 0.695 seconds
3. Jaap van Lagen (NL), FE Racing by Land-Motorsport, + 1.210
4. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 1.974
5. Clemens Schmid (A), SWITCH IT Lechner Racing, + 2.980
6. Jeroen Mul (NL), Team Bleekemolen, + 3.558
7. Sebastiaan Bleekemolen (NL), Team Bleekemolen, + 5.028
8. Klaus Bachler (A), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, + 8.386
9. Philipp Eng (A), MRS GT-Racing, + 10.141
10. Hoevert Vos (NL), Land-Motorsport, + 10.670
Result amateurs
1. Hoevert Vos (NL), Land-Motorsport, 15:25.221 minutes
2. Wolf Nathan (NL), FE Racing by Land-Motorsport, + 5.275 seconds
3. Bill Barazetti (D), MRS GT-Racing, + 12.607
Driver classification after 12 of 17 races
1. René Rast (D), 175 points
2. Sean Edwards (GB), 167
3. Kévin Estre (F), 131
4. Nicki Thiim (DK), 128
5. Norbert Siedler (A), 125
On the legendary Road America race track in the US state of Wisconsin, which hosts round seven of the American Le Mans Series on Saturday, the Porsche works driver from Germany set a new qualifying record in the GT class.
Marco Holzer
The second quickest time, a mere 0.01 seconds behind the leader, went to his factory pilot colleague and five-time Road America winner Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) in the second Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
For Porsche, Marco Holzer’s top time marks the first pole position so far this season in the American Le Mans Series.
Seth Neiman
With Holzer sharing driving duties with team owner Seth Neiman (USA), the #44 Flying Lizard Porsche takes off into the race from the head of the strong GT field for the first time ever in the race series featuring the world’s fastest sports cars.
Marco Holzer
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to have clinched my first pole in the American Le Mans Series. I’m really pleased for the team that our number 44 car is at the very front of the grid,” says Marco Holzer. “This track is fantastic and it’s great fun competing here. With the race running over four hours it’s very long and a great deal can happen in this time. Still, pole position is always a great place to start from.”
Jörg Bergmeister
“The race weekend began very well for Porsche with positions one-two in qualifying,” said Joerg Bergmeister, who has clinched three of his victories on this track with his current team mate Patrick Long (USA). “Already during free practice we were going very well so our good qualifying result actually comes as no great surprise.”
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
Wolf Henzler
At the wheel of Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Porsche factory driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) set the eighth quickest time.
Bryan Sellers
Henzler teams up with Bryan Sellers (USA) for round seven in Elkhart Lake.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
Bryce Miller (USA) turned the tenth quickest time in Paul Miller Racing’s 911 which he shares with Sascha Maassen (Germany).
Bryce Miller
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Paul Miller Racing: Sascha Maassen, Bryce Miller
Sascha Maassen
The race in Elkhart Lake starts on Saturday, 18 August, at 14.30 hrs local time (21.30 hrs CEST) and runs over four hours. The race is broadcast live on http://www.americanlemans.com.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Qualifying result
GT class
1. Marco Holzer (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 2:04.415 minutes
2. Jörg Bergmeister (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.01 seconds
3. Oliver Gavin (GB), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.45
4. Bill Auberlen (USA), BMW E92 M3, + 0.49
5. Antonio Garcia (E), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.50
6. Johannes van Overbeek (USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.57
8. Wolf Henzler (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2.23
10. Bryce Miller (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2.76
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately: GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
Stuttgart. In the qualifying for the Grand Prix of Mosport, round five of the American Le Mans Series, Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) posted the fifth quickest time in the well supported GT class.
“Our car handles well, but the Corvettes in particular were faster on the straights,” said Joerg Bergmeister, who recently claimed the first victory of the season for Porsche with his works driver teammate Patrick Long (USA).
In the two free practices, he drove the quickest time in both sessions, but in the fight for pole position he couldn’t do any better.
