Blancpain Endurance Series Paul Ricard – race
Very interesting event last nigh on famous Paul Ricard track in France as the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series held its third round of the season with 6 hours and 1000 kilometers long event. The racing started and 17:00 CET and lasted until 23:00 CET and looked like little Le Mans. It was the massive grid with 61 cars.
The weather was fantastic and racing conditions were ideal. Temperature around 28 degrees and no rain. After the dominating the practice and qualifying session, two Lamborghini Huracan GT3 was in the first row followed by Bentley Continental GT. However, when the race started, Bentleys had better start and Lamborghini driver Mirko Bortolotti found himself on third. But,very soon he found his pace and managed to pass two Bentleys in fight for a first position. It all looked that Lamborghini is going to repeat success from Friday’s and Saturday’s session.
After a third hour of the race, Alex Buncombe in the No23 Nissan GT Academy Team managed to pass Lamborghini. The Nissan driver was always close to first places and gradually advanced to the point of taking the lead. Unfortunately, Lamborghini incurred a drive-through penalty for a pit lane infringement, it dropped several places and eventually finished in sixth. The No23 Nissan then started making big progress and in one moment it was 25 seconds in front but safety car went on the track after an incident and their lead was reduced.
In final race hours, racing in dark, Nissan was still in the lead but it wasn’t comfortable one because Bentley and BMW Z4 GT3 was very close behind. Bentley was just 1.6 seconds behind Nissan and in final minutes of the race Bentley driver pushed to hard and spun risking his second place, however, it wasn’t serious as he was able to get back on track and finish as second behind the Nissan. This was first win for Nissan and well deserved one. For full results,click HERE:
