GPR Racing kicked off its 2013 International GT Open campaign in fine form with a double victory at Paul Ricard.
The Belgian team, a partner of Aston Martin Racing, qualified in fifth for race one with Enzo Ide taking the V12 Vantage GT3 to the lead, passing two McLaren 12Cs, a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes SLS AMG, before handing over to Maxime Soulet who took the car to the win.
Race two saw the GPR machine start from pole, with Soulet starting strongly before having to take the required 15-second pit stop penalty for winning the first race of the weekend. Ide rejoined the race in fourth place, working his way back up to the top of the field, getting locked in a battle with the lead car, eventually finishing second overall and taking victory in class.
“The car was great.” said Ide. “It was amazing to drive and the front engine was incredible. We had a good first race where we took the overall victory and in race two, I needed one more lap. Maxime took a great start and pulled a gap but it wasn’t enough for the 15-second penalty of the victory the day before. After I took my stint on slick tires on a medium wet track. I had very difficult first laps. But in the end, I was flying with the Vantage GT3. I hope to do more races with AMR because I love the car.”