“After four laps we decided to stop our session and to save our tyres for the race. Our race set-up is good and we will try to bring home a podium result with a good strategy and perfect pit stops.”
At the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Paul Miller Racing, Sascha Maassen (Germany) claimed the seventh spot ahead of Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany),
who netted the eighth quickest time with the 911 of Falken Tire.
Team owner Seth Neiman (USA) planted the second Flying Lizard Porsche on the eleventh spot. Underlining just how competitive the GT class of the American Le Mans Series is in Mosport is the fact that four different manufacturers, Chevrolet, BMW, Ferrari and Porsche, are in the top five in qualifying.
The race in Mosport takes off on Sunday, 22 July, at midday local time (18.00 hrs CEST) and is broadcast in the internet live on http://www.americanlemans.com.
Result Qualifying
GT class
1. Jan Magnussen (DK), Chevrolet Corvette, 1:15.478 minutes
2. Oliver Gavin (GB), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.304 seconds
3. Bill Auberlen (USA), BMW E92 M3, + 0.533
4. Johannes van Overbeek (USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.711
5. Jörg Bergmeister (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.734
6. Dirk Müller (D), BMW E92 M3, + 0.920
7. Sascha Maassen (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.485
8. Wolf Henzler (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.582
11. Seth Neiman (USA), Porsche 911 GT34 RSR, + 5.132
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles.
The field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately: GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
The legendary Schuppen 962CR on offer is confirmed by the vendor to be the prototype chassis number one.Chassis number one, is arguably the purest of supercars and must be amongst to be the rarest of any road going supercar ever produced.
Has been entered by the Southgate Family. Paul Southgate loved life! Paul was renowned for owning some of the world’s most important Porsches– from 935’s through to Kremer CK5‘s and CK’8’s along with his collection of various important Formula 1 cars. Paul sadly passed away in 2008. He was a well-liked, very down to earth self-made man. Coys are proud to be appointed to offer this car from his collection on the open market for the first time in many years.
The Schuppan 962CR was a vehicle built and designed in the early 1990’s by the Legendary Australian racecar driver Vern Schuppan. The 962CR is based on the dominant Le Mans-winning Porsche 962 race car of which Schuppan raced and owned with his own team.
By 1989 many 962’s were around but Porsche made the decision to stop manufacturing the chassis.
The legend, Vern Schuppen thought there might be an opportunity to upgrade the aluminium tub to the ‘new’ carbon fibre material. The racing composite versions of the 962C raced at spa in 1989, Japan and Daytona and Le Mans in 1990/91 under the Team Schuppen banner.
The 962CR was a mid-engine,rear-wheel drive vehicle powering the car is a 3.3-litre Type-935 Flat-6 featuring twin KKK turbochargers that gave 600 hp.
This was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This unit was borrowed nearly directly from the standard Porsche 962 unit used in the North American IMSA GT Championship with a slight decrease in displacement.
The car’s top speed is 230 mph with a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds.
The chassis and body were built entirely by Schuppan, although it featured design elements from the 962 race car. Assembly took place at the VSL 60,000 ft² race and production facility in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.
Funding was provided by Japanese investors who supported Schuppan’s race team that ran in the all Japan Sports Prototype Championship- ART Corporation.
At just over US$1.5 million new in the early 90’s , the Schuppan 962CR is among the most expensive new vehicles ever sold .
Rumours circulated for several years that the 962CR was sold new for US$2.5 million but this rumour was eventually dispelled by author and Porsche enthusiast Karl Ludvigsen who listed a price of ¥195 000 000.
By 1992 3prototype’s were built and the first production batch of 25 out of 50 cars were ready to roll. However before this could proceed, ART sport pulled the financial plug and their project ground to a holt. The timing was bad all round; the supercar market moved into decline, which drove the Art Sport decision -because the project faltered, the model could not be homologated for Le Mans.
This, coupled with the high cost of the car’s construction and a worldwide economic recession, forced Schuppan to declare bankruptcy, folding not only his car company but his race team as well.
