Photo courtesy of FIA WEC

Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won in dominant fashion at the 6 Hours of the Nurburgring. The #51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE crossed the line 50 seconds ahead of the Porsche 911 RSRs, who take their best finish of the year for the new car.

The first round of the “Auto BoP” was in place for this race, and in the opening laps it appeared to have done its job. Aston Martin took the lead off the line and a train of GTE cars formed behind it, unable to pull off a pass. As the Aston Martin challenge tapered off, the Porsche 911 RSRs emerged at the front and stretched their legs, leaving the Astons to fend off the chasing Ford GTs.

Starting down in 7th, Pier Guidi and Calado managed the tyres better than the competition through the double stints, allowing them to extend the gap whilst other teams struggled. Around the halfway point, the Ferrari strategy was playing out as the #51 made its way to the lead and pulled away.

Ford and Aston Martin were left fighting over the lower spots, with Daniel Serra attempting to hold both blue ovals behind. Priaulx and Pla would eventually make their way through, but not without incident. Pla, growing frustrated, short-cutted the Schumacher S to take the position. Race Director Eduardo Freitas quickly intervened, ordering the Frenchman to give the position back. In doing so, Priaulx took advantage of the opportunity and nipped by his team-mate, relegating Pla a further spot. The Fords would both clear Serra a couple of laps later.

#77 Dempsey-Proton Porsche was victorious in GTE-Am, fending off a late race charge by Molinain the #61 Spirit of the Race Ferrari. It was Ried’s first win since 2012, and the first victory for co-drivers Dienst and Cairoli.

 

Engineering student, lover of all things technical and lifelong motorsport fan. Employed in the Oil & Gas Industry, developing Major Emergency Management simulations. Owner of the best beard on the site.