Porsche 996 GT3 RSR cemented its supreme dominance over the GT2 category in the 2005 FIA GT championship by securing yet another superb win in the 10th round held at Dubai Autodrome Circuit. GruppeM Racing, managed to win the 500km endurance race after two of its drivers Emmanuel Collard and Tim Sugden inherited the lead from their teammates Marc Lieb and Mike Rockenfeller in car number 66, which developed a water leak. Beforehand, the two Porsche 996 GT3-RSR cars had given the Dubai crowds a thrilling example of close racing, as they fought nose-to-tail for over thirty laps, rarely separated by more than half a second.
A day earlier car number 66 managed to secure pole position for the GT2 category, despite carrying the super-maximum handicap weight of 75 kg, one-tenth ahead of car 88 driven by Emmanuel Collard which he shares with Tim Sugden.
In Dubai, after the morning sand storm, weather conditions improved dramatically for the cars and drivers. This laid the ground for truly magnificent racing throughout the 3-hour event. "Even though the dust on the track makes it more challenging, the Dubai Autodrome circuit is very well designed. It offers many overtaking opportunities and I like its topography": said Emmanuel Collard.
GT (Grand Touring) racing is one of the highest levels of world motorsport outside Formula 1. It features dream cars created for the road and adapted to the track, as well as many leading drivers some of whom have raced in Formula 1. GT races feature two categories, GT1 and GT2, each with its own specifications, in which drivers compete against a group of cars in the same category as well as for the overall result.
Like GT1, GT2 cars such as the Porsche 996 GT3 RSR must retain the original body shape of the car in production, although the class is more restricted in terms of modifications and hence performance compared to GT1. That is why a GT2 car can win its category race while still in the middle of the field. With engine development restricted, top GT2 cars produce around 450bhp. Smaller wheels and ferrous disc brakes are also mandatory, while suspension geometry must be identical to the production version of the car.
The 11th and final round of the 2005 FIA GT Championship will take place in a few days time on 25 November at the Bahrain International Circuit. Due to its incredible success throughout 2005, team GruppeM Racing will approach the season finale with both the 2005 FIA GT2 teams and drivers championships secured.
2005 FIA GT2 Race result (GruppeM Racing): 10th round, Dubai Autodrome Circuit
1. Emmanuel Collard/ Tim Sugden (Porsche 996 GT3 RSR) 3:03:01.884 hours (86 laps)
- Marc Lieb/ Mike Rockenfeller (Porsche 996 GT3 RSR) did not finish
2005 FIA GT2 Drivers Championship (Top 5)
1/2. Lieb /Rockenfeller (GruppeM Racing - Porsche 996 GT3 RSR) 92 Points
3/4. Collard /Sugden (GruppeM Racing - Porsche 996 GT3 RSR ) 74 Points
5. Luigi Moccia 49 Points
2005 GT2 Manufacturers Cup (Top 2)
1. Porsche 299 points
2. Ferrari 30 points