The legendary Schuppen 962CR on offer is confirmed by the vendor to be the prototype chassis number one. It was purchased by the current vendor in 1999 indirectly through ART Corporation.
Confirmed and regarded internationally to be the car that featured in ‘The Story of Porsche’ and driven by Alain De Cadenet AS962CRP1 has featured in many magazines and Porsche books.
CRP1 has been the subject of much recent work- with various bills and receipts available in the car’s file. Bills include a £10,000 re-spray in 2004, and a thick file for mechanical work,where thousands had been spent from 2001 to 2006- too much work to list.
The engine- now a 3.3 turbo, was built by Julian Godfrey, and was mated to the correct type 962CR Porsche 962 gearbox, suspension and steering.
Chassis number one, is arguably the purest of supercars and must be amongst to be the rarest of any road going supercar ever produced.
This is a once in a life opportunity to acquire a 962CR – and offers its new owner a once in a life time opportunity to own and enjoy a pure blue chip investment.
René Rast clinches second win of season with a gala performance
Sean Edwards (GB), René Rast (D), Robert Lukas (PL) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
Stuttgart. René Rast is back in the fight for the title of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup. With a gala performance on the Valencia Street Circuit, the Lechner Racing Team pilot impressively clinched his second win of the season on the street course around the America’s Cup harbour.
René Rast (D) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
The German saw the flag 11.539 seconds ahead of Sean Edwards (Konrad Motorsport) from Great Britain, who secured second place in front of the surprisingly strong FÖRCH Racing driver, Robert Lukas from Poland. With this result, Edwards now moves into the lead of the world’s fastest international one-make race series for the first time this season.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
It was René Rast’s race from start to finish. At the wheel of his 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, based on the street-legal lightweight 911 GT3 RS sports car, the title defender took off from pole to immediately settle in at front of the pack.
Start, René Rast (D) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
While his pursuers battled for positions behind him, at times at loggerheads with each other, the winner of the season-opening round in Bahrain concentrated on extending his lead lap by lap.
Sean Edwards (GB), René Rast (D), Robert Lukas (PL) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
With this, he continued on from his strong showing in qualifying, in which he snubbed his rivals by clocking a stunning lap time. His third victory in Valencia after 2009 and 2010 was never under threat.
Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
Behind the Monaco winner Sean Edwards, Robert Lukas put in a surprising drive at the eventful race. Third place marks the first podium result in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup for the Pole, but he profited in the final lap from a spin by his compatriot ahead of him, Kuba Giermaziak (VERVA Racing Team). The incident threw the two-time season winner from last year back into fifth place behind Frenchman Kévin Estre (Hermes Attempto Racing).
Robert Lukas (PL) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
The second rude awakening then came after the race: Due to a jumped start, Kuba Giermaziak as well as Kèvin Estre, Norbert Siedler, Christian Engelhart, Alessandro Zampedri and Mateusz Lisowksi were subsequently handed a 30-second time penalty by the stewards of the meeting. This jumbled the results dramatically with points’ leader Norbert Siedler suffering the worst consequences: The VELTINS Lechner Racing pilot from Austria was only classified as eleventh and as a result lost his points’ lead. Germany’s Christian Engelhart, who had travelled to Valencia ranking second overall and after a drive-through penalty was classified as eighth at the finish line, was then shuffled back to 15th after his false start.
As the best Supercup newcomer, Nicki Thiim (Hermes Attempto Racing) saw the flag in fourth place. With his performance he replaces Germany’s Michael Ammermüller (VELTINS Lechner Racing) at the head of the rookie classification.
René Rast (winner):
René Rast (D) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
“That was a perfect race. Taking off from first and finishing in first – it doesn’t get better than that. There was quite a melee behind me with some competitors, and that gave me the chance to build on my lead in the first lap. I then tried to drive consistently quick lap times and not be too hard on my tyres. That worked. Thank you to my team for putting a perfectly prepared car on the track for me today.”
