Reigning FIA GT3 European Champion James Ruffier took his first front row qualifying yesterday in Portugal and the Frenchman went one better today to record his first FIA GT victory. With his experienced Belgian team-mate Bert Longin, the duo recovered from an early tyre problem, radio communication problems and a long pit-stop to cross the line over 30 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals, the nr 4 Pekaracing Corvette. 

The safety car, which came out after the nr 61 Porsche lost oil on the track, closed up the field, eliminating the advantage that the nr 4 car had gained at that stage.  And despite a tremendous stint from Mike Hezemans, with 70 kg on board, he could not open up a sufficient gap around this challenging and beautiful circuit for Kumpen to come out ahead after the final obligatory pit stop.

SRT therefore made up for their disappointment in Spa by finally taking their first win of the year, allowing Bert and James to move up to third place in the provisional GT1 Drivers classification.   “It has been an amazing weekend,” James Ruffier commented. “The car was really, really good, and I am very happy for the team and for my team-mate. The car had been consistent all season, but not competitive, but finally we got the speed, and to win with a 30-second lead is really a good achievement for the whole team.”

More information, results and championship positions at www.fiagt.com