Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz only need to claim three points from the Le Mans Series (LMS) finale at Silverstone to claim the GT2 title, successfully defending the title the two Porsche works drivers won 12 months ago.
Once more the pair will join in the Team Felbermayr-Proton entered Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, hoping to add another win to the three other LMS class victories they have claimed this year, as well as another class in in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The pair go into the 1000km of Silverstone holding a comfortable 15 point lead over Ferrari drivers Jean Alesi, Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander.
“Right here last year we experienced just how hard it can be when you're a hair's breadth away from winning the title. And that's why we are very cautious about making predictions,” says Lieb, already a three time LMS champion. “In any case, we are very well prepared for the final and the fight against our strongest rivals from Ferrari.”
Porsche also have to battle Ferrari for the manufacturers' title – the German marque only six points ahead. Happily, therefore Porsche will have a number of other experienced crews racing at Silverstone, bolstering their potential chances of completing a class championship double.
Christian Ried and Martin Ragginger (who lie tied for third in the points standings) have stood on the podium before this season – including a runner-up finish at Paul Ricard to complete a Felbermayr-Proton 1-2 – and will once more be joined by Romain Dumas.
Imsa Performance Matmut could held secure manufacturers' title
Also podium visitors this season have been Patrick Pilet and Raymond Narac for Imsa Performance Matmut – though the two Frenchmen had to wait until the penultimate round in Hungary where they finished third. “At last we've been rewarded for all our hard work,” said works driver Pilet. “We've looking even more forward to the final on this fabulous track. How wonderful would it be though to celebrate our first Le Mans Series victory in Silverstone?”
The fourth (and final as far as the standings are concerned) Porsche at the race will once more that of Belgian squad Prospeed Competition. The team have had a difficult first year in the Le Mans Series having moved from the FIA GT series, but with regular drivers Richard Westbrook and Marco Holzer again sharing the car at Silverstone a strong final result will be a welcome present before the start of the long off season.