Sean Edwards (second):
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
“What a crazy race. My start was actually quite good, but suddenly Christian Engelhart pulled alongside, and then came Kévin Estre. It was pretty tough going in the early phase. And because I had to go hard at that point, I was happy that I could conserve my tyres a little later on. For the championship second place is a great result.”
Robert Lukas (third):
Robert Lukas (PL) Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup GP Europa – Valencia 2012
“It’s great to stand on the podium in third. Everything ran perfectly today. I took it real easy on my tyres early on and then the car became increasingly faster. Things really went well for us. The entire team has worked so hard over the last months for such a result, and I want to thank them very much for that.”
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Race result
1. René Rast (D), Lechner Racing Team, 30:40.893 minutes
2. Sean Edwards (GB), Konrad Motorsport, + 11.539 seconds
3. Robert Lukas (PL), FÖRCH Racing, + 17.643
4. Nicki Thiim (DK), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 26.975
5. Philipp Eng (A), MRS GT Racing, + 30.511
6. Sebastiaan Bleekemolen (NL), Team Bleekemolen + 35.350
Points’ standings after 5 of 10 races * Drivers
1. Sean Edwards (GB), Konrad Motorsport, 61 points
2. Norbert Siedler (A), VELTINS Lechner Racing, 59
3. René Rast (D), Lechner Racing Team, 58
4. Christian Engelhart (D), Konrad Motorsport, 49
5. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, 47
6. Kuba Giermaziak (PL), VERVA Racing Team, 36
* The race in Barcelona was cancelled. However, the extra points for pole position were still awarded.
Silverstone: Preview for the 6th of 10 races on 8 July
On the Silverstone Circuit, one of the world’s most storied race tracks, the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup heads into the second half of the season. Drivers rave about the ultra fast circuit, whose legendary corners Copse, Stowe and Brooklands provide a unique challenge. Last year victory went to title defender René Rast. This time, local hero Sean Edwards is eager to win the race in his native country after claiming victory at his adopted home of Monaco and to improve his title chances. TV stations Eurosport and Sky broadcast the race live.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
In the end it was Sean Edwards (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) who clinched a flag-to-flag victory.
With a 0.9-second advantage over Frenchman Kévin Estre (Hermes Attempto Racing) in second, the vice-champion of last year brought his 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup over the finish line in first place.
Kévin Estre (F), Sean Edwards (GB), René Rast (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Third position went to René Rast (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit – Team Pole Promotion), who was able to extend his lead in Germany’s fastest one-make series after his victory at yesterday’s season-opening race.
Kévin Estre (F), Sean Edwards (GB), René Rast (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Making a superb getaway from the pole, Sean Edwards immediately took the lead and initially pulled slightly clear of his pursuers – but it didn’t take long for Carrera Cup newcomer Kévin Estre and seasoned campaigner René Rast to set out after the leader, taking turns in setting one fastest race lap after the other.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
But only once did the pursuers seem to have a slight chance when Edwards ran wide in the final corner. He briefly left the track but managed to rejoin the race. Edwards kept his cool all the way to the flag to claim his first win of the season. Estre finished in second place which also puts him second in the rookie classification.
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Behind the leading three came two other makes cup professionals. In fourth place was Nicki Thiim. Driving for Hermes Attempto Racing, the Dane came under no pressure from behind but was unable to catch the top trio.
Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
The same applied to Dutchman Jaap van Lagen (FE-Racing by Land-Motorsport), who brought home a secure fifth place and collected crucial points.
Jaap van Lagen (NL) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Austria’s Norbert Siedler, points’ leader of the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, repeated his result from race one securing sixth place. Starting from ninth on the grid, the Konrad Motorsport pilot made up three places through overtaking manoeuvres. Siedler stuck to the rear of Nicolas Armindo’s Attempto Racing Porsche over several laps.
