GT3: Gravity-Charouz Racing ran out of luck at the end of season

(17.10.2011)

Dutch Zandvoort provided scene for the final weekend of the FIA GT3 championship 2011. Gravity-Charouz Racing was close to points in both races but left the track empty handed.

The best result was 11th place in Saturday’s race. “The weekend in the Netherlands started well with qualifying and we were in a similar position like at Slovakiaring. Eleventh place in race 1 was promising as we had 10 sec handicap. We were quite confident before second race and hoped to use well our front row position. Unfortunately, Leonid spun and all hopes were gone. That’s racing, sometimes you have success and sometimes not,” said Jarek Janiš, team Gravity-Charouz Racing coordinator.

Leonied Machitski had a new team-mate for the weekend at Zandvoort, as he was joined by Štefan Rosina. The Slovakian driver raced for Gravity-Charouz Racing for the first time in the FIA GT3 and was quickly up to speed. He confirmed good form in the qualifying where he set second time. Machitski started the first race and the Russian-Slovak duo moved up in the order. They had 10 sec penalty during the mandatory pitstop due second place of the car at Slovakiaring. Rosina joined track 15th and managed to jump to 11th just behind the points in the remaining laps. They have even more promising for the second race after Rosina handed the car over from 3rd position. However, Machitski did a mistake just before the end and the car had to be retired in the pits. “It was exciting season. We were rookies and it was not easy. It was like a rollercoaster but our results in the second half were not bad. We had good beginning at Zandvoort, Stefan put the car on the front row in the qualifying. I was happy with the first race, my pace was good. We were close to podium finish on Sunday but it was not to be,” said Machitski.

Jan Šťovíček with Jakub Knoll wanted to confirm improving form from last races at Zandvoort. Dutch races however did not fulfill their expectations as they suffered contacts in both races. Their race was very short on Saturday as they had to retire after lap 2. They did not enjoy better fortune on Sunday, once again they were delayed by a collision. They manage to continue to finish this time but had to accept 22th place. “I am little bit disappointed with races at Zandvoort. Unfortunately I was involved in several collisions. I regret especially the first race when we were out after first lap. The car was otherwise well prepared and tyres worked well, it is real pity,” added Jan Šťovíček.

Filip Sládečka did not attend the last race with Heico Motorsport as planned. The Slovakian driver suffered with a heavy flu just before the first practices and the doctors did not allow him to race. His German team-mate Patrick Hirschi had to find a new driver at the very last moment.

 
Results Qualifying 1 find HERE
Results Qualifying 2 find HERE
Results Race 1 find HERE
Results Race 2 find HERE

FIA GT3 drivers´ and teams´ championship find HERE

For current photos in high-resolution please visit the media web site of BPA sport marketing agency – media.bpa.cz

The Gravity-Charouz Racing team 2011 FIA GT3 media guide to find HERE

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