When the Frenchman overtook guest driver Jeroen Mul (NED, Team Bleekemolen), Siedler grabbed his chance, stuck close on Armindo’s bumper, and slipped by as well. In his perfectly set-up 911, Siedler then proceeded to bag the Frenchman. The 2010 Carrera Cup champion finished seventh. Philipp Eng (Austria, MRS GT-Racing), Michael Ammermüller (Germany, SWITCH IT Lechner Racing) and Jeroen Mul trailed in positions eight to ten respectively.
The two Porsche Juniors concluded a rather uneventful race just shy of the top ten. Michael Christensen (Denmark, Konrad Motorsport) came 12th, with Austria’s Klaus Bachler (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) finishing 13th.
On 30 April, the Monday after the race weekend, news station N24 televises the 30-minute “Porsche Carrera Cup Magazin” at 18.30 hours. Sport1 broadcasts Carrera Cup highlights on Tuesday, 1 May, from 16.30 to 17.00 hours.
Sean Edwards (winner):
“What a race! I nailed the start perfectly and managed to edge away from the field. But then Kévin caught me so I had to push to extend the gap. But he came again. This game went on over the entire time. It was really exhausting. With my two pole positions from the first two Hockenheim races I should have been able to bring home two wins. But I’m happy that at least today worked out well after yesterday’s bad luck. I’m hoping to fight for the title this year.”
Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Kévin Estre (second):
“I’m very pleased to climb the podium. My car was consistent from the start to the flag and this was the key to success. But I had to drive at the limit every second in order not to lose contact to Sean and to stay out of René’s way. So it’s all the more satisfying not to have made a mistake. My goal now is to be just as quick at the next round on the Lausitzring.”
Kévin Estre (F) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
René Rast (third):
“I’m very satisfied – victory for Sean and third for me. What a great team result. Yesterday’s win and today’s result gave me a very good start in the team. Third was all I could manage today. I was absolutely at the limit and I think the other two were as well. It’s great to head home from the first race weekend leading the points.”
Sean Edwards (GB), René Rast (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Michael Christensen (Porsche Junior, 12th):
“Again my start was good, but unfortunately I was on the wrong side for the first corner. All in all it was a good race, and I made no mistakes. But we had problems with the car set-up, I didn’t have enough grip. Obviously I wanted to achieve more but I’m happy with my performance.”
Klaus Bachler (Porsche Junior, 13th):
“I had new tyres today and I actually expected more. But I have to admit that I made a few mistakes in the race and we just weren’t fast enough today. Now we have to analyse why I was not able to fully utilise my new tyres but at least I made it to the flag. I earned points and we continue next week. There we should take a step forward.”
Race 2 result
1. Sean Edwards (GB), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, 31:13.046 minutes
2. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 0.991 seconds
3. René Rast (D), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit/Pole Promotion, + 2.334
4. Nicki Thiim (DK), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 8.478
5. Jaap van Lagen (NL), FE-Racing by Land-Motorsport, + 9.465
6. Norbert Siedler (A), Konrad Motorsport, + 18.990
7. Nicolas Armindo (F), Attempto Racing, + 13.607
8. Philipp Eng (A), MRS GT-Racing, + 18.545
9. Michael Ammermüller (D), SWITCH IT by Lechner Racing, + 19.721
10. Jeroen Mul (NL), Team Bleekemolen, + 21.266
Points’ standings after 2 of 17 races Driver
1. René Rast (D), 36 points
2. Nicolas Armindo (F), 27
3. Jaap van Lagen (NL), 26
4. Michael Ammermüller (D), 23
5. Nicki Thiim (DK), 23
Teams
1. Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, 56 points
2. Hermes Attempto Racing, 41
3. Attempto Racing, 33
Rookie classification:
1. Philipp Eng (A), MRS GT-Racing, 20
2. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, 18
3. Michael Christensen (DK), Konrad Motorsport, 12
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Preview for races 3 and 4 of 17 at the Lausitzring
Already this coming weekend, the Carrera Cup Deutschland heads to the Lausitzring, which is famous for its impressive main grandstand, for races 3 and 4. On the interesting 3.478 kilometre Lausitzring, Nicki Thiim celebrated his first victory in Germany’s fastest makes cup a year ago. Sean Edwards climbed the podium in second. After the first two races of the season, René Rast travels to the Lausitz region topping the points table.
Perfect start to the season for Porsche customer teams
(l.-r.): Olaf Manthey, Raymond Narac, Patrick Pilet, Marco Holzer, Nick Tandy, Marco Mapelli, Archie Hamilton
Stuttgart. Two races, two wins: the European customer teams headed into the new International GT Open season with great success.
(l.-r.): Marco Holzer, Nick Tandy, Raymond Narac
The big winners of the race weekend were Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain) driving for Manthey Racing. In the Autodromo do Algarve, the German-British duo won the 70 kilometre race on Saturday as well as the 20 kilometre shorter sprint on Sunday in the 911 GT3 RSR, the top model of Porsche customer racing.
(l.-r.): Marco Holzer, Nick Tandy, Patrick Pilet, Marco Mapelli, Archie Hamilton
A triple victory to Porsche at Sunday’s race crowned the season-opening weekend. 35 vehicles from eleven different marques were at the start.
The French IMSA Matmut Performance team were delighted with their second place on Sunday. At the wheel of the 911 GT3 RSR, factory pilot Patrick Pilet and team boss Raymond Narac (both France) shared driving duties.
Position three went to the Italian outfit Autorlando Sport, who contests the series with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. At the same time, this handed the Italians victory in the GTS class which is based on the FIA GT3 regulations. The 911 GT3 RSR competes in the Super GT class which is for more powerful vehicles and is based on the FIA GT2 regulations.
“It’s just fantastic to kick off the new season with maximum points,” says a thrilled Marco Holzer.
Particularly on Saturday, the 22-year-old and his 28-year-old teammate Tandy, both GT Open rookies, gave a brilliant performance. Shortly before the start a rain shower flooded the race track. Holzer drove the first stint.
“It was very difficult not to make a mistake on the extremely wet then drying track. When Nick took over the cockpit it wasn’t really ideal for slicks. But he drove his stint perfectly.”
In Sunday’s race, the experience of team principal Olaf Manthey made itself apparent once again. Although the track was still wet, he sent Tandy out into the race on slicks. Whilst some of the opponents were still running wet tyres and lost time due to the extra pit stop, the German-911 kept racing.
“That was the key to success,” said Nick Tandy, the reigning champion of the Carrera Cup Deutschland, proudly.
With satisfaction, the French IMSA Matmut Performance squad also travels back to their team base in Rouen. Fourth at the first race and position two in the second – a good start to the season.
“It didn’t go perfectly for us in race one,” summed up Patrick Pilet. “Our set-up wasn’t the best and we were happy with fourth. Today went better for us. At the start our 911 proved difficult to drive. We didn’’t have enough tyre pressure for the track conditions. But it all came together towards the end of the race.”
Patrick Pilet
Autorlando Sport were also completely satisfied with third in the overall classification and victory in the GTS class as well as with the excellent job of both pilots Archie Hamilton (Great Britain) and Marco Mapelli (Italy). The Italians have notched up the most experience in the International GT Open.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Autorlando Sport: Marco Mapelli, Archie Hamilton
From 2008 to 2011, the Italians clinched vice-championship honours in the GTS category. The Spanish Drivex School team secured 13th place in the first race and eleventh in the second at the season-opening weekend with the 911 GT3 RSR.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Drivex School: Miguel Amaral, Miguel Angel de Castro
The cockpit of the new 911 was shared by Drivex owner Miguel Angel de Castro (Spain) and the Portuguese gentleman driver Miguel Pais do Amaral.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
On the series’ website www.gtopen.net, the International GT Open provides Live-Timing and also Live-Streaming. The respective schedules, points’ standings and further information are also available there.
Result race 1
1. Holzer/Tandy (D/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 1:10.59.359 hours
2. Broniszewski/Peter (PL/A), Ferrari 458 GT Italia, + 7.6 seconds
3. Bizzarri/Cadei (I/I), Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, + 25.343
4. Narac/Pilet (F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 25.977
Race three and four of the International GT Open will be run on 25 to 27 May on the Nürburgring.
This is the International GT Open
Inaugurated in 2006, the International GT Open features two races per weekend with identical points’ allocation – the first race on Saturday runs over 70 minutes, the second on Sunday over 50. Two drivers share the cockpit. A handicap system ensures more suspense at the head of the field. The top three drivers of each race are handed a 15, ten or five second penalty respectively for the following race. The calendar of the race series includes eight races on selective circuits like Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring.
One of the keys to success in the International GT Open is the stable technical regulations and the capping of costs, for instance through control tyres. The grid is divided into two classes, the stronger Super GT category and the GTS class.
Super GT: This class is based on the FIA GT2 regulations – the 911 GT3 RSR competes here. The particularly efficient six-cylinder boxer engine in the International GT Open version delivers significantly more than 500 hp.
. GTS: Based on the FIA GT3 regulations. The Porsche 911 GT3 R is fielded here, now delivering 500 hp after the new model year underwent improvements.
In 2007, Autorlando Sport won the overall classification for drivers and teams with Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) and Joel Camathias from Switzerland.
Nicolas Armindo (F), René Rast (D), Michael Ammermüller (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Stuttgart. A perfect start to the season for René Rast (Germany).
René Rast (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
The one-make cup professional driving for Team Deutsche Post by tolimit – Team Pole Promotion won the first race of the Carrera Cup Deutschland in Hockenheim with an 8.851-second advantage.
Nicolas Armindo (F) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Second place went to Frenchman Nicolas Armindo (Attempto Racing). After a weak season last year, the 2010 champion has kicked of his 2012 campaign impressively.
Michael Ammermüller (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Michael Ammermüller (SWITCH IT Lechner Racing) from Germany was overjoyed with his third spot on the podium. Germany’s fastest one-brand series is contested with identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers.
Nicolas Armindo (F), René Rast (D), Michael Ammermüller (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
The 450 hp GT race car is based on the lightweight street-legal 911 GT3 RS sports car.
Taking up the race from pole position, Sean Edwards (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) won the sprint to the first corner. The Briton lost his lead briefly to French newcomer Kévin Estre (Hermes Attempto Racing), but the stalwart quickly grabbed it back.
Kévin Estre (F) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Last year’s vice-champion drove a controlled race at the head of the field followed by his teammate René Rast and managed to pull clear of his pursuers bit by bit – until tyre damage in lap six threw him out of contention.
Michael Ammermüller celebrated a brilliant debut with position three after the ex-Formula 1 test driver narrowly missed out on a podium spot last weekend clinching fourth at the Porsche Supercup round in Bahrain.
Jaap van Lagen (NL) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Behind the Lechner pilot, Jaap van Lagen (FE-Racing by Land-Motorsport) came fourth over the finish line. The Dutchman, who made up one position on his qualifying result, was one of the six race winners last year with his victory at Spielberg in Austria.
Philipp Eng (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Philipp Eng was the surprise of the day in fifth. Driving for MRS GT-Racing, the Austrian has experience in a Carrera Cup race from one event as a guest starter at the 2011 finale in Hockenheim. With his fifth place, the youngster who has also tested a Formula 1 car, planted himself at the head of the newly-created rookie classification in the Carrera Cup.
Norbert Siedler (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Behind him came his compatriot Norbert Siedler, the current leader of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. After experiencing a difficult practice session, the Konrad Motorsport pilot was satisfied with his success in gaining ground and the first point.
Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
The Dane Nicki Thiim (Hermes Attempto Racing) clinched seventh place ahead of newcomer Elia Erhart (Marschall Goebel Racing).
Elia Erhart (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
The Porsche Juniors, Klaus Bachler and Michael Christensen, made a good start to the season. Driving for the Deutsche Post by tolimit squad, the Austrian was running in eighth place when he had to pit with tyre problems. After a change of tyres, 20-year-old Bachler rejoined the race far down the field, but was able to match the pace of the frontrunners and saw the flag in 17th.
Klaus Bachler (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Driving for Konrad Motorsport, Denmark’s Klaus Bachler lost the front lip of his 911 in the turmoil of the race. Despite the heavy understeer that resulted from this, the 21-year-old still managed to bring home ninth place from his debut race.
Michael Christensen (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
The grid line-up for race two on Sunday is determined by the fastest lap time from the qualifying session. Sean Edwards and Jaap van Lagen start from the first row, with Kévin Estre and René Rast sharing the second.
Taking up Sunday’s race from the third grid row are Nicki Thiim and Philipp Eng.
The race tomorrow starts at 9.30 hrs and is broadcast live on the official Porsche website (www.porsche.com) in high-quality – with editorial clips prior to the actual live-streaming, live-timing and commentary in German and English. On 30 April, the Monday after the race weekend, news station N24 televises the 30-minute “Porsche Carrera Cup Magazin” at 18.30 hours. Sport1 broadcasts Carrera Cup highlights on Tuesday, 1 May, from 16.30 to 17.00 hours.
René Rast (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
René Rast (winner):
“I’m of course extremely happy with my race. I started from third on the grid and won. I had a little bit of race luck on my side, which was at the same time a shame for my teammate Sean and our squad. We don’t yet know where the tyre damage came from, but we still have a chance to secure a good team result tomorrow.”
Nicolas Armindo (F) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Nicolas Armindo (second):
“It feels great to climb the podium again. It’s been a long time coming. I was certainly not the fastest today, but with some cleverness and a little luck it was enough for a podium result.”
Michael Ammermüller (third):
“I’m happy to have come from eighth and finished third at my first race. I hadn’t expected that. I had anticipated at best fifth place. I’m sure I had Lady Luck on my side today, but my car was also really well set-up.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche Junior, ninth):
“After a difficult qualifying we managed to find a good race set-up for my car. I thought the start would be hard but it went really well. I got caught up in traffic, the front lip of my 911 ripped off in the turmoil and had to contend with understeer. I then had to cope with a puncture towards the end. So I told myself, just take it easy and get to the finish.”
Klaus Bachler (Porsche Junior, 17th):
“My start wasn’t that great, but afterwards I drove a steady race. I waited for the drivers in front of me to make a mistake and then made the most of it. In this way I could move up the field and was even running in eighth when a tyre problem forced me into the pits.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 01 Hockenheimring 2012
Race 1 result
1. René Rast (D), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit/Pole Promotion, 24:27.506 minutes
2. Nicolas Armindo (F), Attempto Racing, + 8.851 seconds
3. Michael Ammermüller (D), SWITCH IT Lechner Racing, + 10.772
4. Jaap van Lagen (NL) FE-Racing by Land-Motorsport, + 13.446
5. Philipp Eng (A), MRS GT-Racing, + 14.151
6. Norbert Siedler (A), Konrad Motorsport, + 18.990
7. Nicki Thiim (DK), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 22.755
8. Elia Erhart (D), Marschall Goebel Racing, + 27.711
9. Michael Christensen (DK), Konrad Motorsport, + 35.981
10. Thomas Pivoda (CZ), Konrad Motorsport, + 38.091
Points’ standings after 1 of 17 races Driver
1. René Rast (D), 20 points
2. Nicolas Armindo (F), 18
3. Michael Ammermüller (D), 16
4. Jaap van Lagen (NL), 14
5. Philipp Eng (A), 12
Teams
1. Deutsche Post by tolimit, 24 points
2. Attempto Racing, 18
3. Konrad Motorsport, 17
Porsche Everyday Dedeporsches Blog 